Special Screenings of: Here Be Dragons

Here be Dragons is a feature-length documentary film about human rights icon, George Bizos, the only South African human rights lawyer who practised as such for over 60 years. The look and feel of the film is rendered through a verite style that combines archives, feature films and comics; and includes exclusive footage of the lifelong friendship between Bizos and Nelson Mandela.

Directed and produced by Odette Geldenhuys, co-produced by Catharina Weinek and edited by Tonia Selley. Documentary. 1h 30mins.

He was there to defend Mandela when he was charged with treason, he was there when Biko’s murderers had to answer, he was there to argue for the scrapping of the death penalty, and he was at the Marikana Commission representing some of the victims’ families. His life story is remarkable - from the teen who left behind Greek village life to escape the Nazis with his father, to the only South African human rights lawyer who has practiced as such for over 60 years. Well into his 80s he worked at the Legal Resources Centre in downtown Johannesburg. Intimately the film explores his life, not only George as Mandela's lawyer, but also George the gardener and storyteller. It reveals his humor despite tragic injustices, his humility despite having shaped the destiny of South Africa, and how the law became his sword to slay the dragons. 

The film contains exclusive footage of Bizos and Mandela, capturing the simplicity of a life-long friendship. The director, a lawyer and former colleague of Bizos', through her unique access to him, reveals this 'Everyman' as inspiration to all who pursue justice. The dynamic between law and justice - and where the outcome is not always that predictable - is an underlying theme - rendered in a playful yet incisive way through a verite style that combines archives, feature films and comics.

Please note The Bioscope is now operating out of our new location at 44 Stanley. 

COVID POLICY AND PROCEDURE.

The new Bioscope location is set to be a 47 seater cinema. We are however selling far less in order for there to be space to sit apart from other members of the public. We ask you to please keep your mask on the entire time within the cinema premises. Drinks and snacks will be on sale and can be consumed during the film, but please consider those around you when your mask is off for this. 44 Stanley is largely an open air shopping centre, and The Bioscope has a great outside space directly outside the cinema that public can make use of. Within the cinema, we will also make use of temperature reading, air filtering, and constant cleaning to make sure that The Bioscope remains a safe and hygienic experience.

After purchasing tickets, if you experience any COVID related symptoms, or come into contact with anyone who has tested positive, we ask you to please not attend the screening. Please understand that The Bioscope will not be able to refund you this ticket. We are happy however for you to give your ticket to someone else that can attend. If this is not possible, we would be happy to exchange your ticket for a future screening/event. This can all be coordinated via email at [email protected]