A dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Donald Woods is a white liberal journalist in South Africa who begins to follow the activities of Stephen Biko, a courageous and outspoken black anti-apartheid activist.
Acting
Washington's magnetic Biko steals every frame he's in.
Production
Shot in Zimbabwe after Attenborough was banned from South Africa.
Director
Richard Attenborough
Kevin Kline
Donald Woods
Denzel Washington
Steve Biko
Penelope Wilton
Wendy Woods
Kate Hardie
Jane Woods
John Matshikiza
Mapetla
Zakes Mokae
Father Kani
John Thaw
Kruger
Kevin McNally
Ken
John Hargreaves
Bruce
Juanita Waterman
Ntsiki Biko
Julian Glover
Don Card
Josette Simon
Dr Ramphele
Timothy West
Capt. De Wet
Miles Anderson
Lemick
Ian Richardson
State Prosecutor
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The real Donald Woods became a tireless anti-apartheid speaker in exile; Biko's death in 1977 sparked international sanctions.
Zimbabwean extras had lived under similar oppression and wept during Biko's interrogation scenes—some couldn't finish filming.
GB
