Upset Jacob Zuma devotees protest Zapiro’s ‘The Showerhead’ doccie
The documentary chronicles the remarkable journey of Jonathan Shapiro, the renowned satirist better known as Zapiro.
Jonathan ‘Zapiro’ Shapiro and Craig Tanner, Director of The Showerhead
Lester Kiewit interviews Jonathan 'Zapiro' Shapiro and Craig Tanner, Director of The Showerhead.
Listen below.
At the grand finale of the 45th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), organisers showcased the world premiere of a compelling documentary about the bravery of confronting corruption.
Directed by Craig Tanner in collaboration with Anant Singh and produced by Videovision Entertainment, The Showerhead debuted last Saturday night at DIFF.
The documentary chronicles the remarkable journey of Jonathan Shapiro, the renowned satirist better known as Zapiro.
It examines how Zapiro's cartoons have addressed critical issues in South Africa, including political corruption, social justice, economic struggles, and cultural dynamics.
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He says that, as a cartoonist, he has been afforded the freedom to pose controversial questions and stir the pot because he has less at stake.
However, the country’s leaders and politicians are usually not fans.
In 2006, former President Jacob Zuma sued Shapiro in a R15 million claim involving three cartoons that depicted events before, during, and after Zuma's rape trial.
His second lawsuit came in 2008 and centred on the cartoon titled 'The Rape of Lady Justice'.
In this cartoon, Zuma is shown unbuttoning his pants while four men restrain a woman representing Lady Justice, suggesting that Zuma is about to violate her with their support and encouragement.
"The trigger for the film was noting that Jacob Zuma was suing Jonathan and Jonathan was simply standing his ground and, ultimately, Zuma capitulated."
- Craig Tanner, Director – The Showerhead
"An hour into the film, Jonathan's depictions of Jacob Zuma became the focal point. There was singing from Zuma supporters, which drowned out the film for probably seven minutes."
- Craig Tanner, Director – The Showerhead
While recognising everyone's right to protest, Shapiro believes it should have occurred before or after the screening, rather than during, thereby overshadowing someone else's message.
"What I found really interesting – being in KwaZulu-Natal, in the Zuma heartland – there were people in the audience who joined in. I found that quite disturbing."
- Jonathan 'Zapiro' Shapiro
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.