Kevin Harris, a renowned South African filmmaker, has been a stalwart of the independent filmmaking scene in South Africa since 1979. His illustrious career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the prestigious Golden Horn Film & TV Award for Lifetime Achievement in Documentary Film-making, which he received in November 2007 from the National Film & Video Foundation of South Africa.
Prior to his foray into independent filmmaking, Harris worked at the SABC TV, where he was unfortunately fired in October 1979 for refusing to censor his documentary "BARA". This groundbreaking film provided a candid glimpse into the overcrowded Baragwanath Hospital and exposed the deplorable social and environmental conditions faced by the Soweto township community under the oppressive Apartheid regime.
As an independent filmmaker, Harris worked tirelessly from within South Africa between 1980 and 1994, earning himself a reputation as a leading anti-Apartheid documentary filmmaker. His dedication to shedding light on the harsh realities of the Apartheid era helped to galvanize public opinion and contribute to the eventual demise of the regime in 1994.
Since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, Harris has continued to produce, direct, and photograph over thirty-five feature documentaries that focus on human-interest and social justice issues. His remarkable body of work has cemented his status as a respected and accomplished filmmaker, and his contributions to the South African film industry will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.
