By: Natasha Archary
Silverton Siege, the latest South African film that’s now available on Netflix is based on true events.
Featuring Arnold Vosloo, Noxolo Dlamini and Thabo Rametsi amongst others, the film is a fictionalised take of the 1980 Pretoria bank hostage drama.
The story follows Calvin Khumalo played by Rametsi, a freedom fighter growing up in apartheid South Africa.
Calvin’s parents were gunned down in front of him as a child and he vowed to avenge his parents.
Part of the June 16 protests in 1976, Calvin lost many of his friends in the Soweto uprising.
Calvin joined a liberation movement, seeking to put an end to the oppressive white rule, by any means necessary.
Under orders by the movement to hit strategic points in the city, Calvin and his group burn down a power-plant in Silverton.
Without giving too much away, Calvin and group end up seeking refuge inside a bank as they escape police in a chase.
They take hostages at gunpoint and plot a way out.
Silverton Siege paints a clear picture of Calvin’s negotiations with Captain Langerman, played by Arnold Vosloo.
While the movie is based on true events of the 1980 hostage scenaria in Pretoria, it’s not a documentary-style recount of events.
The film was released on Freedom Day by streaming platform Netflix and has many South Africans raving about the incredible acting, set and storyline.
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