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Sam Pollard’s TUTU Premieres at Berlinale, Revealing an Intimate Portrait of Desmond Tutu

Sam Pollard draws on decades of unseen archival access to let the archbishop speak in his own words.

Overview

  • TUTU makes its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, with additional screenings set for Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
  • The film is built from decades of never-before-seen fly-on-the-wall footage by Roger Friedman and Benny Gool, including private moments such as a 2001 Soweto birthday celebration.
  • The documentary traces Tutu’s leadership in the anti-apartheid movement and his selection by Nelson Mandela to chair South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
  • Pollard crafts an intimate, voice-forward portrait that highlights Tutu’s humor, faith and nonviolent activism.
  • The project is produced by HLP Studios and Universal Pictures Content Group, with Cinetic Media handling international rights, as early festival coverage praises its textured use of archival material.