Meanwhile in Mamelodi

Meanwhile in Mamelodi is a 2011 documentary film that presents an intimate portrait of a township near Pretoria, South Africa. The film, directed by Benjamin Kahlmeyer, beautifully captures everyday life in Mamelodi set against the backdrop of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Mamelodi, which means "Mother of Melodies", is a suburb of Pretoria, deep within South Africa. It is a community filled with vibrant characters and colourful narratives. The film takes us on a journey through this diverse society, where the problems and challenges of life in a township are balanced with immense optimism, family unity, and a shared love for soccer.

The narrative follows the Mtsweni family. The matriarchal anchor of the family, Lefa, is a vibrant, strong woman. She runs a small informal market – like millions in South Africa – selling food and snacks to support her family. Her husband Steven is an intriguing character with a zest for life despite his unemployment situation. Their children are optimistic, filled with dreams and hopes, united by their love for soccer. The family’s struggles, their hopes, and their passionate involvement with Africa's first World Cup form the heart of the narrative.

The panoramic vistas of Mamelodi constitute the stage for this lively showcase. Elemental sights like dust-laden township alleys, brightly coloured houses, and sweeping landscapes come alive in contrast with scenes of everyday township life. The camera pans to show both the sweeping savannah and the harsh concrete structures. The quiet, measured pace at which the documentary unfolds quieter, “in-between” moments, tastefully juxtaposed with the excitement of the World Cup and the rhythm of township life.

The World Cup is not just background noise here; it is juxtaposed as a prominent character, its presence palpable in every corner of Mamelodi. The documentary doesn’t dwell on the World Cup matches, the players, or the scores, but on the sense of unity it brought to Mamelodi and the nation as a whole. The World Cup transforms the township, bringing with it a carnival atmosphere, a sense of unity and national pride that's impossible to ignore. People are seen huddled around tiny television sets while cheering, smiling, dancing and being completely engrossed in the game. Yet, the film never loses sight of the reality of the characters' lives or the stark economic challenges they face. The football tournament's euphoria is not allowed to overshadow the hardships they live with or the poverty that marks their daily existence.

While the narration is primarily in the form of observational cinema, with very little dialogues, the film uses the personal thoughts and feelings to provide a subjective perspective. Steven, the unemployed father of the family, offers a poetic reflection on Mamelodi, life, and the World Cup, making his outlook the emotional center of the film.

The soundtrack, much like the World Cup itself, plays an important role in the film. Combining African beats with rhythms from around the world, it is simultaneously reflective of Mamelodi's unique identity and the global phenomenon that the World Cup has become.

Meanwhile in Mamelodi is an enchanting and deeply empathetic film, not just about soccer but about people. It offers a bittersweet, yet authentic glimpse into the resilience and spirit of a community amidst struggle, highlighting the reality beyond the football frenzy that transfixes the nation. It stays with you for its raw, genuine, and intricate portrayal of a community revelling in a historic event while dealing with the trials of daily life. This powerful creation manages to capture the essence of life in Mamelodi flawlessly — a difficult feat to achieve in the face of an event as grand as the FIFA World Cup.