The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art will present the Washington, D.C., premiere of the critically acclaimed documentary film Shield and Spear Tuesday, May 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Shield and Spear follows some of the most recognized artists in South Africa today exploring what it means to live and work in the changing political climate of South Africa, raising provocative questions about race, identity, freedom of expression, art and activism in a post-apartheid democracy.
A discussion will follow the film screening with Shield and Spear director Petter Ringbom, musician Xander (“Gazelle”) Ferreira and photographer and activist Zanele Muholi, whose work spotlights South Africa’s lesbian, gay, transgender and intersex communities. This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required through Eventbrite.
Shield and Spear also features many contemporary South African artists and musicians, such as Brett Murray, The Brother Moves On, Yolanda Fyrus and others.
About the Director
Ringbom is a Swedish filmmaker and designer based in New York. His debut feature documentary The Russian Winter, a film about musician John Forté’s Russian odyssey after his release from prison, premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2012. Ringbom’s short film May Fly, starring Gustaf Skarsgård, was nominated for the 1KM Film Award at Stockholm International Film Festival. After studying at the Cooper Union School of Art in New York, Ringbom partnered in the creative agency Flat, where he served as an art director for clients like MoMA, Red Cross and ESPN. He has taught at the Parsons School of Design and New York University and served on the board of the New York chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. He is currently the creative advisor for the design and innovation firm Openbox.
About the National Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art is the nation’s premier museum dedicated exclusively to the collection, conservation, study and exhibition of Africa’s traditional and contemporary arts. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free. The museum is located at 950 Independence Ave. S.W., near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines. For more information, call (202) 633-4600 or visit the National Museum of African Art’s website. For general Smithsonian information, call (202) 633-1000.
Note: For press enquiries, contact Eddie Burke at 202.633.4660
Email: BurkeE@si.edu
