Goodbye Bafana (2007)
A powerful true story of prejudice dismantled — one prison guard, one extraordinary prisoner, and twenty years that changed everything.
Goodbye Bafana - Movie Information
- Original Title: Goodbye Bafana
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Bille August
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Xhosa, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 11, 2007 (Brazil - 10), February 11, 2007 (United States - R), April 12, 2007 (Germany - 6), April 11, 2007 (France - 12), April 13, 2007 (Italy), April 27, 2007 (Spain - APTA)
- Alternative Titles: Adiós Bafana (ES), Goodbye Bafana - Mein Freund Mandela (DE), The Color of Freedom (US)
- Production Companies: Film Afrika, X Filme Creative Pool
- Production Countries: Belgium, United Kingdom, South Africa
Goodbye Bafana - Plot
The true story of a white South African racist whose life was profoundly altered by the black prisoner he guarded for twenty years. The prisoner's name was Nelson Mandela.
Goodbye Bafana - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the story of James Gregory and Nelson Mandela unfold:
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Goodbye Bafana - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Bille August
Main Cast
- Joseph Fiennes
- Dennis Haysbert
- Diane Kruger
- Shiloh Henderson
- Patrick Lyster
- Norman Anstey
- Terry Pheto
- Zikhona Mda
- Leslie Mongezi
- Faith Ndukwana
Writers
- Greg Latter
Producers
- David Wicht
- Andro Steinborn
- Jean-Luc Van Damme
- Ilann Girard
Goodbye Bafana - FAQs
Is Goodbye Bafana based on a true story?
Yes, Goodbye Bafana is based on the true story of James Gregory, a white South African prison guard who watched over Nelson Mandela for nearly two decades. Gregory later wrote a memoir about how the experience dismantled his deeply held racist beliefs and transformed his worldview.
Who plays Nelson Mandela in Goodbye Bafana?
American actor Dennis Haysbert portrays Nelson Mandela in Goodbye Bafana. Haysbert brings quiet dignity and moral authority to the role, depicting Mandela across multiple decades of imprisonment, from Robben Island through his eventual release.
Where can you stream Goodbye Bafana online?
Streaming availability for Goodbye Bafana varies by region and platform. You can check the most current options — including subscription, rental, and purchase services available in your area — by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for this film.
What is Goodbye Bafana about?
Goodbye Bafana follows James Gregory, a white South African prison guard assigned to watch Nelson Mandela over twenty years. Initially a committed racist shaped by apartheid ideology, Gregory finds his convictions slowly eroded by Mandela's extraordinary humanity, dignity, and unwavering moral courage.
Who directed Goodbye Bafana?
Goodbye Bafana was directed by Danish filmmaker Bille August, an acclaimed director known for his emotionally nuanced historical dramas. August previously won the Palme d'Or at Cannes twice, for Pelle the Conqueror (1987) and The Best Intentions (1992).
What is the age rating for Goodbye Bafana?
Goodbye Bafana is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects the film's depictions of apartheid-era violence, racial oppression, and mature thematic content. It is recommended for adult audiences and older teens with parental guidance.
How long is Goodbye Bafana?
Goodbye Bafana has a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes (115 minutes). The film spans several decades, tracing the evolving relationship between prison guard James Gregory and Nelson Mandela from the early years of Mandela's imprisonment through to his historic release.
Who are the main actors in Goodbye Bafana?
The film stars Joseph Fiennes as prison guard James Gregory and Dennis Haysbert as Nelson Mandela. Diane Kruger plays Gloria Gregory, James's wife. Supporting cast includes Faith Ndukwana as Winnie Mandela, Leslie Mongezi as Walter Sisulu, and Terry Pheto as Zindzi Mandela.
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