Zeenat Vallie

The Darkness of White, the Lightness of Black Documentary Review Genre: Documentary Director: Omelga Mthiyane Title: Different Pigment Duration: 48 minutes Stylesheet -Title in Italics In Omelga Mthiyane’s documentary, Different Pigment, Mthiyane perfects the examination of conflict between a mixed race couple which illustrates the difficulty of conforming to cultural ideologies and rejecting one’s identity. Mthiyane frames the subject as a “masculinity in conflict” by introducing Alex crouching down, periodically situating a cigarette between his lips and viciously exhaling the intoxicant. Mthiyane further complicates the narrative by the depiction of Alex, a white male speaking isiZulu. This exemplifies an identity that conforms to a differing culture and the acceptance thereof. The multiple use of close up shots creates the building block of events that take place afterward. It also allows the audience to have a closer look at the subject and for the visibility of his tattoo which immediately creates uneasiness and restraint which also foreshadows the subject’s behaviour later on in the documentary. Mthiyane makes use of bridging shots throughout the documentary to indicate a shift in time which aids in the understanding of the narrative as there are recurring shifts from the present to the past and vice versa. Each scene is accompanied by subtitles which assumes the role of a narrator and does not leave the audience in confusion. Also, the subtitle emphasises the hybridity of language which is pivotal to the underlying theme of the documentary. The hybridity of language is successful in educating individuals of African tradition such as the Izibozo (pre-wedding tradition). The choice of no voice over creates the illusion of the narrative being viewed objectively. This adds to audiences’ own interpretation. Although Mthiyane aims to challenge racial stereotypes, she further reaffirms racial stereotypes by depicting white individuals’ hostility toward individuals of colour. Gendered stereotypes are similarly perpetuated within the documentary by the reference to female sexuality and domesticity. This is frustrating for females to watch as women are undermined and deprived of agency within the documentary. This projects a masculinized point of view which fails to be inclusive of female agency. However, the use of music is successful in creating the ambiance of the documentary which is that of African culture and tradition. The aspect of realism is evident in Different Pigment by the self-identification experienced in relation to the characters. Universal themes of love, tradition, culture and race is evoked within the documentary which speaks to a diverse audience. Therefore, Different Pigment can be considered a universal narrative as the conflict within it stems back from history. The documentary also acts as a cautionary narrative for young girls which extend further than the racial aspect of mixed-raced relations. Mthiyane sustains the audiences’ understanding by including intertitles which identify the individuals and their relation to the subject. Thus, Mthiyane connects all the dots within the documentary but finally, she allows the audience to decide the fate of the characters. Thus, Different Pigment is a thought-provoking documentary which confronts issues that are not restricted to race alone and will be thoroughly appreciated by individuals curious about self-identity within the context of South Africa’s diversity.