Bram Fischer (film)

Bram Fischer is a 2017 South African biographical drama film directed by Jean van de Velde. The film tells the story of Bram Fischer, a prominent Afrikaner lawyer who defended Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists during the Rivonia Trial.

The film focuses on Fischer's transformation from a respected member of the Afrikaner establishment to a dedicated anti-apartheid activist who eventually went underground and was himself arrested for sabotage. It explores his personal sacrifices and moral conflicts as he grapples with the ethical dilemmas of defending individuals facing severe charges under the apartheid regime. It also highlights the complex relationship he had with his family and his deep commitment to social justice, even at great personal cost.

Jaap Marais plays the titular role of Bram Fischer. The film also stars Peter Paul Muller, Ella van Jaarsveld, and Frank Rautenbach.

Bram Fischer attempts to portray the nuances of Fischer's character and motivations, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the anti-apartheid struggle from the perspective of a key figure who was both a defender of freedom fighters and a product of the very system he fought against. The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its historical accuracy and performances, while others found its pacing and narrative structure lacking.