The critically acclaimed documentary “And She Didn’t Die” offers a profound look at memory, identity, and historical consciousness through the life of pioneering South African writer and activist Lauretta Ngcobo. Directed by her daughter, filmmaker Kethiwe Ngcobo, the film is a powerful and poignant tribute that reveals the harsh silencing of women’s voices during apartheid and the enduring power of memory. The documentary will be screened on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town at 6 PM as part of MIP Africa’s inaugural documentary night.
Lauretta Ngcobo’s opening quote, “Without memory, there is vacant space,” perfectly captures the film’s mission. Kethiwe Ngcobo weaves together her mother’s story, using a non-linear narrative that mirrors the fragmented nature of memory itself. The film skillfully blends recollections, re-enactments, and excerpts from Lauretta’s writing, creating what jurors for the Encounters Al Jazeera Awards for Best African Feature called “a captivating visual love letter from a daughter to a mother.”
The documentary has garnered significant acclaim, winning the Ronelle Loots Awards for Best Editing at the 27th Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. The editing jury praised the film’s “masterful command of rhythm and pace,” noting that its beauty lies in the “integrated use of archive, voiceover, and – at times – humour, making the history and heritage of our country deeply understood.”
Lauretta Ngcobo’s dangerous political work forced her to flee South Africa and live in exile in the UK, where she found her voice as a feminist writer. Her authentic and raw portrayal of black women’s experiences during apartheid continues to resonate today. As UK film publication Eye for Film notes, Kethiwe Ngcobo enriches the documentary by giving her “own doubts and thoughts some space,” making it a deeply personal and multi-layered exploration.
This powerful film was made possible with the support of the National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Gauteng Film Commission, The Red Sea Fund, and Bertha Foundation.