Film explores 40-year anniversary of Turfloop campus military occupation

Award-winning director Tebogo Malope returns to Turfloop campus in Mankweng to create ‘Studying Under the Barrel of a Gun’, a psychological thriller with musical elements that revisits the student uprisings against apartheid-era military occupation at the University of Limpopo. Marking the 40-year anniversary of the occupation, the film aims to highlight the sacrifices and bravery of students and activists, including Josephine Sekgana and Reverend Frank Chikane, whose contributions have often been overlooked. Based on Ernest Khosa’s book, the production faced challenges with tone, politics, and archival accuracy, but Malope and his team managed to produce a compelling feature despite limited resources. The film stars Tshepo Matlala, Andre Odendaal, Molefi Monaisa, Tshepo Shogole, Arthur Molepo, and features acting debuts by comedian Mashabela Galane and musician King Monada. Cornet Mamabolo returns to acting as Peter Mokaba, also serving as executive producer. Malope emphasises the educational impact, encouraging schools to engage with the film and the book to ensure younger generations hear their own voices in the story. The film is scheduled to premiere on June 16 at Ster-Kinekor, with the book republished on May 21 and a soundtrack release on May 28.