Children of the Light

2014 • 91 minutes

About this movie

"Children of the Light" is the first film to tell the life story of Nobel Prize winner Desmond Tutu, one of the fathers of modern day South Africa. With extensive archival footage, family photos and never before seen interviews, "Children of the Light" is a personal look into the legacy of one of the greatest peacemakers of our time.

Ratings and reviews

Having lived in South Africa several punctuated times before and after The Change, I took great interest in the remarkable emergence of this new nation carried out impossibly it seemed with so little violence. This peaceful transformation was primarily enabled by this diminutive saint, as tough and powerful as a human can be, in the form of Desmond Tutu. Having grown up admiring the heroic Gandhi, who found that most difficult middle way between violence and pure pacifism, I found in this beautifully crafted documentary a compelling story of the envelope of a beatified life beyond even Gandhi. The filmmakers expertly develop the arc of a man who changed not only a nation but a continent and a world view that showed that peaceful revolt can do what violence and pacifism never could- turn a former enemy into a loving friend. This is a truly enchanting film embracing a true story of a most compelling and wonderfully humane (and hilarious) man who may also be the toughest guy on the planet.

Tutu has led a fascinating, inspiring life. Unfortunately the director & narrator of this documentary don't do his amazing story justice. The film just has a "this happened, then this, then that" sort of feel throughout. Still worth watching (though I couldn't help but fast forward past the stories at the end about the kids Tutu inspired).

Racism, prejudice, and social injustice are rampant realities of our human society. Desmond Tutu's life story should serve to inspire anyone wanting to change the world for a better place. Tutu's personal story is a blend of passion, patience, trust, courage, determination and action. It's great to see all these archival footage of young Desmond Tutu in his days. Thank you for this inspiring lovely film.