The Color of Friendship

Mahree Bok leads a simple life on her family farm in South Africa, where her father, a policeman, is relieved at the news of activist Steve Biko's arrest by the authorities. Unbeknownst to Mahree, her world is about to be turned upside down as she is chosen for an exchange program that will see her spend a semester with the Dellums family in Washington DC. What Mahree doesn't anticipate is that her new host family will be African-American; the Dellums are unaware that their South African guest isn't from the same background as them. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a poignant exploration of race, identity, and cultural understanding in a time when these issues were at the forefront of global consciousness. As Mahree navigates her new surroundings, she must grapple with her own preconceptions and beliefs while discovering the strength and resilience of her host family in the face of adversity. The film masterfully weaves together elements of drama, coming-of-age storytelling, and social commentary, delivering a deeply affecting portrayal of a young woman's journey to self-discovery and empathy amidst the complexities of race relations.