Influence Trailer | South African Film Festival

Official selection of the South African Film Festival | SAFF

Influence is a revealing, David vs. Goliath inside track to the immoral, dangerous and weaponised influence that PR firm Bell Pottinger had in South Africa and the world. With the nefarious Lord Tim Bell as a key interviewee, the film tracks in chilling detail his callous manipulations of geo-politics for financial gain, showing how these facilitated the corrupt relationship between President Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family, and spurred racial hatred and division in South Africa. The film follows the struggle of Pumzile Van Damme, the brave young Black female activist, who, through dogged persistence in the face of personal risk is credited with bringing Bell Pottinger down. An inspiring reminder that evil cannot triumph when good people do something.

SAFF is a not-for-profit event organised by a group of passionate volunteers with a mandate to showcasing South African talent, culture and diversity. SAFF is a festival with a conscience. The net proceeds from the festival support Education without Borders (EwB).