Berlinale 2026: Sam Pollard’s ‘TUTU’ – A Portrait of Desmond Tutu & Anti-Apartheid Struggle

February 16, 2026 – A new documentary offering an intimate portrait of Archbishop Desmond Tutu premiered at the Berlinale film festival in Berlin today. TUTU, directed by Sam Pollard, draws on decades of archival footage and interviews to explore the life and legacy of the South African cleric and anti-apartheid activist.

Pollard, an American filmmaker with a long history of documenting the African-American experience and the struggle for civil rights – his previous works include MLK/FBI, Citizen Ashe, and South to Black Power – presents a nuanced examination of Tutu’s role in dismantling apartheid and fostering reconciliation in a deeply divided nation. The film avoids a strictly chronological narrative, instead weaving together different facets of Tutu’s life to reveal the man behind the iconic figure.

Much of the previously unseen footage originates from the work of writer-producer Roger Friedman and journalist Benny Gool, who in 1996 were assigned to document the South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which Tutu chaired. They were later granted extensive access to Tutu and his family in 2000 for a television documentary that was ultimately never completed. This material provides a rare glimpse into Tutu’s personal life and his relationships with those closest to him, including his wife, Leah.

The documentary traces Tutu’s journey from his childhood in a township, through his studies at King’s College London in the 1960s – where he experienced a society that acknowledged his humanity – to his return to South Africa and his rise within the Anglican Church. It highlights his pivotal role as the first black bishop of Johannesburg and later, the first black archbishop of Cape Town.

TUTU does not shy away from acknowledging the broader context of the anti-apartheid struggle, referencing the activism of Steve Biko and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. The film illustrates how Tutu’s work was informed by Biko’s sacrifice and how he collaborated with Mandela in the fight for equality. It features testimonies from contemporaries who offer insights into Tutu’s leadership and his unwavering commitment to justice.

The film also highlights Tutu’s influence on international policy, specifically his successful lobbying of the US Senate and Congress to override President Reagan’s veto of economic sanctions against the South African government. Pollard presents a critical view of Frederik Willem de Klerk, the South African president who released Mandela and initiated negotiations to end apartheid, while also acknowledging the violence that occurred within Black South African communities.

A particularly compelling element of the documentary comes from footage captured at a celebration of Tutu’s birthday in Soweto in 2001. This footage reveals a vibrant and animated side of the archbishop, contrasting with the more formal public persona. The film concludes with a montage of Tutu’s speeches and interviews, underscoring his role as a moral compass not only for South Africa but for the world, including his work as a UN envoy to Israel, and Palestine.

Pollard’s decision to include footage of Tutu’s involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is noted as a deliberate choice, adding another layer to the film’s exploration of his commitment to human rights and social justice.

TUTU is a co-production between Universal Pictures Content Group and HLP Studios, with international rights held by Cinetic Media. The premiere at the Berlinale marks the film’s world debut, and This proves expected to spark renewed discussion about Tutu’s legacy and the ongoing challenges of achieving racial equality and reconciliation globally.

The timing of the film’s release is particularly resonant, offering a moment for reflection on the principles Tutu championed and their relevance in a world grappling with issues of social justice and political division. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of courageous leadership and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.