Divalicious Review! Spike Lee-Produced Animated Short Explores Apartheid in South Africa
By Caroline Cao | August 10, 2026 | Movie Reviews
Set in the cruelty of the apartheid era of South Africa, APART tells a tale about innocence shattered between star-crossed friends. In belated Tribeca Festival reviews, I look into the animated short APART, directed by Pola Maneli. The short shares many writers: Spike Lee, Tim Jones, Jeff Leisawitz, and Lubabalo Mtati.
The story is about two boys divided by segregation. Themba is the son of the household’s help for a white family. Despite the racist police officer who rules the household with an iron fist, Themba likes sneaking off with the boy Joel into their clubhouse. It’s clear that they’re inseparable. But Joel’s health is failing him, and it’s a long waiting list for a kidney, so Themba resolves to offer his. But the evils of racial segregation lead to tragedy.
It’s a gorgeous short, flush with color and a medium blend of 2D and 3D. For child viewers, the short is an introduction to agonizing decades of apartheid besieging the South African Black community. The historical subject matter, or not-so-historical considering the ripples today, invites much storytelling.
Through its stunning mix of 2D and 3D animation, the film balances a rich, vibrant visual palette with the heavy, inescapable shadow of state-sanctioned oppression. The lush colors serve as a stark contrast to the oppressive reality of the world Joel and Themba inhabit, making their shared warmth feel all the more delicate and fleeting. Every frame carries a tactile weight, pulling the viewer directly into the heart of their fragile sanctuary.
Ultimately, the short functions as both a moving emotional drama and a vital educational tool. By grounding a massive historical tragedy in the quiet intimacy of childhood affection, the story highlights the deeply human cost of systemic cruelty. It reminds audiences that while policies like apartheid may belong to history books, the intergenerational trauma and societal ripples continue to resonate today. APART stands out not just as a visual triumph, but as a poignant exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the innocence stolen by hatred.
Photo credit: 40 Acres & a Mule Filmworks
