EAT MY CALL-UP, documentary about the End Conscription Campaign (tonight at Uptown Theatres). Reviewed by Leon Muston ARTS EDITOR mustonl@avusa.co.za

THE End Conscription Campaign (ECC) is marking its 25th anniversary this month and as part of the events surrounding this, director Naashon Zalk’s documentary, Eat My Call-up, is being screened tonight at Uptown Theatres.

The documentary predominantly focuses on four people who were persecuted for their refusal to serve in the army: Dr Ivan Toms (who died last year), Marius van Niekerk, Andre Zaaiman and Charles Bester.

There are also comments from journalist Max du Preez, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and ECC founder Adele Kirsten.

Most of the time the cameras are focused on those giving their memories of the campaign, but there is also good use of archive footage including SADF propaganda films, news footage as well as posters and cartoons which opposed conscription.

Among the stories, Bester’s really strikes a chord.

He was only 18 when he was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for refusing to go to the army.

Toms’s testimony is also fascinating. Having served as a medical officer on the border for two years, he then worked in township hospitals, often having to treat people who had been shot or brutalised by soldiers.

When he got called up again to attend a camp, he refused and was sentenced to two years in prison, which included seven months in solitary confinement.

The documentary takes people’s very personal experiences and relates them to the thousands of others who were equally opposed to conscription.

It runs for 56 minutes.

Tonight’s event starts at 6.30pm and also features a poster exhibition linked to the campaign, presentations, music and a speech by ANC politician Stone Sizani.

On Saturday there will be another event at Red Location Museum. It will feature children’s music with James Fourie from 1pm and women discussing their perspectives on the past from 2pm. At 3.30pm a photographic exhibition featuring the works of David Goldblatt, Jenny Altschuler, Dale Yudelman, Guy Tillim, Erik Miller, John Liebenberg and Michael Wyeth will be opened.

At 4pm, a presentation called Troops in the Township will look at conscription from various perspectives and the event will end with a concert by the New Afroteens at 6pm.