Cry Freedom is a film.
Cry Freedom is a 1987 British epic drama film directed by Richard Attenborough , set in late-1970s apartheid era South Africa . The film was primarily shot on location in Zimbabwe and in Kenya due to political turmoil in South Africa at the time of production . As a film showing mostly in limited cinematic release , it was nominated for multiple awards , including Academy Award nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role , Best Original Score , and Best Original Song . The film was at its widest release showing in 479 cinemas nationwide .