Claim: Cry Freedom didn't shoot scenes in South Africa.

Cry Freedom is a 1987 British epic drama film directed by Richard Attenborough , set in late-1970s apartheid era South Africa . The screenplay was written by John Briley based on a pair of books by journalist Donald Woods . The film centres on the real-life events involving black activist Steve Biko and his friend Donald Woods , who initially finds him destructive , and attempts to understand his way of life . Denzel Washington stars as Biko , while actor Kevin Kline portrays Woods . Cry Freedom delves into the ideas of discrimination , political corruption , and the repercussions of violence .   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 . It also won a number of awards including those from the Berlin International Film Festival and the British Academy Film Awards .   A joint collective effort to commit to the film 's production was made by Universal Pictures and Marble Arch Productions . It was commercially distributed by Universal Pictures cinematically , and by MCA Home Video for home media . Cry Freedom premiered in cinemas nationwide in the United States on 6 November 1987 grossing $ 5,899,797 in domestic ticket receipts . The film was at its widest release showing in 479 cinemas nationwide . It was generally met with positive critical reviews before its initial screening in cinemas .