Impact of October 7 on 'Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight': A Directorial Insight

In an unprecedented intersection of history and personal narrative, director Embeth Davidtz reflects on how the tragic events of October 7, 2023, influenced her directorial debut, 'Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight.' The film, which is based on Alexandra Fuller’s memoir of growing up in Zimbabwe during the country’s War of Independence, will be released on July 11, 2025. Davidtz, an accomplished actress known for her role in 'Schindler’s List,' draws on her own childhood experiences in South Africa to inform her storytelling.

Davidtz detailed her memories of witnessing racial violence as a child after moving from New Jersey to South Africa. In a recent interview, she stated, "It leaves an imprint on you. I feel, on a cellular level, my whole being was sort of rewired seeing stuff like that." This personal history resonates deeply with the themes in Fuller’s memoir, which recounts her formative years amidst the complexities of Zimbabwe’s political shifts following independence.

The film's narrative focuses on the early childhood of the protagonist, Bobo, portrayed by Lexi Venter, during a pivotal moment in Zimbabwe's history—the election of Robert Mugabe as prime minister in 1980. Davidtz emphasizes the importance of presenting the story through a child’s perspective to highlight the dissonance between adult perceptions of conflict and the innocence of childhood. She noted, "I would see humanity, and I would see kindness, and I would see people being treated really badly. I knew as an 8-year-old, there’s something discordant about this."

However, as filming continued, the onset of the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7 shifted the project's urgency and tone. Davidtz explained, "The script was locked, but I changed my approach in the edit, adding images of violence on the television while Bobo snacks on cookies and watches." This decision reflects her desire to connect the current global climate of conflict to the historical narrative she is portraying. She stated, "There are children in bomb shelters right now hearing that sound. I wanted to put that more strongly in the film because the horror of October 7, I could not shake it."

Furthermore, Davidtz navigates the delicate subject of racial violence and the complexities of depicting such themes in a film set in a post-colonial context. Collaborating closely with Fuller, she sought to underline the nuances of Zimbabwean culture while drawing parallels between the experiences of the two nations. She asserted, "Zimbabwe had a much bloodier process of decolonization, though South Africa’s went on for longer and was much more insidious."

The film also delves into the personal and societal implications of prejudice and dehumanization. Reflecting on her past experiences, Davidtz commented on the broader implications of narratives surrounding race, stating, "If you were to decorate me with pins, it would be all the pins, because I think none of this is solving the problem." This sentiment echoes her concerns about the current socio-political climate and the need for a deeper understanding of historical injustices.

As a director, Davidtz is eager to continue her exploration of complex narratives, though she emphasizes the importance of personal connection to her projects. While she is open to future directing opportunities, she is cautious about projects too close to her own experiences, citing concerns about maintaining artistic integrity and personal relationships.

In conclusion, 'Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight' stands as a poignant reflection of both personal and collective histories, highlighting the intricate web of influence that shapes storytelling in cinema. Davidtz's directorial approach not only pays homage to her roots but also invites audiences to confront the realities of conflict through the eyes of a child, making her debut a significant contribution to contemporary cinema that resonates with the current global landscape.