‘Ernest Cole: Lost and Found’ spotlights visionary photographer’s legacy

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Oscar-nominated filmmaker Raoul Peck’s “Ernest Cole: Lost and Found” brings to life the poignant and powerful story of Ernest Cole, one of Africa’s most groundbreaking photographers. With an unflinching lens, Cole captured the devastating realities of apartheid in South Africa, offering the world a raw, human perspective on one of history’s darkest chapters.

Cole, one of the first African freelance photographers in South Africa, fled the country in 1966, carrying his camera into exile in the United States.

There, he chronicled the streets of New York City and the segregated culture of the American South. His work in the U.S. revealed startling parallels between apartheid and segregation, making Cole’s vision as relevant in America as it was in South Africa.

Peck’s documentary blends Cole’s photographs, personal writings, and testimonies from those who knew him, drawing viewers into the life of an artist whose genius was nearly lost to history. Featuring LaKeith Stanfield’s deeply resonant portrayal of Cole’s voice, the film is both a rediscovery of an extraordinary figure and a meditation about exile, resilience, and the enduring fight for justice.

Here is what Raoul Peck said about the work of Ernest Cole and his new documentary “Ernest Cole: Lost and Found.”

AmNews: What was your first encounter with Ernest Cole’s work?

Raoul Peck (AP): Cole’s photographs had always been part of the visual history of the anti-apartheid struggle, but they weren’t always directly associated with him. For example, the iconic image of the African woman sitting on a bench labeled “Whites Only” was something familiar to many, but not always credited to him. Growing up surrounded by stories of South African liberation movements and exile, his work felt familiar. His U.S. images, particularly those taken in the South, revealed unsettling parallels between apartheid and segregation that resonated deeply.

AmNews: Why was it important for you to make a film about Ernest Cole?

RP: Cole’s story extends beyond photography to themes of resilience, displacement, and the personal toll of exile. His later years, marked by poverty and depression, have often overshadowed his creative brilliance. Too often, the world reduces African artists to their suffering, without respecting their humanity or their artistic legacy. This film was an opportunity to present Cole as a person, artist, and fighter, reclaiming the full scope of his legacy.

AMN: The rediscovery of Cole’s 60,000 negatives feels like a story in itself. How did you approach that in the film?

RP: The rediscovery of the negatives is extraordinary but also raises questions. These photographs, thought lost forever, were found in a Stockholm bank vault, although how they ended up there remains unclear. The 504 vintage prints Cole created were locked away by Hasselblad for years. Their eventual return to the Cole Family Trust only happened under immense pressure. This part of the story highlights the ongoing challenges African artists face in preserving their legacies.

AmNews: You chose to let Ernest Cole narrate his own story, with LaKeith Stanfield voicing him. Why was that approach so vital?

RP: This film needed to center Ernest Cole’s perspective, allowing him to narrate his own story. Using talking heads or experts would have distanced the audience from his experiences. LaKeith Stanfield’s performance brought depth and humanity, creating a connection that felt authentic. He didn’t just read the text — he embodied Cole’s voice, allowing the weight of his life to resonate with viewers.

AmNews: The film juxtaposes apartheid-era images with contemporary footage. Why was that important?

RP: History is a continuous thread that connects past and present. Placing Cole’s apartheid-era photographs alongside modern footage shows how the fight for justice remains ongoing. Inequality persists, even in post-apartheid South Africa and in places like the United States. Cole’s work serves as a reminder that progress is fragile and demands vigilance.

AmNews: Leslie Matlaisane, Cole’s nephew, played a major role in the film. How did you collaborate with him?

RP: Leslie Matlaisane was instrumental in the making of the film, providing access to negatives, contact sheets, and Cole’s personal notebooks. His insights helped piece together Cole’s life and legacy, particularly the unanswered questions about his later years. Leslie’s experience with institutions like Hasselblad underscores the ongoing exploitation of African artists. His contributions made him not just a consultant but an essential character in the story.

AmNews: What do you hope audiences will take away from this film?

RP: The film aims to highlight the power of Ernest Cole’s work as both art and a tool for truth-telling. It challenges viewers to question the systems that erase voices like his and to think critically about the narratives they consume. Beyond that, the film is a call to action to fight for justice and to reclaim the stories of marginalized artists. Cole’s legacy is a testament to the enduring power of resilience and creativity in the face of systemic oppression.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.