Ernest Cole: The Impactful Legacy of a South African Photographer in a Heart-Wrenching Film

Ernest Cole is renowned for his poignant depictions of life under South Africa’s brutal apartheid. His pivotal 1967 work, *House of Bondage*, showcased his defiance against the oppressive regime, leading to exile and censorship. A rediscovered archive in 2017 reignited interest, culminating in Raoul Peck’s acclaimed documentary, *Ernest Cole: Lost and Found*, which honors Cole’s rich, complex legacy. Despite achieving international fame, Cole endured a life marred by poverty and racism, ultimately passing away in New York, seen yet unseen.