Wonder Boy for President - World Premiere at DIFF

MEDIA RELEASE

Wonder Boy for President – World Premiere at DIFF

The world premiere of John Barker’s new mockumentary Wonder Boy for President starring Kagiso Lediga will take place at the Durban International Film Festival on Friday, June 17 at the Playhouse.

Wonder Boy for President tells a story of Wonder Boy, a charismatic and authoritative young man from the Eastern Cape, who is coerced into running for president by two dubious and corrupt characters played by Ntosh Madlingozi and Tony Miyambo. Their aim is to mould him into a great politician and manufacture his down-fall at the right time, for the right price. It is a political satire that delves into political dynamics and challenges that arise.

Barker and Lediga are no strangers to local television scene and international stages. Lediga was a writer and co-lead in the South African film Bunny Chow, which was officially selected for the Toronto Film Festival and also selected for, and won awards at the Rotterdam International Film Festival (Tiger Awards), American Film Institute Festival, Sydney Film Festival and Melbourne Film Festival. Wonder Boy for President is co-produced and directed by John Barker who won a Golden Horn Award for Best Achievement in Directing in a TV Soap forIsibaya last year and another Golden Horn Award for Best Achievement in Directing in a Feature Film for Bunny Chow in 2007.

Thishiwe Ziqubu, who enthralled audiences with her smouldering lead in Hard to Get which opened the DIFF in 2014, plays Mbali Sithole, the ambitious young leader of the official opposition, and the love interest in this side-splitting spoof.

Others in the cast include John Vlismas as Emeric “the dodgy dude with a gun”, Akin Omotoso as “a Nigerian on the street”, Loyiso Gola as himself and Barker as a “dodgy construction guy”.

“We were really blessed to have a whole bunch of South Africa’s top comedians who collaborated on the film with us,” says Barker. “At a time when the rand/ dollar has set a morose mood in the country, and amid all the doom and gloom in the media about corruption, greed and cronyism, it was fabulous to make a film that could parody the current times, make us take a deep long look at the absurdity of it and laugh.  Perhaps we all will see some of ourselves in these characters – and perhaps it will help people to make the change they need.”

With the likes of other cast member such as David Kibuuka, Zabalaza Mchunu, Lara Lipschitz, Bryan Van Niekerk, Christopher Steenkamp, Camilo Saloojee, Daniel Friedman, Ntokozo Majozi, Tshepo Mogale, Lazola Gola, Robbie Collins, Mary Twala and Mojack, Wonder Boy for President packs in the punches and laughs for 92 minutes.

“And then there are a host of well-known faces, that, um, play themselves” explains Barker “including President Jacob Zuma, Julius Malema, Mmusi Maimane, Floyd Shivambu, Cyril Ramaphosa, Zwelinzima Vavi, Helen Zille, and Zapiro, as we have used available footage from various news sources and spliced it into (in)appropriate places to add to the laughs.”

The film, produced through Barking Rat Film in association with Dog Pack Collective, has been produced by John Barker and Kagiso Lediga and co-produced by Tammy Lewis-Houghting and Jeremy Nathan.  The film will be released on circuit later this year by Indigenous Films.

Script is by Barker, Camillo Saloojee, Christopher Steenkamp and Saki Bergh. Most of the music has been composed and performed by Durban band Thee Legacy led by Jabulani Mthembu.

The film premieres at the Playhouse on Friday, 17 June at 8pm and will be screened at the Playhouse on Sunday, 19 June at 6.15pm and Saturday, 25 June at 2pm and at number of community venues.

The 37th Durban International Film Festival takes place from 16 - 26 June at 15 locations across Durban.  Programme booklets with the full screening schedule and synopses of all the films will be available free at cinemas, and other public information outlets.  For more info go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za, Twitter- @DIFFest, Facebook- Durban International Film Festival. The full programme will be available online from June 3.

The DIFF is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, Durban Film Office, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, eThekwini Municipality, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and a range of other valued partners.

Twitter - @WonderBoy4Pres

Facebook - Wonder Boy for President

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Sarafina! Commemorates 40 years of 16 June 1976

Media Release

SARAFINA! COMMEMORATES 40 YEARS OF 16 JUNE 1976

Producer of Sarafina!, Anant Singh announced today the commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the ‘Soweto Uprising’ of 16 June 1976, with initiatives focussing on the film which is based on this watershed event in South Africa’s history. Directed by Darrell James Roodt, Sarafina! stars Leleti Khumalo, Mbongeni Ngema, John Kani, Robert Whitehead, Miriam Makeba and Oscar winner, Whoopi Goldberg.

The film follows Sarafina (Leleti Khumalo), who, like other young students of the time, adopted a campaign of resistance against the police presence in their schools.  She imagines the support of her role-model, Nelson Mandela, who is her inspiration, and she finds an ally in her teacher, Mary Masombuka (Whoopi Goldberg) who backs the students in their rebellion against the police presence.

Leading the initiatives is a unique collaboration between Videovision Entertainment, United International Pictures, Ster Kinekor, Nu Metro, Times Media and e.tv to have free screenings of Sarafina! at selected cinemas across South Africa at 12 noon on 16 June 2016.  The participating cinemas are: Baywest, Bedford Centre, Blue Route, Bridge, Brooklyn, Canal Walk, Carlton Centre, Clearwater, East Rand Mall, Eastgate, Eikestad, Galleria, Gateway, The Glen, Key West, Kollanade, Loch Logan Development, Maponya Mall, Menlyn Park, Mimosa, Mooi River, Newtown Junction, Northcape (Kimberley), Parow, The Pavilion, Sandton, Southgate, Sterland, TygerValley, Vaal Mall, Nu Metro V&A and Walmer Park.

In addition to the screenings at cinemas, e.tv will broadcast Sarafina! at 20h30 on 16 June 2016 on its free-to-air service which will have a simultaneous transmission on Channel 194 on the DStv platform.

In KwaZulu Natal, Videovision Entertainment has teamed up with the KZN Film Commission for community screenings from 20 to 26 June in Umlazi, Clermont, Chesterville, KwaMashu and The Bat Centre.  Gauteng will see a partnership with The Joburg Theatre where Sarafina! will be screened as part of the theatre’s Youth Month programme at the Soweto Theatre from 10 to 19 June and at the Joburg Theatre between 20 and 25 June; while in the Western Cape, the film will be screened for school children from the Athlone and Mitchells Plain areas on 22 June.

Commenting on the initiatives, Singh said, “Sarafina! has been an inspiration to me, firstly in getting the film made, and then being inspired by how it was embraced by the people of South Africa and the rest of the world.  The stage musical created by Mbongeni Ngema which also starred Leleti Khumalo was revolutionary and fresh.  Our film continued in that tradition, to celebrate and pay tribute to the youth of 1976 who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  In commemorating the 40th anniversary of 16 June 1976, we are proud to have created a platform that allows Sarafina! to salute those young people who contributed to our freedom and share their story with the youth of today, contributing to social cohesion and an appreciation of their peers.  I also congratulate, on the occasion of this 40thanniversary, the members of the stage musical and the team that made the film for their contribution to recording this historic event for posterity.”

End

For further information:

Nilesh Singh

Tel: 031 204 6050 

E-mail: nilesh@videovison.co.za

Talents Durban 2016 Participants Announced

Media Release

TALENTS DURBAN 2016 PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED

The 37th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) is proud to announce the participants of the 9th edition of Talents Durban, presented in cooperation with the Berlinale Talents, an initiative of the Berlin International Film Festival. Talents Durban is a five-day development programme consisting of workshops and seminars for African filmmakers delivered by film professionals and academics. The Talents, who are selected through a rigorous application process, will also have the opportunity to attend screenings and other events at the Festival.

Talents Durban is one of the six Talents International programmes formed by Berlinale Talents. The other Talents programmes include Talents Beirut in Lebanon, Talents Buenos Aires in Argentina, Talents Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Talents Tokyo in Japan and Talents Guadalajara in Mexico.

20 filmmakers from eight countries across the continent, including South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Egypt and Madagascar, will be in attendance.

The selected participants for Durban Talents 2016 are:

Adefoyeke Ajao (Nigeria), Amirah Tadjin (Kenya), Desmond Denton (South Africa), Flavia Motsisi (South Africa), Hiwot Getaneh (Ethiopia), Izette Mostert (South Africa), Kennedy Omoro (Kenya), Maragert Wacera (South Africa), Nathan Rice (South Africa), Peter Seduffia (Ghana), Razanajaona Luck (Madagascar), Sakhumzi Mati (South Africa), Sameh Morsy (Egypt), Sheetal Magan (South Africa), Tamara Dawit (Ethiopia), Thea Small (South Africa), Tumelo Moutlana (South Africa), Wim Steytler (South Africa), Wome Uyeye (Nigeria), and Yara Pereira (Mozambique).

Presented under the theme Degrees of Separation: Connecting People and Story, Talents Durban aims to boost the already rising flow of contemporary filmmaking in Africa, and to encourage filmmakers on the continent to share their stories through the lens of their own own particular culture. Participants will interact with over 600 delegates from DIFF and Durban FilmMart, the co-production and finance forum which takes place from 17-20 June during the festival. The talents will also get to be part of several project-oriented, hands-on skills development programmes. Practical development programmes within Talents Durban include Story Junction, masterclasses, and one-on-one mentorships.

Story Junction is a platform showcasing projects linked to the festival. Participants will present their project at Story Junction to peers and industry delegates. Delegates will be able to request meetings with projects that they wish to engage with further.

Like last year, Talents Durban participants will have access to all industry master classes, panel discussions and festival functions. In addition, the Talents will be invited to all festival functions as well as events of the Durban FilmMart.

Each of the Talents Durban participants will receive a mentor for an intensive programme of one-on-one consultation and project and strategy development workshops for the entire group. The mentors selected are experts in their respective fields (e.g. documentary, fiction, drama series, web, mobile content, TV) that suit the needs of the participant and their projects.

Talents Durban is supported by the Goethe Institut SA, the German Embassy in South Africa and the Gauteng Film Commission.

For more information about Talents Durban at the DIFF go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

The Durban International Film Festival takes place from 16-26 June 2016. The Festival includes nearly 200 theatrical screenings, as well as the Wavescape Film Festival and various industry initiatives, including the 9th Talents Durban programme (in cooperation with the Berlin Talent Campus) and the 7th Durban FilmMart co-production market (in partnership with the Durban Film Office). 

The 37th Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, Durban Film Office,  eThekwini Municipality, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, and a range of other valued partners.

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Wavescape Film Festival at the Durban International Film Festival

Media Release

Wavescape Film Festival at the Durban International Film Festival

Wavescape has announced a new venue, as well as the lineup of 21 films set for the 11th Wavescape Film Festival at the Durban International Film Festival, which takes place from 16 to 26 June this year.

The Wavecsape Film Festival, which features films about surfing, the ocean and associated adventure sports, opens with the much celebrated Bay of Plenty outdoor screening on Sunday 19 June at 7pm, with indoor screenings taking place Monday to Friday 20 to 24 June at the Rivertown Beerhall (www.facebook.com/rivertownbeerhall).

Wavescape’s Steve Pike, director of the Wavescape Film Festival, said: “we're very excited to have the Beerhall - an awesome creative entertainment space at 102 Prince Alfred Street (Florence Nzama) - for the indoor screenings. These take place as before, with two screenings a night, at 6pm and 8pm.”

“To celebrate the change of venue, we have also teamed up with Poison City Brewing (www.poison.city), who will be selling craft beer at the Beerhall.”

Spike said that they were very happy with the quality and variety of their curated selection this year, which numbers 21 films from every “corner of the planet, and featuring every conceivable cinematic and surfing technique”.

The outdoor screening at the Bay of Plenty on Sunday 19 June includes Searching Sirocco (beautiful skateboard short featuring star Kilian Martin), The Wild (short film shot on 4k Red cameras), Skeleton Bay (short movie shot by Chris Rogers), The Man and the Sea (a Derek Hynd short, going finless at JBay), and the main feature, the John John Florence smash hit View from a Blue Moon.

‘The daily indoor screenings also include a selection of excellent documentaries and short films,” says Pike. “You will see red hot surfing and graceful soul surfing, set to amazing music. You will hear fascinating stories from countries as far afield as Norway, the West Indies, Polynesia, Tahiti, Iceland, Madagascar, Indonesia, Portugal, Ireland and Namibia, and cover every terrain, from frozen wildernesses to desert landscapes to lush tropical seas. “

The beachfront screening is free. Screenings at Rivertown cost R30.

Features

Bjørnøya (Bear Island) (82 min), Psychic Migrations (60 min), The Wave I Ride (60 min), View From A Blue Moon (60 min), Devocean (45 min), Deeper (35 min), The Fisherman’s Son (29 min), The More Things Change (27 min), Exploring Madagascar (25 min), No Country For Cold Men (23 min), No Regrets (20 min)

Shorts

The Sound Of Silence (11 min), Deep Islands (8 min), Lunar (8 min), Searching Sirocco (7 min), The Wild (7 min), Denali (7 min), The Man And The Sea (5 min), Skeleton Bay (5 min), Into The Sunrise (5 min), A Day In The Life Of Slade Prestwich (4 min), Ocean Gravity s(4 min)

Instagram www.instagram.com/WavescapeSA

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WavescapeSA

Twitter www.twitter.com/WavescapeSA

#wavescapefestival

@DIFFest #DIFF2016

More info

https://www.facebook.com/rivertownbeerhall

http://www.wavescapefestival.com

http://www.durbanfilmfest.co.za

Durban International Film Festival Partners with Festival Scope Pro-Online Platform for Film Professionals

MEDIA RELEASE

Durban International Film Festival Partners with Festival Scope Pro – Online Platform for Film Professionals

Festival Scope Pro (pro.festivalscope.com), the online platform dedicated to film professionals (festivals and film producers), will present a selection of films from the 37th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) starting in June 2016.

The DIFF, which runs from June 16 to 26 is the continent's leading showcase of African film, attracting both film-lovers and industry representatives from across Africa and beyond. The partnership brings a selection of South African and African feature films online, available exclusively to film professionals.

The online collection will include a selection from the 50 African films which includes 24 South African films programmed at this year's festival among the 101 films presented overall.

The festival is dedicated to presenting key African titles such as Leyla Bouzid's As I Open My Eyes and Jean-Pierre Bekolo's Naked Reality.

The partnership between DIFF and Festival Scope Pro aims to bring a greater visibility – and potentially a wider distribution – to the African film industry. Each film will be made available after its initial screening, bringing them from Durban, South Africa, straight to film professionals’ screens.

Festival Scope Pro offers festivals on demand to film professionals worldwide.

For more information about Festival Scope Pro go to www.pro.festivalscope.com. For more information about DIFF go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

-ends

Sharlene Versfeld
Versfeld & Associates
Public Relations and Communications
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 326 3235
Tel: +27 (0) 31 811 5628
Post: P O Box 30547, Mayville, 4058
Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za
Twitter: sharlvers
Website: www.versfeld.co.za

Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu to feature at 37th Durban International Film Festival

MEDIA RELEASE

Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu to feature at 37th Durban International Film Festival

Kalushi, the South African feature film directed by Mandla Dube, about the life of freedom fighter Solomon Mahlangu, is scheduled to be screened at this year’s edition of the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which takes place from June 16 to 26.

Based on a true story written and produced by Mandla Dube with Leon Otto, the biopic, which has taken nearly nine years to complete, has been hailed as an important South African story.Kalushi chronicles the life of Solomon Mahlangu (played by Thabo Rametsi) whose life was ended at the age of 23 by execution during the height of apartheid. Mahlangu was a typical teenager at the time, growing up in the poverty stricken community of Mamelodi. He was a hawker on the township’s streets and trains in order to support himself and his family. After a brutal beating at the hands of the police, he went into exile to join the liberation movement andjoined the African National Congress. in 1976, he was trained as an Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) soldier. After undergoing military training, Mahlangu and his friends were caught in a gun battle with police in Johannesburg’s CBD,which resulted in two men being killed and two others wounded.  Mahlangu’s friend Mondy (played by Thabo Malema), is severely beaten and tortured, while Kalushi faces a daunting trial in which the State seeks the highest punishment, death by hanging. Despite being innocent of the killing of two civilians during an attempted escape from the police, he was sentenced to death under the charge of “sharing the common purpose” of the group of activists.

“This is a film for people who care about the next person. This is how we honour Solomon Mahlangu. It’s about our humanity as human beings,” says award winning cinematographer and director Mandla Dube. “We see an ordinary young man who somehow becomes a political icon and, through this film, we see him transform from an average hawker to a human rights legend.”

The film marks the 35th anniversary of the death of Mahlangu and has received support from the South African government, notably a personal letter of endorsement by President Jacob Zuma, as well as the blessings of the Mahlangu family.

Kalushi screens at DIFF on Saturday, June 18, at 16:00 at The Playhouse, Thursday, June 23, at 12:00 at Luthuli Museum in Groutville and Saturday, June 25 at 20:00 at Musgrave Ster Kinekor.

The Durban International Film Festival takes place from 16-26 June 2016. The Festival includes nearly 200 theatrical screenings, as well as the Wavescape Film Festival and various industry initiatives, including the 9th Talents Durban programme (in cooperation with the Berlin Talent Campus) and the 7th Durban FilmMart co-production market (in partnership with the Durban Film Office).

The 37th Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, Durban Film Office, eThekwini Municipality, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and a range of other valued partners.

For more information go to www.durbanfilmfestival.co.za. #DIFF2016  @DIFFest

-ends

Sharlene Versfeld / Ayanda Mabanga/ Sipho Ngwenya
Versfeld & Associates
Public Relations and Communications
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 326 3235
Tel: +27 (0) 31 811 5628
Post: P O Box 30547, Mayville, 4058
Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za
Twitter: sharlvers
Website: www.versfeld.co.za

Durban SPAR 10km Women’s Challenge - Results

Durban SPAR 10km Women’s Challenge

Sunday June 5

IN one of the most decisive performances in the 27-year history of the race Olympian Irvette van Zyl (Nedbank Running Club) devastated the rest of the field to win today’s Durban leg of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in an inaugural course record of 33 minutes 26 seconds in perfect running conditions.

Van Zyl (nee Van Blerk), the 2010 and 2011 winner, set an incredibly fast pace right from the start in Masabalala Yengwa Avenue outside the Growthpoint King’s Park Stadium and had dropped off all her serious challengers including second-placed Cornelia Joubert (34:26) and third-placed Lebo-Diana Phalula (34:39), both of Boxer AC, by the 5km halfway mark.

Running at a steady pace of 3:20 per kilometre for the entire duration of the race Van Zyl proved too fast for her other challengers, Zimbabwean Rutendo Nyahora (34:48), Glenrose Xaba (34:50) and Christine Kalmer (35:05) who all crossed the line virtually together to fill fourth, fifth and sixth places this time around.

Despite her impressive performance, Van Zyl said she would have liked to have posted a faster time except that she was nursing a knee injury as a result of a fall during a training run a couple of weeks ago but had decided to run the race to give her knee a try-out in what has become known in roadrunning circles as “the country’s most beautiful race” led out annually by the traditional vanguard of bikers from Steelwings Club on their shining Harley Davidson motorcycles. 

Van Zyl said after the race that not only had her knee passed the test but that she had also benefitted by gaining some badly needed confidence she could take forward in her preparations for the marathon event she will run at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August.

Unbeaten in the SPAR Grand Prix so far this year, van Zyl said her focus from now on would be exclusively for the Olympic Games Marathon which she raced at the London Olympics four years ago. 

“Winning races gives you confidence,” she said. “But I also get confidence from my training.”

“When I went to the Olympics in London I was quite overwhelmed by the occasion, but I believe this time I will be better prepared as I know what to expect,” she said.

Joubert expressed mixed feelings about her performance today saying: “I came fourth last year and second this year but my time today was slower than last year’s and this a cause for concern."

Phalula, another destined to run the Olympic marathon along with Van Zyl and Christine Kalmer, was also unhappy with her time on the fast, flat course which took in a few kilometres along the scenic Durban beachfront.

“We will all have to be aiming for faster times on the road to Rio,” she said.

Victory in today’s Durban leg of the lucrative SPAR Grand Prix Series came on the back of Van Zyl’s first places in the opening legs of the GP series in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth with two legs yet to come, Pretoria on September 3 and Johannesburg on October 9.

Her effort today earned her R20 000 which she also collected for winning in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

“We were pleased with the new route, and a new look and feel for the Challenge this year at Growthpoint Kings Park Stadium,” said Rob Philipson, MD of SPAR KZN. “It was fantastic having our race so well supported and the energy was really palpable. We are in awe of the athletic prowess of the top runners, but we also applaud the amazing efforts shown by young and old alike – it was amazing to see participants as young as nine years walking together with some that were older than 80!”

There was an entry of 16 074 at the close of registration late on Saturday afternoon with most women opting for the 10km run/ walk and the balance signing up for the 5km fun run/ walk.

KPMG runners dominated the junior age group category led by Simonay Weitsz (36:27), Yandiswa Shange (37:51) and Carina Viljoen (37:56) with Janie Grundling (Boxer) taking the 35-39 years age group category in 35:49, Tanith Maxwell the 40-49 years in 35:39, Ansie Breytenbach the 50-59 in 44:22 and Sandra Fismer the over 60 years in 46:25 which saw the ever-present 60-year-old Blanche Moila coming second in 49:21.

 Results

Open 10km

1 Irvette van Zyl 33:26 (Nedbank), 2 Cornelia Joubert (Boxer) 34:26, 3 Lebo-Diana Phalula (Boxer) 34:39, 4 Rutendo Nyahora (Nedbank) 34:48, 5 Glenrose Xaba 34:50, 6 Christine Kalmer (KPMG) 35:05, 7 Mapaseka Makhanya 35:29, 8 Jenet Dlamini 35:33, 9 Tanith Maxwell 35:39, 10 Janie Grundling 35:49

Female Junior 10km

1 Simonay Weitsz (KPMG) 36:27, 2 Yandiswa Shange (KPMG)  37:51, 3 Carina Viljoen (KPMG)  37:56

Female 35-39

1 Janie Grundling (Boxer) 35:49, 2 Bulelwa Simae (Nedbank) 37:24, 3 Poppy Mlambo (Boxer) 37:32

Female 40-49

1 Tanith Maxwell(Boxer) 35:39, 2 Ulrica Stander(FNB Multisport) 38:04, 3 Janene Carey(Boxer) 39:03

Female 50-59

1 Ansie Breytenbach(Irene) 44:22, 2 Gail Babich (Savages) 47:11, 3 Elize Cilliers 48:12

Female 60+

1 Sandra Fismer (Hilton Harriers) 46:25, 2 Blanche Moila (Savages) 49:21, 3 Sheree Kirsten (Westville) 51:24

-ends

World Premiere of Nobody's Died Laughing at Durban International Film Festival

Media Release

World Premiere of Nobody’s Died Laughing  - A Journey with Pieter-Dirk Uys

Durban International Film Festival

kykNET films and Vry Films in association with Lion’s Head Productions and Who Projects are proud to announce Nobody’s Died Laughing, a theatrical-action-documentary that celebrates the life and work of performing artist and activist Pieter-Dirk Uys, will have its world premiere at the 37th Durban International Film Festival on Sunday, June 19 at 6pm at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre.

In Nobody’s Died Laughing a film crew tries to keep up with one of the hardest working artists in South Africa on a journey from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Grahamstown, Stellenbosch to London, Berlin and his home in Darling. The film takes a closer look at the man behind all the famous characters, the humanitarian and his educational AIDS awareness work, for which he has received international acclaim.  

“This film captures a man and a lifetime commitment to a country by using satire to affect change,” explains filmmaker Willem Oelofse. “I started researching Pieter-Dirk Uys in 2014 and spent time with him in his personal archives in Darling. I found it fascinating that after 50 years in the entertainment industry he was still working at the same pace and with the same vigour as when he started.  In 2015 we simply picked up a camera and started following him around wherever he went: performing in Berlin or the Cape Flats, and watching him teach a room full of teenagers about safe sex.  I believe audiences will be intrigued to experience more about the man who refuses to be silenced while using the arts as his weapon against discrimination and confronting intolerance.”

The film also includes never before seen archive footage, performances and interviews with Desmond Tutu, Charlize Theron, Lizz Meiring, Anna-Mart van der Merwe, FW De Klerk, Janet Suzman, Thoko Ntshinga, David Kramer, Zolani Mahola, Vincent Ebrahim, Professor David Gere, Eric Abraham, Sophia Loren, Jonathan Shapiro and many more, with footage of Tessa Uys and Nelson Mandela.

 The film will have further screenings on Friday, June 24 at 6pm at Ster Kinekor Musgrave and on Sunday, June 26 at 9.30pm at the Playhouse.The film opens in cinemas around the country on July 29.

For more information regarding the festival visit: http://www.durbanfilmfest.co.za/

Follow the conversation on

Twitter: https://twitter.com/whoEntProjects

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NobodysDiedLaughing/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zbG9jzckkM&feature=youtu.be

 -ends

Notes:

Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/6zbG9jzckkM

Nobody’s Died Laughing

A Journey with Pieter-Dirk Uys

Written and directed by Willem Oelofsen

Editor: Geoffrey Butler

Music composed by Josh Wynter

Featured song written and performed by Jack Parow “Rebel till he’s dead” http://apple.co/1U436M5

Publicist for Nobody’s Died Laughing

For more information and media enquiries about THIS film please contact Suzaan Keyter via emailsuzaan.keyter@gmail.com or 0799 100 385

Publicist for Durban International Film Festival:

Sharlene Versfeld

sharlene@versfeld.co.za

083 326 3235

Pieter-Dirk Uys photo by Robert A Hamblin

TOP RUNNERS WILL BATTLE IT OUT IN THE SPAR CHALLENGE IN DURBAN ON SUNDAY

The 2016 Comrades Marathon is done and dusted and attention now turns to the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge in Durban on Sunday, June 5.

For years the Durban Challenge has taken place a week after the Comrades Marathon, and now there is an even stronger link – Charne Bosman, who won the women’s race last Sunday , is a former poster girl for the SPAR Women’s Challenge.  She was a regular winner on the Challenge Circuit in the early years of the 21st century, and even provided novice runners with advice on how to prepare for a 10km road race.

The current top runners, such as Irvette van Zyl, and the Phalula twins, Diana-Lebo and Lebogang, probably have no thoughts of running Comrades at this stage in their careers, although all the top runners have turned their attention to running standard marathons. 

There will be a star-studded field for the Durban race on Sunday.  Van Zyl and the Phalula twins will be joined by the Kalmer sisters, Rene and Christine, Mapaseka Makhanya, Nolene Conrad and Cornelia Joubert. 

In addition to trying to cross the finish line first, the top runners will also be competing for valuable SPAR Grand Prix points, which are awarded to the top runners.

Van Zyl, who is a two-times winner of the Grand Prix, having triumphed in 2010 and 2011, has a narrow lead over Lebogang Phalula after the first two races in the five race series.  Van Zyl has 40 points, after winning in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.  Phalula, the 2015 winner, has 37 points, after finishing third in Cape Town and second in Port Elizabeth, and Christine Kalmer and Nolene Conrad are in joint third position, with 29 points each.

Van Zyl, who has been unbeaten on home soil this year, said she was taking nothing for granted in the Durban race.

“In the first two races, we all had our minds on qualifying for the Olympic Games in Rio in August, and most of us had run marathons,” said Van Zyl, who won in Port Elizabeth only two weeks after coming 15th in the London Marathon.

“But things have calmed down ahead of the Durban race, and I think we will be on a more equal footing.  I wasn’t able to beat the previous time in either race, so I haven’t got those valuable bonus points, but I will be going all out to win in record time on Sunday,” she said.

The six women who have won the Grand Prix have each been paired with a promising junior athlete, who will also be running on Sunday.  Makhanya’s protégé, Simonay Weitz, heads the junior section of the Grand Prix, with Lebogang Phalula’s partner, Ashleigh Simonis, hot on her heels.

Only manual entries are now available for the challenge. This can be done at the race registration, where participants can collect their race numbers, promo bags and T-Shirts at Berea Rovers, 73 Jacko Jackson Drive (off Masabalala Yengwa Avenue) on Thursday 2 June and Friday 3 June from 10am to 5pm and on Saturday 4 June from 10am to 3pm. No entries will be taken on race day. 

For more info email durban@sparwomensrace.co.za, like the Facebook page SPAR Women's 10/5km Race or follow on Twitter for up to the minute postings.

#run031

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The Journeymen announced as opening night film for 37th Durban International Film Festival

Media Release

The Journeymen announced as opening night film for

37th Durban International Film Festival

The Durban International Film Festival is pleased to announce that the opening night film of the 37th edition will be the World Premiere of the South African documentary, The Journeymen, the latest instalment in the Twenty Journey project. The documentary has been directed by Sean Metelerkamp and produced by filmmaker Jolynn Minnaar whose film, Unearthed, was one of the big hits at DIFF 2014.

Filmed as part of the Twenty Journey project in 2014, the year in which South Africa celebrated 20 years of democracy and mourned Nelson Mandela’s death, The Journeymen chronicles the journey of three young South African photographers, Wikus de Wet, Sipho Mpongo and Sean Metelerkamp, as they travel 24 000km in a motorhome throughout South Africa, with GoPro cameras strapped to their chests, to explore the mood and feel the pulse of contemporary South Africa. From urban sprawls to dusty rural roads, the trio were driven by the question “Has Mandela’s vision of equality in a rainbow nation been achieved?”

The film answers this with a kaleidoscopic set of responses that are disturbing, beautiful, thought-provoking and, more than anything, movingly surreal.

Said Acting Festival Director, Peter Machen, "It is highly appropriate that this intersectional portrait of our strange and beautiful country will screen on the fortieth anniversary of 16th June, 1976. The film is a portrait of a nation that was forever changed by the actions of the youth of Soweto, and screening it on this day will act as a tribute to the bravery of the tens of thousands of unnamed young people who helped build the road to our liberation."

Machen continued, "The film shows the underlying demons of our troubled national soul but also its deep and profound beauty. Made with technology that is widely accessible, the film is also a vibrant call to arms for new modes of filmmaking and fresh approaches to narrative. We are very happy to be screening the world premiere of The Journeymen on the opening night of the 37th Edition of DIFF.”

Director, Sean Metelerkamp said, “While we never set out to make a feature length documentary, looking back, through embracing new technology, we were able to capture our promising, contentious and confusing country as we went about exploring our respective photographic themes. We hope that this collaboration - between three guys from different cultural and racial backgrounds, united simply by a duty to set out and discover truly authentic South African stories - kickstarts conversations and interactions. As luck would have it, our film features a chance encounter with Sam Nzima, who photographed Hector Pietersen. We can’t think of a better way to honour Youth Day than to share our film with the country. “

The Twenty Project was made possible by many generous Kickstarter backers. The documentary is executive-produced by Dylan Voogt and made possible with the support of Stage 5 Films, Priest Post Production, 744 Digital and Mothership Studio.

The Durban International Film Festival takes place from 16-26 June 2016. The Festival includes nearly 200 theatrical screenings, as well as the Wavescape Film Festival and various industry initiatives, including the 9th Talents Durban programme (in cooperation with the Berlin Talent Campus) and the 7th Durban FilmMart co-production market (in partnership with the Durban Film Office).

For more information go to www.durbanfilmfestival.co.za. #DIFF2016  @DIFFest

The 37th Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, Durban Film Office, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, eThekwini Municipality, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and a range of other valued partners.

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PHOTOS SUPPLIED: Please note that these pics are high res. If for any reason they do not come out as high res - please let us know and we can re-send.

Issued on behalf of the DIFF by:

Sharlene Versfeld/ Sipho Ngwenya/ Ayanda Mabanga

Versfeld & Associates

0833263235/ 031 8115628

sharlene@versfeld.co.za

www.versfeld.co.za

Durban International Film Festival Announces Programme for 37th Edition

MEDIA RELEASE

DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES PROGRAMME FOR 37TH EDITION

The 37th Durban International Film Festival has announced its programme, offering another exciting edition of the continent’s leading showcase of independent African and international film. It will take place at 15 venues across the city and its outlying areas from 16-26 June.

In an exciting new move, the festival has added a number of new venues to further increase the footprint of the festival into areas that don’t usually have access to formal cinemas. The festival has also increased its presence on the commercial circuit, with Nu Metro Pavilion being added to its roster of venues.

The festival will kick off on the 40th anniversary of June 16, 1976 with the World Premiere of the South African documentary, The Journeymen, directed by Sean Metelerkamp and produced by Jolynn Minnaar, whose film, Unearthed, was one of the big hits at DIFF 2014.

Filmed in 2014, the year in which South Africa celebrated 20 years of democracy and mourned Nelson Mandela’s death, The Journeymen chronicles the experiences of three young South African photographers as they travel 24 000km in a motorhome through South Africa, with GoPro cameras strapped to their chests. From urban sprawls to dusty rural roads, the trio were driven by the question “Has Mandela’s vision of equality in a rainbow nation been achieved?” The film answers this with a kaleidoscopic set of responses that are disturbing, beautiful, thought-provoking and, more than anything, movingly surreal.

With just under half of all the films originating from Africa and South Africa, this year’s festival once again celebrates and honours the rich, ever-evolving language of African cinema. Of the 101 feature-length films to be shown at the festival, 50 are African films, including 17 fiction films and 9 documentaries, while there are 24 South African films, including 10 fiction films and 14 documentaries. Additionally, the festival’s programme will include more than 90 short films, the majority of which are African and South African. 

Key titles from the continent’s ever-expanding film industry reflect the growing call for real freedom and authentic engagement with power and political narratives. The Revolution Won't Be Televised, from Rama Thiaw, is a smart and insightful documentary that sheds light on political resistance in Senegal, Naked Reality, the latest film from provocative filmmaker Jean-Pierre Bekolo challenges the status quo and critical questions those in power, while Nakom is a haunting film about the conflict between tradition, modernity and love, Ghostland chronicles the loss of language and identity of indigenous Nambian people, and Nawara, from Egypt’s Hala Khalil, is a biting social commentary on Egypt’s classist society. Then there is I Shot Bi Kidude, the long awaited feature film about African musical legend Bi Kidude, by British filmmaker Andy Jones, and Independence from Mário Bastos chronicles the Angolan liberation struggle.

South African features films include Shepherds and Butchers from master filmmaker Oliver Schmitz.  - based on the book written by Durban advocate, Chris Marnewick and produced by Videovision Entertainment. The film which won the audience award at Berlin will have a special gala screening onFriday, June 17.  "We are very proud of our film, Shepherds and Butchers which won the Berlin Panorama Audience Award. Whilst there has been controversy and disappointment around the selection process at DIFF, we are pleased to share our film with this audience.” says Anant Singh Producer of the film.

Other SA Films include Endless River, the latest film from South African auteur Oliver Hermanus, Kalushi which chronicles the story of Solomon Mahlangu, the mockumentary Wonderboy for President starring Kagiso Lediga and directed by John Barker, and Tess from previous DIFF winner Meg Rickards, which follows the story of a sassy twenty year-old prostitute on the streets of Cape Town.

South African documentaries include Alison, a deeply personal account of a woman who endures unimaginable suffering but refuses to become a victim, Action Commandant which tellsthe untold story of slain South African liberation fighter, Ashley Kriel,  Lost Tongue which introduces us to Helena Steenkamp, a San woman from the Kalahari who embarks on a mission to revive the endangered language of her people, and Nobody Died Laughing a documentary about Pieter-Dirk Uys, one of South Africa’s most prolific writers, satirists and activists.

As well as the strong African Focus, other key areas include a focus on issues around indigenous rights and colonialism, a small programme of films that deal with HIV (given the fact that the World Aids Conference will be taking place in Durban two weeks after the festival ends), and a rich programme of films about dance and music.

This year’s edition also includes a country focus on Dutch cinema offering a cross-section of contemporary cinema curated by Gertan Zuilhof of the Rotterdam Film Festival, in recognition of the Dutch-South African Co-production Treaty. DIFF 2016 also includes a retrospective look at Portuguese-language African film in partnership with Tri Continental Film Festival.

As has been the case for 37 years the festival will also present an eclectic selection of film from around the world.

DIFF partners for the 11th year with Wavescape to present a feast of surfing cinema from around the world. Wavescape opens with a free outdoor screening at the Bay of Plenty Lawns on Sunday 19 June, before locating to the new venue at Rivertown Beerhall from June 20 to 26.

The 9th Talents Durban in co-operation with Berlinale Talents, brings together the creativity of 20 selected filmmakers from Africa, who will take part in a series of masterclasses, workshops and industry networking opportunities during the Festival. Supported by German Embassy and Goethe-Institut, Talents Durban creates a space for filmmakers to hone their skills, develop collaborations and network with other future leaders of the film industry in Africa, and the world.

Now in its 7th year, the Durban FilmMart, a partnership project with the Durban Film Office, and supported by the City of Durban, is a film finance and co-production market presented in three strands – Finance Forum, Master Classes and the Africa in Focus seminars. Nineteen selected African projects (9 fiction features and 10 documentaries) will hold one-on-one meetings with potential financiers, co-producers, and distributors in the Finance Forum. The DFM master class and networking programme is open to registered delegates only. See www.durbanfilmmart.co.za for further details.

New venues this year include the Playhouse, Nu Metro (Westville Pavilion), Rivertown Beerhall and numerous outreach venues in Umlazi, Clermont and Inanda. Other venues include Ster Kinekor Musgrave, Ster Kinekor Cinema Nouveau, the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, the KZNSA Gallery, eKhaya MultiArts Centre, Luthuli Museum in Groutville and the Elangeni-Maharani Hotel, with festival hubs at the Elangeni-Maharani and the Playhouse.

Programme booklets with the full screening schedule and synopses of all the films will be available free at cinemas, and other public information outlets.  For more info go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za. The full programme will be available online from June 1.

The 37th Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, Durban Film Office, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, eThekwini Municipality, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and a range of other valued partners.

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PHOTOS: Supplied by DIFF. Please note that is for any reason these pics are not high res enough (or they have been embedded for some reason)- please let us know and we can resend.

We have photos of most of the films - which we can give you access to via Dropbox. Just let us know and we can send you the link. 

Many thanks

Sharlene/ Sipho/ Ayanda

Sharlene Versfeld
Versfeld & Associates
Public Relations and Communications
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 326 3235
Tel: +27 (0) 31 811 5628
Post: P O Box 30547, Mayville, 4058
Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za
Twitter: sharlvers
Website: www.versfeld.co.za

7th Durban FilmMart Full Programme Announced

Media Release

7th Durban FilmMart Full Programme Announced

Durban, South Africa: The 7th Durban FilmMart (DFM), Africa’s premier film finance and co-production forum has announced its full programme for this year’s edition, which takes place at the Tsogo Sun Elangeni Hotel from June 17 to 20 during the Durban International Film Festival.

An insightful industry programme has been scheduled for this year’s DFM, which has as its objective to stimulate the development of project collaboration between African filmmakers in order to kindle the creation of film on the continent and increase the visibility of African cinema on a global platform.

This year’s DFM industry development programme has a strong focus on story development, the essential starting point for any film, and so a number of sessions will delve into topics that will address the subject of “What is an African story and how to sell these African stories”. South African film-makers Junaid Ahmed and Akin Omotoso will share their experiences of developing their latest films – Happiness is a Four Letter Word and Tell Me Sweet Something respectively. United Kingdom-based Selina Ukwuoma, a script consultant who has worked extensively with the likes of Curtis Brown and projects ranging from 2008’s BAFTA winning Boy A to the more recent Teddy and FIPRESCI Prize-winning Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho will presenting a masterclass on storytelling. South African author and entrepreneur, GG Alcock, will present an unusual Masterclass under the banner of "Authenticity is Key – Building Credibility with Audiences”, where he will talk about the vital necessity of engaging with an audience on their own terms through an authentic understanding of local narratives. Then the Business Model Canvas Programme based on Alex Osterwalder’s book Business Model Generation will demystify the business model design for film which to help businesses to get their first principles right – starting with who their customer might be.

Another key highlight of this year’s industry programme “Packaging for the US Market” with Hollywood producer director Jeff Byrd, a protégé of Spike Lee (Byrd worked on Mo’Better Blues, Jungle Fever and Malcolm X with Lee). Byrd is joined by well-known SA Producer Themba Sibeko Managing Director of Ziya Pictures who has over 25 years of experience in film, television and video and has worked with the likes of Bill Duke (A Rage in Harlem, Deep Cover, Sister Act 2), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, The Color Purple), Ruby Dee (American Gangster, Do The Right Thing), and Isaac Hayes (Shaft) to name a few. 

Hot topic at the moment for film-makers is the subject of Virtual Reality and how this will play out in the film space. Leading a workshop on this topic is Ingrid Kopp who is Director of Digital Initiatives at the Tribeca Film Institute in New York City where she overseas the TFI New Media Fund and leads the Institute’s digital and interactive programs including TFI Interactive and the national Tribeca Hacks hackathon programme. 

Todd Brown, founder of the international film website TwitchFilm.com, and director of international programming at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, USA, will present a masterclass on “Using Short Films to Build Brand and Audience”.

Other workshops and masterclasses include “Video on Demand - How Filmmakers can access this New Distribution Stream”, “Where Social Media and Marketing Meet”, “New Strategies for Financing Independent Film”, “Presales Agreements: Creating value for your investors”, “Talking Through Completion Bonds with Film Finances SA”, “Building Relationships, Building Stories: What to expect and what you get in the editor/director collaboration” with SA Guild of Editors and "How to Pitch and Not Fall Flat on Your Face" with Restless Talent. Round table discussions will include “Finding the Right Partner for Film” with industry professionals and “Window to the World” with international festivals and markets to enable delegates to grow and establish their networks across the continent and further afield.

The National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, will present a number of sessions including “Financing Film through Distribution” and “Marketing and Co-Production with Netherlands”.

“We are really pleased with the programme for this year’s DFM,” says Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office which partners with the DIFF to present the DFM. “The topics and speakers are all on point in terms of what is happening in the industry on a global level and we look forward to hosting delegates for an exciting four day programme, networking, negotiating and film loving!”

Partners and supporters of this year’s DFM include AfriDocs, Berlin Talents Campus, Business Model Canvas, Callsheet, CineMart, Documentary Filmmakers Association, DTI, Durban Tourism, Dutch Film Fund, Film Finances SA, Film and Publications Board, French Embassy, German Embassy, Goethe-Institut, Hot docs Blue Ice Fund, Institut Francais, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, KUMISA, KZN Film Commission, Mnet, National Film and Video Foundation, Opdocs, OIF, Produire au Sud, Restless Talent Management, SABC, SAGE, Screen Africa, Sonoton, Sørfond, Sundance Institute, Talents Durban, Tsogo Sun, Tribeca Institute, Versfeld & Associates, Variety and VideoVision Entertainment. 

For registration or for more information view the delegate registration process online at the official website - www.durbanfilmmart.co.za.  Early Bird registration closes on 30 May 2016. 

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Photos attached: Credit: Supplied by DFM

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/km Race

Durban SPAR Women’s 10/km Race

Durban: Sunday 5 June

 The time is drawing near where online entries for South Africa’s most beautiful road race, the 2016 edition of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km, which takes place on Sunday 5 June, are almost closed.

Heading to the middle of the year, you can’t beat the weather in Durban and a lot of emphasis encourages individuals to get out and enjoy this balmy season. On the back of the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk comes the next fabulously achievable race, the Durban SPAR Women’s race offering two distances. There are two options -  a 10km challenge and a 5km fun run / walk.

This year, the race has a new route with the entire race taking place on the tarmac, all unnecessary hurdles like pavements have been done away with. The route takes one on a winding tour of Durban’s pristine stadium precinct with the start just beyond Berea Rovers and the finish area under the imposing shadow of Growthpoint Kings Park Stadium.

There are two ways of entering the race, either online via www.sparwomensrace.co.za where one can pay by Credit Card only. This option closes on Saturday 28 May. The second option is Manual Registration where limited entries are available. This can be done at the Race Registration at Berea Rovers from Thursday 2 June until Saturday 4 June. 

At the Race Registration participants can also collect race numbers, the goodie bag, and of course the race t-shirt.

For all race queries visit www.sparwomensrace.co.za or like the Facebook page.

ENDS

Blackbyrd to Perform at South Africa's Most Beautiful Race in Durban: 5 June 2016

Media Release

Blackbyrd to Perform at South Africa’s Most Beautiful Race in Durban

Sunday, 5 June 2016

The gorgeous all-women country-pop band Blackbyrd, will entertain participants at the finish of the Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that takes place on Sunday, 5 June 2016 at Growthpoint Kings Park Stadium Outer Fields.

Musically innovative, Blackbyrd features lead-singer, singer-writer and guitarist Tarryn Lamb, award-winning dancer, back-up vocalist and guitarist Tamsyn Maker, and second-lead vocalist and lead guitarist Axene Chaberski-Loubser.

The multi-award winning trio which has had seven hit singles since they started out in 2012, has made a significant impact on the South African music scene with their interesting combination of pop and country ballads.

Catch them after the race on June 5 prior to the prize-giving on the stage at the finish. SPAR will be giving away lucky draw prizes including SPAR vouchers after the race. To qualify participants must be present at the actual draw on the day.

Online entries are open at www.sparwomensrace.co.za with payment by credit card or EFT. Manual entries will only be accepted at the race registration on the three days prior to the event. Entries are limited to 18,000 athletes. Entry forms are available from participating SPAR stores in KwaZulu-Natal and at registration. No entries will be taken on race day.Black

For more info email durban@sparwomensrace.co.za  or like the Facebook page KZN SPAR Women’s 10/5km Race or follow on Twitter for up to the minute postings. #run031

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Second Annual Smoking Dragon Adrenalin Festival 16 - 18 June 2016

Media Release

Second Annual Smoking Dragon Adrenalin Festival

16 – 18 June 2016

The second thrilling annual Smoking Dragon Adrenalin Festival will take place at the Amphitheatre Backpackers’ Lodge, in the foothills of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park of KwaZulu-Natal from June 16 to 18.

The three-day unique event combines adrenalin-packed festivities with great music in the bo-ho Backpackers’ Lodge overlooking the magnificent Northern Drakensberg mountain range. The festival offers an array of high-octane activities, and chilled relaxed vibes that are suitable for adrenalin-junkies, music-lovers, families with kids and even for the more mellow older festivite wanting to soak in the atmosphere.

This year, the festival coincides with National Youth Day and to pay special tribute, Smoking Dragon has chosen a young schoolboy to represent youth in the arts. DJ Eskay (aka Sakhiwe Khuzwayo) is only 19 and one of SA’s youngest club DJs. Khuzwayo is destined for great things, at 16 he was in the KZN Top 10 in the SA DJing Championships. He has performed for thousands of people at Moses Mabhida Stadium at the Fact Durban Rocks parties, sharing the stage with some of the biggest DJs in the country, including Tira, Black Coffee, C’ndo, Lulo Café and Shimza. His mixes have been played on two of the biggest radio stations in KZN, Ukhozi FM and Gagasi 99.5FM and is a regular feature on their entertainment pages. Eskay is still at school (Roseway Waldorf) and hopes to complete a music degree at UKZN and, of course, keep SA’s dance floors packed.

On Saturday 18 June, the festival will focus on women in music under the theme “Smoking Diva Saturday”. Performances include Nje, the band led by beautiful vocalist, Portia Malunga Rowling, who will perform with bassist Rogan van den Berg, drummer Gary Parker and guitarist Gregan Aherin. Also on the line-up is DJ Lindi Lush, her passion spans from Electro to Progressive and Trance among other genres. Trailmix a dynamic DJ from the UK offering a “Bloody Good Rave” on Saturday, and promises to mash up the dance floor bringing a blend of reggae, dancehall, digital dub, steppas and bass. DJ Nicky B from Kaya FM will also blaze the decks with he unique mix of Latin and African music. Another interesting element will be the collaboration of the Fantastic Cortina Whiplash (a 3-piece all women Rock ‘n Roll band, DJ Spicy M with electro house sounds and upcoming star Nomisupasta with her fusion of traditional Xhosa instruments and commercial drum ‘n bass. Also on the bill is Ann Jangle, briefly back in South Africa, DJ Shakti, DJ Nats and Saarkie.

The music offering includes a range of neo-soul, folk, trance, house music and Afro funk sounds. On the bill of performers are acoustic guitarist and singer Gavin Ferguson, Rubber Duc whose quirky sound has been described as “ flock-swing-hop”, Durban-based soul music artist Chico Muya, 7th Son who joins the pack to add rock and reggae sounds from Cape Town and local Mbaqanga artist Inkonjane no Bheseni. The Johanesburg based multi-award nominee MXO will add his afro-soul sounds in the line-up.The Lovestains from Johannesburg, Held On Till May, Raygun Royale, Boxer, Kings Down South and The Black Cat Bones promise to add in an eclectic mix of mood sounds to the weekend. To accommodate everyone at night, DJs will play in a private electronic dance music area far from the family camping site.

In between the music performances, festival-goers can enjoy numerous activities such as tandem skydiving (from the festival grounds), bag jumping (like a jumping castle for grown-ups), paragliding, abseiling, mountain biking, trail running, micro lighting, quad biking, off-road Segway, Downhill Scooting, canopy touring, paintball, hiking (to the highest waterfall in Africa), kloofing, white water rafting, bass and fly fishing or hot air ballooning. Most of these Adrenalin activities are charged separately and can be booked through the Smoking DragonWebsite. All service providers adhere to all safety and regulatory procedures. 

Accommodation is available in the many BnB’s and hotels nearby which Smoking Dragon organises on your behalf. There will be no entry fee charged to people staying at Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge, either camping or in their rooms. The lodge is child friendly and the festival has a dedicated kids zone with its own programme of child-centred activities and babysitters are available at night, this service must be pre-booked. There will be interesting food vendors, clean toilets, showers and full bar services. 

The festival starts on Thursday, June 16 and runs until Saturday, June 18. Those staying outside of Amphitheatre Backpackers will pay a levy of R50 per day or R135 for a 3-day pass. These will be limited. Kids under 12 staying off-site do not pay for a Day Pass but the “Kid’s Zone” will cost R70 per child per day and needs to be pre-booked. All arrangements for the festival are done through www.smokingdragon.org questions can be emailed to ilsa@smokingdragon.co.za or call 0825512495 Bookings at Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge are done through www.amphibackpackers.com questions can be emailed to amphibackpackers@worldonline.co.za or call 076 8227508.

-ends.

DFM PARTNERS WITH SONOTON MUSIC LIBRARY

This year’s edition of the Durban FilmMart, which runs from 17–20 June, includes a new partnership with Sonoton, the largest independent production music library in the world. As part of the partnership with DFM, Sonoton’s Barbara Hintermeier will be hosting an online music search workshop for filmmakers, while the company will also be sponsoring the SONOfind contest in which entrants can win an Apple iPad and other great prizes.

Operating in South Africa through Synchro Music Management in Johannesburg, Sonoton offer filmmakers the option of 180 000 tracks, with more than 100 new albums in various musical and compositional styles added every year, sourced from composers and producers from around the world. Sonoton’s online search platform, SONOfind, is an extensive platform for efficient music searches, enabling users to find an appropriate track within seconds. The SONOfind Workshop takes place at DFM at 2pm on Saturday 18 June where delegates will be able to meet Sonoton’s Barbara Hintermeier, who will demonstrate useful tips and tricks when conducting an online music search.

To enter the SONOfind contest and win an Apple iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tablet or a pair of Dr Dre Wireless Studio Earphones, go to www.sonofind.com, log in and correctly answer four simple questions about SONOfind. Entry forms are also available at www.sonoton.com and at www.synchromusic.co.za.

Only registered SONOfind users and legal residents of South Africa who are 18 years and older are eligible for participation in this competition. Entrants agree to abide by all contest rules and regulations. The deadline for entries is 12 noon, 1 July, 2016. A random draw will held on 6 July, 2016, and the winners announced. Prize winners will receive their prizes by mail. The names of all winners will be published on www.sonoton.comand www.synchromusic.co.za. Terms and conditions apply.

The Durban FilmMart is a co-production and finance market and is a joint programme of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF).

To register for DFM and to find out more about the delegate registration process, visit the official website at www.durbanfilmmart.co.za.  An Early Bird registration discount for the 4-day event is available to delegates who book before 30 May at a cost of R1 485, which includes access to allocated sessions, a daily luncheon, DFM networking events, entrance into festival screenings (subject to ticket availability), listing in the DFM Industry Manual, and access to Masterclasses and the Africa in Focus programme. After 30 May 2016, the cost is R2035. Daily passes to the event cost R605. (This does not include tickets to the DIFF screenings or access into the opening and closing events.)

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JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience - Fringe Programme

Media Release

JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience  

August 24 – September 3, 2016

The annual JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience will take place at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in Durban from 24 August to 3 September this year.  Choreographers and dancers (individuals and dance companies) are invited to apply for the JOMBA! Fringe and Youth Fringe programmes before Monday, 13 June at 16:00.

The JOMBA! Fringe programme is open to professional, experimental and up-coming performers and choreographers who are above the age of sixteen. This programme is for persons working specifically in the idioms of contemporary and fusion dance, which is in line with the mission statement of JOMBA! which is to support and promote the development of contemporary dance in KwaZulu-Natal. There is space for a maximum of eight works on this year’s Fringe. Each participant will have an opportunity to showcase and perform their work on Tuesday, 30 August at the festival.

The Youth Fringe is open to dancers under the age of sixteen years old and entry is free of charge.  It is a support initiative for the various ‘Dance Development’ projects operating in KZN and provides a space to celebrate young up-and-coming dancers. Different dance styles are welcomed in this platform. The youngsters will have an opportunity to showcase their talent onSunday, 28 August at the Pieter Scholtz Open Air Theatre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College Campus).

For application forms as well as terms and conditions contact Clare Craighead on 082 875 6065during office hours. All complete application forms for both programmes must be submitted via email to ATT: Clare Craighead at jombafestival@gmail.com with the subject line “2016 JOMBA FRINGE APPLICATION”.

-Ends

Sharlene Versfeld

Versfeld & Associates

sharlene@versfeld.co.za

May 9, 2016

Captions to pics by Val Adamson:

1. Fringe : Musa Hlatshwayo’s Mhayisa Prodcutions at the JOMBA! FRINGE.

1. Youth fringe : FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY’S KwaMashu based SIYAKHULA DANCE PROGRAMME at the JOMBA! Youth Fringe

DFM WELCOMES THE SØRFOND NORWEGIAN SOUTH FILM FUND AS A NEW PARTNER

The Durban FilmMart, the joint programme of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF),  has added the Sørfond Norwegian South Film Fund to its roster of strategic partners for its 7th edition, which runs from 17-20 June. As part of the partnership, Sørfond will provide a new DFM award which will give the selected project the opportunity to pitch at the Sørfond Pitching Forum in Oslo later this year. The main objective of Sørfond is to increase film production in countries where filmmakers face political or economic restraints.

The Pitching Forum is held every year in October during the Films from the South Festival in Oslo. The event gives international producers from countries in the South the chance to present their projects to potential Norwegian co-producers, with the aim of entering into a co-production agreement and applying for further support from Sørfond. The DFM award consists of a confirmed seat at the pitching forum, a pitch course, coverage of hotel and meals, and a substantial contribution towards travel expenses.

"Since its first round of grants in 2012, Sørfond has become an increasingly important player in the tough market of co-financing film productions beyond the western hemisphere,” said Lasse Skagen, artistic director of Sørfond. “Through engaging in a new co-operation with Durban FilmMart in 2016, giving a seat to an emerging African director at the pitching forum in October, and promoting the possibility of Sørfond funding at the market, we hope to increase the presence of African applicants in the 2017 round of Sørfond grants. We are very grateful to Durban FilmMart for giving us this opportunity to join forces with one of the most prestigious film markets on the African continent." 

Although the partnership with DFM only kicks off this year, the fund has already established a link to DFM. Last year Durban-based Vuleka Productions was selected to pitch at the forum with their project Hhola Hhola, which was selected as a DFM project in 2014. Vuleka producer, Julie Frederikse, spoke enthusiastically about the forum. "Being selected to participate in the Sørfond Pitching Panel in Norway was a tremendously valuable experience. The calibre of the projects and producers was very high. The coaching sessions to prepare for pitching were really helpful. And it was extremely rewarding to interact with producers and directors from other countries who face the same kinds of challenges in making authentic local feature films that we do in South Africa."

The DFO's Toni Monty said she was excited about the newly established relationship with Sørfond. “This new partnership further extends the reach of the Durban FilmMart and will no doubt help to stimulate further development of the rapidly growing film industry on the African continent.”

To register for DFM and to find out more about the delegate registration process, visit the official website at www.durbanfilmmart.co.za.  An Early Bird registration discount for the 4-day event is available to delegates who book before 30 May at a cost of R1 485, which includes access to allocated sessions, a daily luncheon, DFM networking events, entrance into festival screenings (subject to ticket availability), listing in the DFM Industry Manual, and access to Masterclasses and the Africa in Focus programme. After 30 May 2016, the cost is R2035. Daily passes to the event cost R605. (This does not include tickets to the DIFF screenings or access into the opening and closing events.)

Independent Filmmaking Workshop, 7 May 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING WORKSHOP

AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FILM INDUSTRY PRINCIPLES

Since its launch in 2011 the EThekwini Filmmakers Association has been offering a set of skills-based monthly workshops that are aimed at equipping and uplifting local emerging filmmakers within the eThekwini Municipality. This month’s workshop will take place on Saturday, 7 May from 9am – 4.30pm at the Bat Centre in Durban.

The Independent Filmmaking Workshop, a developmental initiative between the Durban Film Office and non-profit organisation, the eThekwini Filmmakers Association (EFA), covers the basics of filmmaking. Award winning filmmaker Lehlogonolo “King Shaft” Moropane who graduated with BA film degree from AFDA film school in 2003 will facilitate. Moropane has over 15 years experience in the film industry working as a director, writer and producer and he will be sharing his experiences with film-makers.

Moropane, who owns production company Sunrise Entertainment, has directed and produced numerous short films, TV dramas and music videos. Some of his notable work includes SABC 1 dramas such as Skeem Saam and Uzalo 2015, 360 a feature film  and music videos for artists such as HHP, Proverb, Flavour and Mafikizolo. He is currently studying for his Masters of Fine Arts in Motion Picture, and working on his next feature film June 16.

The workshop is free and all filmmakers from the eThekwini Municipality are welcome to attend.

For bookings or more information on the workshop contact eThekwini Filmmakers Association Chairperson Andile Buwa on 072 994 343 or via email at efa031@gmail.com.  Alternatively contact Ntuthuzelo Gentse on 083 498 9580.

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 Sharlene Versfeld

Versfeld & Associates

031-8115628

083 326 3235

sharlene@versfeld.co.za

GG Alcock to present Masterclass at DFM 2016

 PRESS RELEASE

GG ALCOCK TO PRESENT MASTERCLASS AT DFM 2016

South African author and entrepreneur, GG Alcock, will present an unusual Masterclass at this year’s edition of Durban FilmMart, which takes place from June 17 to 20 during the Durban International Film Festival. Under the banner of "Authenticity is Key – Building Credibility with Audiences”, Alcock will talk about the vital necessity of engaging with an audience on their own terms through an authentic understanding of local narratives.

The author of Third World Child and Kasinomics (which explores the economics of South Africa’s townships, or ‘lokasies’), Alcock is uniquely placed to talk about accessing local audiences. Having grown up in Zulu culture, he is keenly aware how easy it is for external narratives to be imposed unsuccessfully on indigenous cultures. Alcock has been a shebeen owner, a political activist, a community worker, and an African adventurer, and runs a successful communications company - Minanawe Marketing. Born in Zululand and raised in the heart of rural Msinga area of Kwazulu-Natal in the local Zulu community Alcock is fluent in isiZulu and still has a deep physical and spiritual connection with his home village where his mother still lives.

As the founder of Minanawe Marketing, he has built an impressive reputation as a creative and strategist – his upbringing having given him the ability to unearth unique insights and apply these to marketing solutions in the African context. Given how important it is to establish an authentic narrative and convincing context when delivering a message, Alcock says that “these lessons can have just as much relevance for filmmakers looking to engage local audiences as for those wishing to sell products.”

“I think it’s important to note up front that I am not a filmmaker. What I am able to share, however, is an understanding of audiences, particularly in the mass market, townships and rural areas.” His business specialises in developing themes, concepts and marketing campaigns that have a strong connection with the cultures and identities of these audiences. At the DFM he will be discussing some simple – but often ignored – rules, which he applies when communicating with audiences, and illustrating them with case studies.  While these case studies are located in marketing rather than in filmmaking, the value of his research extends to anyone who is trying to tell African stories. “I think the fact that marketers are often able to access audiences successfully indicates the importance of these lessons,” says Alcock.

Alcock plans to use some of the cultural and business case studies from Kasinomics to explore concepts that are seldom discussed outside of predominately verbal cultures. Core lessons and themes that filmmakers will be able to take away include an understanding of the role of culture and how audiences tend to “modernise rather than westernise”, the ways in which visual and verbal language can be misinterpreted, and the importance of the spiritual and intangible in touching the emotions of an audience. Alcock will also explore the power and significance of social networks and viral communication in a non-online world.

Ahead of DFM, Alcock together with Feyi Olubodun, COO of Insight Nigeria have been invited to Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to present a session entitled “The African Consumer, Let My Enemy Live Long” on June 18.

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This unique addition to DFM’s packed roster, which will be presented on June 20, is sure to be both entertaining and eye-opening, and will no doubt inspire new ways of thinking about local audiences.

To register for DFM and to find out more about the delegate registration process, visit the official website at www.durbanfilmmart.com.  An Early Bird registration discount for the 4-day event is available to delegates who book before 30 May at a cost of R1 485, which includes access to allocated sessions, a daily luncheon, DFM networking events, entrance into festival screenings (subject to ticket availability), listing in the DFM Industry Manual, and access to Masterclasses and the Africa in Focus programme. After 30 May 2016, the cost is R2035. Daily passes to the event cost R605. (This does not include tickets to the DIFF screenings or access into the opening and closing events.)

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Note to Editors:

The Durban FilmMart (DFM) is a co-production and finance market and is a joint programme of the Durban Film Office (DFO) and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). DFM provides filmmakers from across Africa with a valuable opportunity to pitch projects to financiers, distributors, sales agents and potential co-producers, and to participate in meetings, project presentations and a series of master classes and workshops on the latest industry trends. www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

The Durban Film Office (DFO) is the film industry development arm of the eThekwini Municipality, mandated to position Durban as a world-class film production destination and facilitator for the development of the local film industry. The DFO drives activity and development in the sector in order to boost tourism, job creation and the development of core skills and SMMEs in the region. www.durbanfilmoffice.co.za.

The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) presents over 200 screenings from different countries and cultures with a special focus on Africa. The festival includes development programmes such as Talents Durban and a rich schedule of workshops. DIFF is a flagship project of the Centre for Creative Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, which facilitates creative platforms and economic opportunities for artists and related industries, intercultural exchange and network development, training, audience development and strategic Pan-African and international cooperation in the cultural sectors. www.cca.ukzn.ac.za