Media Release
Pietermaritzburg: Sunday 7 August - ROAD CLOSURES AND RACE ROUTE
The running of the annual Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km race will be taking place in and around The Oval on Sunday 7 August.
With an expected field of 4,000 athletes that will take to the roads at 8.00am, the following roads will be affected for the duration of the race.
Balmoral – closed from 04:00 – 11:00
Princess Margaret – closed from 04:00 – 11: 00
Park Drive between Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth - closed from 04:00 – 11:00
Princess Elizabeth - closed from 04:00 – 11:00
Park Drive from College Rd to Princess Elizabeth - closed from 07:30 – 11:00
Alexandra Road from Cross Rd to Alan Paton Ave - closed (inbound only) from 07:30 – 10:00
Alan Paton Ave from Alexandra Rd to Burger St - closed (inbound only) from 07:30 – 08:30
Alexandra Road will be closed in both directions from 08:00 until approximately 08:45 to accommodate the large field.
The race route is:
10km ROUTE
Start in Princess Margaret Drive outside Maritzburg College main rugby field (the full road width)
Turn left into Alexandra Road (with the flow)
Turn left into Alan Paton Avenue (with the flow)
Turn left into Burger Street (with the flow)
Turn right into Peter Kerchhoff Street
Turn left into Jabu Ndlovu Street (on the left of the wall)
Turn left into West Street (with the flow)
Turn left into Park Drive (with the flow)
Turn right through the Mayors garden (first gate)
Turn right into Balmoral Drive
Turn right into Princess Margaret Drive
Turn left into Park Drive (with the flow)
Turn left into College Road (with the flow)
Turn right into Topham Road (with the flow)
Turn left into John Barker (with the flow)
Turn left into Alexandra Road (with the flow)
Turn left into Princess Margaret Drive
Turn right into Princess Elizabeth Drive
Turn left into Park Drive
Turn right into The Oval Cricket Stadium
5km Fun Run/Walk ROUTE
Start in Princess Margaret Drive outside Maritzburg College main rugby field (the full road width)
Turn left into Alexandra Road (with the flow)
Turn left into Alan Paton Avenue (with the flow)
Turn left into Burger Street (with the flow)
Turn right into Peter Kerchhoff Street
Turn left into Jabu Ndlovu Street (on the left of the wall)
Turn left into West Street (with the flow)
Turn left into Park Drive (with the flow)
Turn left into The Oval Cricket Stadium
Entries can only be done now at Race Registration on Friday 5 August from 10am to 5pm and Saturday 6 August from 10am to 3pm at the Oval.
Entries are open to all from ages of 15 going up, in both the 5km and 10km races. Entry fees are R70 for the 10km licensed athletes and for the 5km runners. R80 is the entry fee for the Non-licensed athletes; the extra R10 includes a temporary licence for the day.
For more info contact the race organisers on maritzburg@sparwomensrace.co.za or visit the official race on www.sparwomensrace.co.za or like the Facebook page.
-ends
Blog
SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Wrap Up for Grand Finals
SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey
Wrap Up for Grand Finals
St Mary’s DSG: 23 & 24 July
The wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits, or the action at the Grand Finals of this year’s SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge with St Mary’s DSG taking the win in determined fashion on their home turf.
Meeting the defending champions, the host school St Mary’s took on Durban Girls’ College in the gold silver game. After thirty minutes of superb flowing play, with both teams sharing equal possession, the score was level on nil nil with the 2016 winner being decided in a penalty shoot-out.
First to go were College, missing their 8 second penalty. Leah Piggott representing Saints was first in line for her team and didn’t manage to capitalise on College’s miss. The final four rolling penalties went Saints way, with College unable to penetrate Sarah Cromie’s solid presence in goals in their two attempts. Vice-Captain for St Mary’s DSG, Tegan Fourie put the first points up on the board, followed up by Kiana Cormack slotting in her team’s second. The final score was 2-0 to Saints.
The two giants of the tournament had met earlier in the pool games with Saints managing to win that game 1-0 with their feisty Vice-Captain netting the all-important goal. In their fifth appearance of the tournament, this is the second time St Mary’s DSG have won. Their first time was in 2012, also tallying up a bronze in 2011 and 2013 and a fourth place last year.
It was not to be for Durban Girls’ College. In their sixth appearance, College were hoping to make this their fourth title in a row, with gold in 2013, 2014 and 2015. The team representing the Durban Central Regional ended their pool games second behind St Mary’s, but tied on points with the hard-working team from King Edward High School. Both College and King Edward finished the pool games on 9points with College advancing to the final having scored more goals.
In the bronze medal game, it was a Pietermaritzburg derby with St Anne’s and Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High duelling it out on the astro. In their second meeting of the tournament, St Anne’s managed to clinch the win to claim bronze. In their first meeting, captain for St Anne’s, Julia Saulez found the back of the net to put her team 1-0 up in an exciting conclusion to the Pool B games.
After half an hour in the bronze final, the whistle went for full time with the score sitting on nil nil. Both teams first attempts didn’t manage to find the back of the net, with Girls’ High second attempt also not troubling the scorers. St Anne’s Daniella Rhodes put her team one up with her penalty shot. Levelling the scores for Girls’ High, Nandi Ngubane gave her team a chance. With the pressure on, St Anne’s Steph Wenke got shut down by goalie, Nox Manele with the score now level.
The game moved on to sudden death with St Anne’s Captain Julia Saulez leading by example and scoring. Then vibrant keeper for St Anne’s, Megan Rebstein-Dovey rose to the occasion, not allowing the first and final shot in the sudden death to pass her, giving her team the title of bronze winners.
Rob Philipson, MD for SPAR KZN stated, “After 29 games this weekend, 160 young ladies can be extremely proud of themselves for their achievement. Each and every one of the players battled the chilly weather and did so superbly. They not only represented their school, but their region with great pride and grace. Well done ladies to your successes at this wonderful tournament.”
A new initiative this year was the inclusion of a hockey bursary by Varsity College. With the decision being extremely difficult this year, the college awarded two bursaries. The announcement was made at the prize giving, with the recipients being invited to study and play for Varsity College. The two bursary winners were Tegan Fourie from St Mary’s DSG and Courtney Slaney from Westville Girls’ High School.
At the prize-giving, Tournament Director, Les Galloway said, “Ladies, you entertained us this weekend with a display of phenomenal skill and talent on the turf. To St Mary’s DSG, well done on your win. I believe, looking at the score lines, the standard of hockey is certainly improving in our province. A team like King Edward played impressively keeping hockey playing school, College to a draw. Another outlying school, Wartburg also impressed, giving it their absolute all this year. It is a joy to see our great game of hockey winning at the end of the day!”
Results
1 St Mary’s DSG, 2 Durban Girls’ College, 3 St Anne’s College, 4 Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High, 5 Wartburg Kirchdorf School, 6 King Edward High School, 7 Ashton International College, 8 Grantleigh College, 9 Sarel Cilliers High School, 10 Amanzimtoti High School.
Scores
Pool Games
St Mary’s DSG 2 vs Grantleigh School 0
Sarel Cilliers High School 0 – King Edward High School 2
St Anne’s DSG 4 – Amanzimtoti High School 0
Wartburg Kirchdorf School 0 – Ashton International College 0
Grantleigh School 0 – Durban Girls’ College 2
St Mary’s DSG 5 – Sarel Cilliers High School 0
Amanzimtoti High School 0 – Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School 1
St Anne’s College 4 – Wartburg Kirchdorf School 0
Durban Girls’ College 0 – King Edward High School 0
Grantleigh School 0 – Sarel Cilliers High School 0
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High 0 – Ashton International College 0
Amanzimtoti High School 0 – Wartburg Kirchdorf School 2
Sarel Cilliers High School 0 – Durban Girls’ College 5
King Edward High School 0 – St Mary’s DSG 2
Wartburg Kirchdorf School 0 – Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School 1
Ashton International College 1 – St Anne’s College 3
Durban Girls’ College 0 – St Mary’s DSG 1
King Edward High School 2 – Grantleigh School 1
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School 0 – St Anne’s College 1
Ashton International College 0 – Amanzimtoti High School 0
Play-Offs
Grantleigh 0 – Wartburg Kirchdorf School 6
King Edward High School 1 (3) – Ashton International College 1 (2)
Durban Girls’ College 0 (3) – St Anne’s College 0 (2)
St Mary’s DSG 2 – Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School 1
Sarel Cilliers High School 2 – Amanzimtoti High School 0
Grantleigh School 0 – Ashton International College 1
Wartburg Kirchdorf School 1 – King Edward High School 0
St Anne’s DSG 0 (2) – Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School 0 (1)
Durban Girls’ College 0 (0) – St Mary’s DSG 0 (2)
ENDS
What's Happening in Durban & KZN
KZN Theatre, Arts & Events Diary
Week of Thursday 14 July, 2016
Prepared by Publicity Matters (see all their details at end of this listing for interviews and queries)
Family Holiday Theatre:
Buddy Holly
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: 23 July – 7 August
This July, Durban audiences can enjoy the story of pioneering rock legend, Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 23 July – 7 August
Catalina UnLtd, continuing in the great tradition, presents the smash-hit musical, Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story. This production, under the capable direction of Themi Venturas, brings together a top professional team. The show is filled with toe tapping hits including Buddy Holly classics like That’ll be the day, Everyday, Oh Boy! Maybe Baby, Peggy Sue, Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace, Ritchie Valens’ smash hit La Bamba and Chuck Berry’s Johnny B Goode. Audiences can expect a rocking and rollicking fun show that tells the story of an amazing music industry legend whose life was tragically cut short.
Bookings are through Computicket with discounted performances at 02.30pm and 07.00pm Sat 23 and 2.30pm Sun 24 July at R70. General public performances at R120 are from 26 July – 7 August at 07.00pm. Schools performances (R50 per learner) are at 02.30pm on 29 July and 2 & 4 August. Booking for schools can be done through the company, email info@catalinatheatre.com for more information.
Theatre:
Lenny
Playhouse Drama Theatre: 21 - 31 July
A powerful new play commemorating the life of former political activist Lenny Naidu is to be staged in the Playhouse Drama theatre this month. Written and narrated by Jayshree Parasuramen and starring Rahul Brijnath, Lenny tells a moving human story about a man who gave his life for to the struggle for freedom of the people of South Africa. Directed by Themi Venturas, the production’s world premiere season takes place in the Playhouse Drama Theatre in Durban from 21 to 31 July 2016.
“Whilst Lenny is a story based in the history and facts of the ANC stalwart Lenny Naidu who was killed during the latter years of apartheid by the Third Force based at Vlakplaas, the story is also universal. It is about families who are torn apart by history unfolding, and those that are left behind. It is about chance, but most of all it is about one human’s propensity for brutality on another - the sort of brutality that was inflicted by the apartheid era, or the holocaust, or the Russian pogroms, or the killing fields of Cambodia,” said Jayshree Parasuramen
Show times in the Playhouse Drama are as follows: 21 July at 7.30pm (opening); 22 July at 7.30pm; 23 July at 3pm and 7.30pm; 27 and 28 July at 11am (schools performances); 30 July at 3pm and 7.30pm; with a final performance on Sunday 31 July at 3pm. Tickets are R120 for the public performances of Lenny. Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or online at www.computicket.com. Alternatively call the Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540 or 369 9596 (office hours). Tickets for the school performances are R30 per learner. To secure school bookings, call 072 9260692 or 083 610 9931 or 031 826 5585 (o/h).
Sweetie Darling
Playhouse Loft Theatre: 19 - 24 July
Copy Dog in association with The Playhouse Company proudly presents Sweetie Darling, a new one-man stage comedy by multiple award-winning playwright-director Clinton Marius (Lollipop Lane, The Fantastical Flea Circus, B!*ch Stole My Doek). Starring the popular Durban actor, Bongani Mbatha, Sweetie Darling will play in The Loft Theatre from 19 to 24 July 2016.
Sweetie Darling is a romantic comedy about a young man who goes all out to prove himself. While he sets up a picnic in the park for his sweetheart, he recounts the ups and downs of his journey to happiness. As he finds himself, and love, he also finds his path to spiritual growth.
Performances of Sweetie Darling in the Loft Theatre will be at 7.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday, 19 to 23 July, and at 2.30pm on Sunday 24 July. Tickets are R50 (Tuesday and Wednesday performances) and R85 (Friday to Sunday). Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or at www.computicket.com. Bookings can also be made via the Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540 (office hours).
“Sometimes, life isn’t simply black and white.”
Waiting for Nelson
Courtyard Theatre: Sat 23 July at 6pm
East London born and Johannesburg based actor, writer and director Mbasa Tsetsana will be bringing his award winning production, Waiting for Nelson, to the DUT’s Department of Drama and Production Studies to the Courtyard theatre at Saturday 23 July at 7pm.
This professional staging will be doubled billed with a student version of Waiting for Nelson under the direction of DUT directing student Sphephelo Dlamini. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to see two versions of the same production performed one after the other with an interval in-between. The second version will be followed by a Q&A with writer, directors and cast.
For more information contact the Departmental Secretary, Lebohang Sibisi on (031) 3732194 / lebohangs@dut.ac.za. Tickets are R30 at the door, students R20.
Early Bird tickets for Tim Plewman’s
Defending the Caveman
Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: 6 – 17 Sept
There are early bird specials for tickets to Tim Plewman’s fabulous one man show: Defending the Caveman – with 20% off the ticket price throughout July
Tim Plewman, by public demand, once again dons the Caveman’s skins and steps onto stage to add to his record breaking slew of sold out performances of the longest-running and most successful solo comedy in South African theatre history. The Broadway production still holds the record of the longest running non- musical solo comedy of all time. What more can be said about this wonderful show that so humorously exposes the hunter and gatherer in us all and has played to over a million people?
Tickets through Computicket, with 20% off the ticket price throughout July.
AIDS2016:
HIV/AIDS Creatives for AIDS2016
AIDS2016: the world's largest global health conference, now significantly in its 21st year, returns to our shores, monopolising the public spaces, media and mind-set of Durban from 18 – 22 July. At that time, the global creative community, taking the lead from Durban creatives, will be hosting a myriad project, events, exhibitions and engagements which talk to an HIV/AIDS theme.
Through Positive Eyes
Durban Art Gallery: from 17 July
Award-winning photographer Gideon Mendel and UCLA professor David Gere have, for the last 10 years, been building Through Positive Eyes, a participatory photography project in which people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) share their stories in the form of photos, video, and narrative.
The project has now culminated in a multi-faceted Through Positive Eyes exhibition, to be shown throughout the southern African region, the European Union, and the United States, beginning in July 2016 and continuing through 2020.
The exhibition in its current form has been curated by David Gere (Los Angeles), Stan Pressner (New York) and Carol Brown (Durban).
Artivist
Durban Art Gallery: from 17 July
Complementing Through Positive Eyes, there will be additional artworks on display at DAG: artists include artists Daniel Goldstein (San Francisco) whose sculptural Medicine Man is an iconic image and will be included with mandala-like presentations of photographs. Gordon Mundie (London) has created a “bag of shame” and an interactive stigma installation using UV light and invisible ink and New Delhi-based curator Parthiv Shah’s contribution is a beautiful series of hand-made books displayed as artworks. The team of artivists have chosen favorite images from the project and included other works giving these images their own individualistic spin. The exhibition culminates in a gallery transformed into a small theater, in which a sophisticated sound-and-light show, designed by New York theatrical designer Stan Pressner, is enacted, entiled “Banishing Stigma.”
The exhibition in its current form has been curated by David Gere (Los Angeles), Stan Pressner (New York) and Carol Brown (Durban).
The Butterfly Project
Denis Hurley Centre: for Aids2016
The Butterfly Project is a project initiative of the US Consulate Durban, the Denis Hurley Centre and the office of the Premier, funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), aimed at getting KZNs teenagers involved in AIDS2016 to envision an AIDS free generation.
100 young people a day, over six days, have created butterflies out of recyled plastic in workshops at the Denis Hurley Centre in the heart of Durban working towards a huge public art installation which is now on display at the DHC over AIDS2016 before being dismantled and elements sent for display at participating communities. Alongside the butterfly-making workshops, DramAidE and facilitators affirmed the health education message that behavioural change is necessary to work towards an AIDS free generation.
For more info, contact Seth Pyoos on tel: 031 301 2240 or seth@denishurleycentre.org.
South African Voices:
Towards a Museum of HIV Memory and Learning
KwaMuhle Museum: now open
South African Voices: Towards a Museum of HIV Memory and Learning is a collection of artefacts, artistic, historic and photographic items that pay tribute to those who suffered and succumbed, and those who live with HIV every day in South Africa.
South African Voices is a partnership project between eThekwini Municipality, Avacarehealth and info4africa. It will be situated at KwaMuhle Local History Museum, on Bram Fischer Road. This is adjacent to the AIDS2016 Conference parking.
“Created as a legacy project of AIDS2016, South African Voices documents a critical and defining chapter in our collective history in South Africa. It offers all people space to celebrate the achievements and reflect on the journey we have taken from the dark days of denialism and calls to "Break the Silence" at AIDS2000, to having the largest HIV treatment programme in the world,” says project director, info4africa’s Debbie Heustice.
Make a Plan:
Possibility and Empowerment in a Time of AIDS
South African Voices: Thursday 21 July at 6.30pm
David Patient and partner Neil Orr will be launching their eighth book: Make a Plan: Possibility and Empowerment in a Time of AIDS, in Durban on Thursday 21 July as one of the events which form part of the opening season of South African Voices: Towards a Museum of HIV Memory and Learning at KwaMuhle Museum.
David Patient is well known throughout southern Africa for education and wellness programmes addressing HIV and AIDS. His work with partner Neil Orr has gone beyond teaching people how to get and stay healthy. Through personal interface and eight books, Patient and Orr have taught millions that the path to long-term health is travelled best through living a life of purpose and meaning. Positive Health has sold 20 million copies. They have trained tens of thousands in workshops and reached millions through popular broadcast media programmes.
David’s personal story also features in South African Voices: Towards a Museum of HIV Memory and Learning. Also available will be the seventh revised edition of their best seller, Positive Health.
In My Own Voice
Playhouse Opera: 21 – 24 July
In My Own Voice, a courageous new musical by Musa Njoko chronicling her challenges of living with and surviving HIV Aids for 22 years, is to be staged in the Playhouse Opera theatre in Durban. Presented by Musa Njoko Music and Entertainment in association with the Playhouse Company, and supported by Ethekwini Municipality, the production runs from 21 – 24 July.
Veteran AIDS Activist Musa Njoko who in 1994 was one of the first people to consciously and publicly disclose her HIV status, has crafted an original musical theatre production which chronicles her astonishing life. In her production, In My Own Voice, she shares her triumphs and challenging personal journey as one of the country’s earliest AIDS activists.
Show times for In My Own Voice in the Playhouse Opera Theatre are at 7pm on Thursday and Friday, 21 and 22 July, at 3pm and 7pm on Saturday 23 July, with a final matinee performance on Sunday 24 July at 3pm. Tickets are R120 per person (R60 pensioners and students). Booking is through Computicket outlets at branches of Shoprite Checkers, or telephonically on 0861 915 8000, or online at www.computicket.com. Alternatively, bookings can be made by callingthe Playhouse Box Office on 031-369 9540 or 031-369 9596 (office hours).
Music:
Kloof Musical Pops
St Agnes Church Hall, Kloof: Friday, 29 July
On Friday, 29 July, at St Agnes Auditorium in Kloof , the Rotary club of Kloof will present the Kloof Musical Pops. The first half of the programme will feature The KZN Youth Orchestra conducted by Lyk Temmingh performing symphonic greats such as Handel's La Rejouissance, Brahms' Hungarian Dance no 5, The Radetsky March, and some popular tunes such as Sway, Can't Take my eyes off you and New York New York .
The second half of the programme will get yourhands clapping and toes tapping as Platform Jazz puts a swing on the evening andpresents big band greats such as Mack the Knife, What a wonderful world and In the Mood . Led by Cathy “Hotlips” Peacock, the band will also feature Melvin Peters, Bruce Baker, Duncan Wooldridge, Kirsten Sayers, Andreas Kappen, Jeff Judge and Shelley McLean.
The evening will start at 6.30pm and will be set up in supper theatre style for patrons to bring picnics and drinks. Ticket prices are R150 and R130 for pensioners and students. Booking is through Computicket. Proceeds of the evening will go to the 110 year old Kloof Rest Home which is in urgent need of repair.
Quark: Friday 15 July
Alliance Française de Durban Activities: Fri 15 July
The Alliance Française will also be hosting Quark on Friday 15 July at 7pm. Quark is collaboration between two musicians from very different backgrounds, Fiona Tozer (guitar) and Dan Wilson (bass). The duo will be bringing the Jazz and Folk genres together to create an eclectic sound with lyrical content relating to the story of the human race and its place in the cosmos Quark is a unique experience that will leave you wanting more.
For more info: Alliance Française de Durban : 22 Sutton Crescent, Corner Lilian Ngoyi (Windermere) Road, Morningside / Tel : 031 312 9582 / Contact Denise (Administrator) at afdbn@global.co.za or Frédérique (Course Coordinator) at courses.afdbn@alliance.org.za
Website: http://www.alliance.org.za/durban/
Rowan Stuart embarks on national Winter Tour
In association with Concerts SA, Durban's Soul Folk singer-songwriter-guitarist Rowan Stuart will be embarking on a multi-province tour this month, with performances in Gauteng, the Free State, the Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, joined by Andy Turrell on bass guitar.
Rowan has created an inimitable brand of Soul Folk music, with pop and world influences. Recalling Sting's imaginative storytelling, Death Cab for Cutie's sense of space and beauty, and John Mayer's tight grooves, Rowan uses his notable prowess on the guitar as the foundation for his creativity.
Artist Links
Website: www.rowanstuart.com
Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/rowanstuart
YouTube: www.youtube.com/rowanstuartvideo
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rowanstuartmusic
iTunes: www.itunes.com/rowanstuart
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rowanstuartmusic
Events Listing
Port Shepstone – South Coast Lions Show
Friday 15 July – 6pm –R50 (adults) / R25 (under 18’s and pensioners) / Free (under 12’s)
Address: Port Shepstone Country Club, Old Saint Faiths Rd
Bookings: lionsshow@sheppielions.co.za / 083 301 2883
Community:
Get Involved: IBV Children’s VIP Day
Durban Exhibition Centre: 13 August
The seventh annual Children’s VIP Day hosted by the International Bank Vaults at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Saturday 13 August. The special day invites over 3,000 less privileged children from Durban and surrounds to the DEC where they will be treated to a day of interactive fun, treats, games and pampering in the company of sports stars and entertainment celebrities as part of IBV, through their IBV Humanities Division.
The organisers are encouraging businesses of all sizes to get involved, donate! If it is stock or even your time, there are 3,000 children that will truly appreciate it! A little will sincerely go a long way! They are setting up book and stationary drop off stations so members of the public can donate their learning materials, books etc. The two venues will be IBV International Vaults at Gateway and at the Pavilion Hotel near North Beach.
To get involved, contact Shivani Gosai on 031 566 3984 / shivani@ibvglobal.com.
For more info: Visit www.ibvinternationalvaults.com. Or watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tToRlHdYW9s
Art:
There Are Places I Remember
Durban Art Gallery: now open
There Are Places I Remember (Hidden memory: Places of our city) is an exhibition art project between the sister cities Bremen/Germany and Durban/South Africa
Working with the subject of art and memory, 11 visual artists from Bremen focus on places in Bremen, each of which –apart from the tourist attractions in the city– has a special meaning for the corresponding artist. The involved artists had previously taken part in various ways in the Culture-Exchange project The Designing of the Concordia Tunnel 2012 realized between the two cities. The artists’ work on the theme by utilizing various media: painting, photography, printing, installation, collage and video. The results are on currently on an exhibition at the Durban Art Gallery.
Supper Theatre / Musical Revues:
All of Me
Rhumbelow Durban: 15, 16, 17 July
A show with Melanie Roberts in her inimitable diva style. Shemual Mahabeer on piano. At last! Melanie performs her first ever solo show in 33 years of being in showbiz. 4 countries, 200 shows some devised and written by herself and over 400 corporates has brought her to now...go solo.
A kaleidescope of songs from the 40's to now, combined with her cabaret and musical theatre songs and into the pot an array of styles from pop to swing, jazz to ballads.....all woven together with her irreverent wit, conversations with the audience and anecdotes from 33 years of performing. Expect to hear Elton John, Billy Joel, Elvis, Ed Sheeran, Gloria Gaynor, Turner, Bruno Mars, George Gershwin, Sting, Carpenters, Ella Fitzgerald, Carole King, James Brown, Cole Porter, Beatles....and much more.
Gowns are by Karen Monk Klijnstra and hair by Faye @ Hoi Polloi. Book at Computicket or phone or email Roland for bookings. Email : roland@stansell.za.net / events.durbantheatre.com / Cell 0824998636.
Clive Scott in Warts and All
Rhumbelow Durban: 22, 23, 24 July
Clive Scott has always made people laugh, whether it was as Ted Dixon (aka “Hey Stupid!”) in The Villagers and Isidingo or in his various roles in “Oh George”, “Life Begins at 40”, “The John Ross Story” and “River Horse Lake”. You just have to look at him…
Now, this beloved South African veteran of stage and screen has gathered all his experience, wisdom, funniness and poignancy to bring you a one-man show encompassing all of it.
Clive Scott stars in his autobiographical one man show, Warts and All, An iconictribute to some of South Africa’s best loved theatre moments, you had better bring the tissues – for the tears of laughter that are sure to roll.
Friday 22 – Sun 24 July. R 140-00 a ticket; Bring food picnic baskets; Discounts R 120-00 a ticket. Pensioners & Block Bookings 8 or more; Bar Available; Book at Computicket or Phone or email Roland for bookings Cell 0824998636 / email roland@stansell.za.net / events.durbantheatre.com.
Magical Mayhem
Rhumbelow Durban: 29, 30, 31 July
The South African Magical Society (S.A.M.S.) hosts its annual showcase highlighting the best of Durban’s magical talent. The show, titled Magical Mayhem has many brand new facets for patrons to enjoy. The show’s producer, Ricki Gray, already no stranger to Durban audiences, explains that the family friendly show is designed to attract audiences that have enjoyed previous shows hosted by S.A.M.S. as well as attract new audiences. “There are many new surprises in store,” explains Ricki. “For example, this year Roland Stansell, long-time member of the magical society, is hosting the show as Grand Panto Dame, Miss Direction.”
The show will feature both amateur and professional magicians and will include a variety of magical acts, from illusions to cards and from mentalism to comedy. By popular demand, once again, magicians will not only be performing on stage, but at the tables. This style of magic, called close-up or intimate magic will allow audiences to experience magic like never before; up close and personal.
R 140-00 a ticket; Pensioners and Block Bookings (8 or more) R 120-00; Children (under 13) R 70-00
Bring food picnic baskets; Burgers & Chips etc on Sale; Bar Available; Book at Computicket or Phone or email Roland for bookings Cell 0824998636 / email roland@stansell.za.net / events.durbantheatre.com.
Ends
PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST & FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Publicity Matters or visit www.pubmat.co.za
Information correct at time of distribution
Illa Thompson
Publicity Matters
arts, theatre, culture, festival, social justice, sports and events publicists
tel / fax 031 201 1638
mobile 083 326 3234
illa@pubmat.co.za
roaming pubmatgal@gmail.com
twitter @pubmat
facebook publicity matters group and page
Durban International Film Festival Announces Award Winners for 2016
Durban International Film Festival Announces Award Winners for 2016
The Durban International Film Festival announced its award-winners tonight (June 25) at the closing ceremony of the festival’s 37th edition at the Playhouse prior to the screening of the closing film, The Space in Between – Marina Abramovic and Brazil.
The award for the Best Feature Film went to The Violin Player directed by Bauddhayan Mukherji.
The jury’s citation said: “A seductive and mysterious tale of a violin player’s mundane life and an interesting take on how chance encounters are almost predestined. By successfully weaving offbeat editing, brave cinematography, simple screenplay, honest direction and a lot of surprising elements, the film shows us that art, no matter how unimportant it may seem, can change peoples lives. “
The award for Best South African Feature Film went to Tess (a 2013 Durban FilmMart project), directed by Meg Rickards, which the jury described as “a measured and uncompromising debut feature.”
The Best Documentary award went to Martha and Niki directed by Tora Mkandawire Martens, which the jury describes as “visual feast that skillfully intertwines a profound reflection on (an) art form with the inner journey of two compelling characters.”
The jury made a special mention of Action Commandante, also a former Durban FilmMart project, by Nadine Cloete, for “its exceptional quality and commitment to its subject matter.”
The Best SA Documentary went to The Journeymen, directed by Sean Metelerkamp. The citation from the jurors said “The Journeymen takes an unflinching look at who we are by holding up the proverbial mirror to South African society. The honesty, bravery and commitment of the film crew results in a mosaic picture of our country with warts and all. This is strong and uncompromising cinema that is simultaneously disturbing and life-affirming.”
Best Short Film went to Grandma's Day (Dzie'n Babci) directed by Milosz Sakowski. The jury also made special mention in this category of the film Ave Maria directed by Basil Khalil.
The Best African Short Film Award, which is supported by the Gauteng Film Commission, went to New Eyes directed by Hiwot Admasu.
eKhaya (Home), directed by Shubham Mehta won the Best South African Short Film award, which is also supported by the Gauteng Film Commission.
The shorts jury also made special mention of two other films in this category - Amagugu directed by Ndududo Shandu and Discovery of Fire directed by Gerhard Pretorius.
The Best Actor Award went to Mohsen Namjoo for his performance in Radio Dream, directed by Babak Jalali. The award for Best Actress went to Christia Visser for her role as Tess in Tess directed by Meg Rickards.
The awards for Best Direction went to Ciro Guerra for Embrace Of The Serpent, Best Cinematography to Chris Lotz for The Endless River and Best Screenplay went to Ciro Guerra and Thoedor Koch-Grunberg for Embrace of The Serpent.
A new award, the Best Editing , sponsored by SAGE (South Africa Guild of Editors), went to the to Tess which was edited by Linda Man. The award for Artistic Bravery was given to Neon Bull directed by Gabriel Mascaro for its unique portrayal of a little-known community of Brazilian Rodeo workers.
The Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award for the film that best reflects human rights issues which comes with a cash prize donated by the Artists for the Human Rights Trust went to Noma, directed by Pablo Pineda.
The international jury this year was made up of four jurors: Bianca Balbuena, an award-wining producer from the Philippines, Fibby Kioria, the programme director of Maisha Foundation, an initiative founded by Mira Nair to empower visionary filmmakers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, Sherif Awad a film critic who currently works for the Luxor African Film Festival and Trevor Steele Taylor a veteran of festivals in South Africa, having programmed for the Cape Town International Film Festival, the Weekly Mail & Guardian Film Festival and DIFF and is the curator for film the National Arts Festival.
The South African feature film jury consisted of film-makers Jahmil Qubeka and Melissa Parry while the documentary jurors were film-makers Rehad Desai, Omelga Mthiyane and Riaan Hendricks, and the short film jurors were film-makers Neil Coppen and Sumayya Rawat.
The Amnesty Jury consisted of Coral Vinsen, Nonhlanha Mkhize, Betty Rawheath and Mark Povall.
The audience choice awards for DIFF and for the Wavescape Film Festival will be announced on Monday.
Sunday is the last day of the festival. For more information go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za for details of the remaining screenings.
-ends
DIFF and SAGE announce Editing Awards
Media Release
DIFF AND SAGE ANNOUNCE EDITING AWARDS
The South African Guild of Editors (SAGE) has announced that the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) has included an award for best editing this year. The American Cinema Editors (ACE) has over a number of years campaigned for the inclusion of a Film Editing awards category at international film festivals. In support of this initiative, SAGE consulted with the DIFF management team in early 2016, and the festival has decided to implement an award for Best Editor for this year’s festival.
"We appreciate everyone’s contribution to this success—most notably the American Cinema Editors for their petition for editors’ recognition at top-tier international film festivals. Further support came from the American Motion Picture Editors Guild, as well as several other international guilds and societies, presenting an unprecedented alliance for the recognition of the editor in the filmmaking process.” says SAGE Chairperson Marina du Toit.
In addition, DIFF has included Melissa Parry (Vice-chairperson) of SAGE as a judge on the South African jury, where she will be able to bring her considerable editing expertise to the judging process. "SAGE members’ contributions to the filmmaking process are recognised through the selection of their films at many international film festivals, including numerous films selected for DIFF,” says Parry. “We are pleased to recognise the work of two SAGE editors in this year’s festival,” says du Toit. “This year, three of the selected films at DIFF have SAGE editors: Khalid Shamis who, edited The Unseen and Action Commandant, which was a Durban FilmMart project and Nikki Comninos who edited Tarryn Crossman’s Timelines."
SAGE has developed a close collaborative relationship with DIFF since 2012, aiming to further promote editors and the craft of editing at the festival. We value the huge contribution DIFF makes to our local film industry, and look forward to a fruitful relationship going forward.” says du Toit. "Advocating for editors’ recognition is an ongoing process and we urge our members to continue supporting our endeavours to obtain further recognition at other film festivals.”
“We are pleased to be able to offer an award this year for editing, which is a critical element of the whole creative process,” says Acting Festival Manager of DIFF, Peter Machen. “Sadly, editing is often overlooked in the filmmaking process, yet sensitive and astute editing is a vital part of the product.”
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.
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
Award winning South African documentary at DIFF
Media Release
Award winning South African documentary at DIFF
The South African documentary Lost Tongue, winner of the Women Film Critics Circle Award, is set to screen at the 37th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which takes place from June 16 and 26.
The feature-length documentary film draws attention to the plight of South Africa’s indigenous and marginalized Khomani San people and their desperate efforts to save their almost extinct N/uu language, with only three elderly people still speaking it. Lost Tongue follows the journey of Helena Steenkamp in her efforts to learn and save the language culture and values.
The film, directed by Davison Mudzingwa and produced by Mvura Ya Afrika Productions, received the prestigious Women Film Critics Circle Award after its premiere at the SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York in March this year, and has had sold out screenings at the Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival. "We are excited to be part of DIFF,” said Mudzingwa. “We consider it to be the annual mecca for film in Africa and the fact that Lost Tongue is screening at DIFF is something we deeply cherish. The film that resonates with all of us as it speaks about the core aspects of our being as humans: identity, language and culture."
Lost Tongue, which is in competition at DIFF, will have three screenings during the festival. The opening screening will be on Friday, June 17, at 8.30pm at Musgrave Ster Kinekor, Wednesday, June 22, at 10pm at the Luthuli Museum in Groutville, and on Sunday, June 26, at8pm at Nu Metro Pavilion.
SAE Institute Cape Town, the world’s largest creative media educational institute, is partnering with MYA Productions to co-host the screening of the film.
The film has been supported by Entrepreneurship Africa (EA) and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).
For more information about the DIFF go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.
The Durban International Film Festival takes place from 16-26 June 2016. The Festival includes more than 250 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.
-ends
37th Durban International Film Festival: Free Public Screenings
Media Release
37th Durban International Film Festival: Free Public Screenings
The Durban International Film Festival, which takes place from June 16 to 26, will host a series of free public screenings. The DIFF will travel to Clermont, Kwangcolosi, Inanda, Umlazi, KwaMashu and the city centre, where people will have the opportunity to watch this year’s opening night film The Journeymen as well as the comedy - Wonder Boy for President, starring Kagiso Lediga.
The Journeymen is a documentary filmed in 2014, the year in which South Africa celebrated 20 years of democracy and mourned Nelson Mandela’s death. The film chronicles the free-wheeling journey of three South African photographers (Sean Metelerkamp, Sipho Mpongo and Wikus De Wet) across the country as they explore the current state of South Africa with GoPro cameras strapped to their chests, feeling its pulse and asking the question: “Has Mandela’s vision of equality in a rainbow nation been achieved?” The film answers this question with a kaleidoscopic set of responses that is disturbing, beautiful, thought-provoking and, more than anything, movingly surreal. 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.
Directed by John Barker, Wonder Boy for President tells a story of Wonder Boy, a charismatic and authoritative young man from the Eastern Cape (played by master comedian Kagiso Lediga), 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 the challenges that arise.
Programme – both films will be screened each day
Saturday, 18 June at 10:00am at Clermont Library
Monday, 20 June at 10:00am at Wushwini Arts Centre at Kwangcolosi
Tuesday, 21 June at 10:00am at Ohlange Library, Inanda
Thursday, 23 June at 10:00am Umlazi W Library W
Friday, 24 June at 10:00am at Creative Arts College on Dr Pixley Kasema Street (West Street)
Saturday, 25 June at 10:00am at KwaMashu Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre (KCAP)
For general enquiries call 031 260 2506, logon to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za, follow on Twitter @Diffest and like the Facebook page Durbaninternationalfilmfestival.
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.
ends
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.
-ends
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
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
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
-ends
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.
-ends
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
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.
-ends
Photos attached: Credit: Supplied by DFM
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
ends
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.)
Blue-chip cinema on the red carpet at 2016 European Film Festival
Media Release
Blue-chip cinema on the red carpet at 2016 European Film Festival
The Oscar-winning documentary Amy, an intimate portrait of late British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, is among the gems on offer at the European Film Festival, which heads to Cinema Nouveau screens in four cities from 6 to 15 May 2016.
Ster-Kinekor will be screening 11 feature length films from across the continent at Cinema Nouveau theatres in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban during the festival. These multi-awarded films, which have been the toast of the international film festival circuit, have never been screened before in South Africa.
This, the third local edition of the European Film Festival, sees the introduction of documentary films, with three non-fiction offerings on the programme.
Festival Director Katarina Hedrén says: “We wish to contribute to the ongoing story of Europe. This story is one of a diverse continent in an interconnected world, which seems to be spinning faster and not always in the right direction.”
Topping the list of films at the 2016 European Film Festival is Amy (UK), directed by Asif Kapadia, which won the 2016 Academy Award and BAFTA for Best Documentary Feature. The documentary tracks the life of the gifted but self-destructive jazz-soul singer until her tragic death from alcohol poisoning in 2011, aged just 27.
Other decorated offerings on the European Film Festival menu are the dramas Macondo (Austria), Body (Poland), Montanha (Portugal), Flowers (Spain), Something Must Break (Sweden) and Labyrinth of Lies (Germany).
Also gracing the silver screen during the festival are the musical comedy Belgian Rhapsody (Belgium), biopic Chocolat (France) and documentaries Fire at Sea (Italy) and A Family Affair (the Netherlands).
The European Film Festival is coordinated by the Goethe-Institut South Africa, hosted by Ster-Kinekor Cinema Nouveau, and organised in partnership with the European Union and 11 other European cultural agencies or embassies in South Africa: the General Representation of the Government of Flanders, the French Institute, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Camões Institute, the British Council, and the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden.
Says Norbert Spitz, Director of the Goethe-Institut, on behalf of the European partners: “Katarina Hedrén has put together a selection of feature films and documentaries that allows us to discover unconventional, surprising and moving portraits of life in the multifaceted place that Europe is.”
Adds Lola Gallant, Brand Manager of Cinema Nouveau: “As the festival exhibitor, we are delighted to be partnering with the Goethe-Institut and its partners to host the third annual European Film Festival. As Cinema Nouveau, we pride ourselves on providing a platform to screen a wide variety of foreign-language films. We believe the eleven films, lined up for this year’s festival, which would otherwise not be accessible to local cinema audiences, are must-see content for any film lover.“
The European Film Festival screenings will take place at Cinema Nouveau Rosebank, Brooklyn, Gateway and V&A Waterfront. Bookings open on 15 April 2016, with tickets priced at R55. Secure your seat by visiting www.cinemanouveau.co.za or www.sterkinekor.mobi, or call0861 668 437. For more information, visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za or join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook: #EuroFilmFestSA.
Festival Trailer: https://youtu.be/zraEw3_KByM
Bookings:
www.eurofilmfest.co.za
www.cinemanouveau.co.za
sterkinekor.mobi
0861 668 437
Standard ticket price: R55
Normal benefits and ticket discounts apply to members of SK Club, Discovery Vitality and Edgars Club.
Venues:
Cinema Nouveau - Rosebank Mall, Johannesburg
Rosebank Mall (Level 1), cnr Bath & Baker Streets, Rosebank
Cinema Nouveau - Brooklyn, Pretoria
Brooklyn Mall (Lower Level Shop 12), Bronkhorst Street, New Muckleneuk
Cinema Nouveau - V&A, Cape Town
King Warehouse, Red Shed, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Cinema Nouveau - Gateway, Durban
Gateway Theatre of Shopping (Expo/Explore Floor), 1 Palm Blvd, Umhlanga Rocks
-ends
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE GOETHE-INSTITUT SOUTH AFRICA
MEDIA QUERIES:
National Publicity: Bridget van Oerle / BUZ PUBLICITY:
buz@buz.co.za / 083 263 6991 / 011 673 0264 / 011 477 0923
Durban Publicity:
Sharlene Versfeld : Versfeld & Associates
sharlene@versfeld.co.za 083 3263235/ 031 8115628
Note to editors:
Media Preview Screenings:
Johannesburg
Venue: Rosebank Nouveau, Cinema 6
12 April / 14.00
Welcome by the Festival Director
Preview of AMY
(additional screenings same day 18.00 and 20.00)
19 April / 14.00 & 18.00 & 20.00
Preview of LABYRINTH OF LIES
Cape Town
Venue: V&A Nouveau, Cinema 3
12 April / 18.00 & 20.00
Preview of LABYRINTH OF LIES
19 April / 14.00 & 18.00 & 20.00
Preview of AMY
Durban
Venue: Gateway Nouveau, Cinema 3
12 April / 18.00 & 20.00
Preview of AMY
19 April / 14.00 & 18.00 & 20.00
Preview of LABYRINTH OF LIES
PLEASE RSVP TO Bridget van Oerle / BUZ PUBLICITY:
buz@buz.co.za / 083 263 6991 / 011 673 0264 / 011 477 0923
FILM SELECTION - SYNPOSES
MACONDO (Austria)
Director: Sudabeh Mortezai
Cast: Ramasan Minkailov, Aslan Elbiev, Kheda Gazieva
Genre: Drama
98min ½ German & Chechen with English Subtitles (2014)
Following the death of his father, 11-year old Ramasan and his family live in the Macondo refugee settlement outside Vienna. As the oldest child and the only male, he is the head of the household – a role which comes with more responsibility and autonomy than Ramasan is equipped to handle. The arrival of his father’s best friend, Isa, allows Ramasan to be a child again, but it also means losing some of the freedom he has gotten used to.
Macondo was part of the official competition of Berlin International Film Festival 2014 and won Sudabeh Morezai the award for best emerging filmmaker at the Hong Kong International Film Festival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCs3qOL5eqE
+++
BELGIAN RHAPSODY (Belgium)
Director: Vincent Bal
Cast: Amaryllis Uitterlinden, Arthur Dupont, Jos Verbist, Tom Audenaert
Genre: Musical comedy
95min ½ Flemish & French with English Subtitles (2014)
’50% Flemish, 50% Walloon, 100% Belgian’, is the tagline of this musical take on the divide between Dutch-speaking and French-speaking Belgium. The Flemish brass-band Saint Cecilia and their Wallon counterpart, En Avant, compete for the title of Europe’s best brass-band. The sudden loss of Saint Cecilia’s soloist just before the finals, prompts the conductor’s daughter, Elke, to recruit En Avant’s star-soloist, the self-absorbed Hugues. What follows is a hot mess of grudges, stereotyping, good music and a budding love story.
Seasoned filmmaker Vincent Bal started out as an actor, before shifting to directing for film and TV. His 2012 film, The Zigzag Kid earned him the European Film Academy’s Young Audience Award.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zoUYll9Ft8
+++
CHOCOLAT (France)
Director: Roschdy Zem,
Cast: Omar Sy, James Thierrée, Clotilde Hesme
Genre: Drama
110min ½ French with English Subtitles (2016)
Starring Omar Sy from The Intouchables (2011) and Swiss circus-artist (and Charlie Chaplin’s grandson) James Thierrée, this bio-pic tells of Cuban-born Rafael Padilla, who rose to fame in France in the late 1800s. Under the stage-name Chocolat and together with the white clown Footit, Padilla gains popularity with racist circus-routines that reduce him to a buffoon. When he tries to carve out a more dignified niche for himself, the same audiences that loved the racist cliché turn their back on him.
Roschdy Zem has explored the theme of racism both as an actor and director. He continues to do so in this bio-pic, praised for its historically accurate feel.
(Courtesy of Ster Kinekor)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=692hOJq1KJE
+++
LABYRINTH OF LIES (Germany)
Director: Giulio Ricciarelli
Cast: André Szymanski, Alexander Fehling, Friederike Becht
Genre: Drama
122min ½ German with English Subtitles (2014)
Johan Radmann is a newly appointed public prosecutor in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1958. Through a journalist, he learns that many Nazis returned to ordinary life with impunity after the war. Inspired by the memory of his late idolized father, Radmann decides to make sure that justice is done. The young idealist soon realizes that many of the war-criminals occupy powerful positions in society, and are prepared to go to great lengths to make sure that he does not succeed in his quest.
Labyrinth of Lies was Germany’s submission for the 2016 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
(Courtesy of Ster-Kinekor)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5ovcBGMLEs
+++
FIRE AT SEA (Italy)
Director: Gianfranco Rosi
Cast: Samuele Pucillo, Pietro Bartolo
Genre: Documentary
108 min ½ Italian with English Subtitles (2016)
Gianfranco Rosi moved to Lampedusa, where he documented not primarily the catastrophe lived by those who seek refuge in Europe, but the curious absence of disruption in the lives of ordinary Lampedusans. Rosi follows Samuele, the precocious 9-year old son of a fisherman, who goes to school, loves hunting and suffers from sea-sickness. Parallel to the boy’s life, Rosi invites us into that of Pietro Bartolo, a medical doctor, who does not only attend to Samuele’s lazy eye, but also to the fleeing women, men and children arriving at Lampedusa.
Rosi’s gentle, poetic and unprejudiced touch won him the Golden Bear for Best Film at the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCEsWslaLKw
+++
A FAMILY AFFAIR (Netherlands)
Director: Tom Fassaert
Cast: Marianne Hertz, Rob Fassaert, Rene Fassaert
Genre: Documentary
120min ½ Dutch & English with English Subtitles (2014)
When his 95-year old grandmother – a former model and socialite – invites Tom Fassaert to visit her in South Africa, he seizes the opportunity to find out more about the dynamics and events that have left his father greatly disillusioned and his uncle Rene scarred for life. During his time with the conflicted and divisive matriarch, Fassaert gains insight into a history and psyche more complex and surreal than he could have imagined, and into the inner workings of a woman who challenged preconceived notions of motherhood long before it was fashionable to do so.
Fassaert’s family document opened the 2016 edition of the prestigious International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvBsyh6d4sY
+++
BODY (Poland)
Director: Malgorzata Szumowska
Cast: Janusz Gajos, Maja Ostaszewska, Justyna Suwala
Genre: Drama
90min ½ Polish with English Subtitles (2015)
A fascination for bodies (“physical, astral and dead, objectified, adored and hated”) lies behind Szumowska’s sombre comedy about three people trapped in individual universes of pain and absence. Olga’s unprocessed grief over her dead mother manifests in self-hatred and severe anorexia. Her distant coroner father - a coroner - seems as unaffected by his daughter’s distress and the loss of his wife as by the dead bodies he deals with on a daily basis. Anna is a kind but lonely physical therapist with psychic abilities, who seeks to help the reluctant family to heal.
Body won Malgorzata Szumowska the awards for Best Director at Berlin International Film Festival and the European Film Awards in 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cOAHoj327Q
+++
MONTANHA (Portugal)
Director: João Salaviza
Cast: David Mourato, Maria João Pinho, Rodrigo Perdigão
Genre: Drama
91min ½ Portuguese with English Subtitles (2015)
The death of David’s grandfather is imminent, yet the 14-year-old does not feel prepared to visit him in hospital. This mature coming-of-age drama unfolds during the course of a couple of days in Lisbon, during which David severs ties with his childhood. He roams around aimlessly as if he is looking to dissolve, killing time with a friend and his crush Paulinha - the only one David cares to hold on to. The further he drifts from his past, the closer he connects with the present and the notion of a future he never used to think of.
João Salaviza’s award-winning drama, which follows David’s transition into adulthood, is regarded by the filmmaker as his farewell to cinematic adolescence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=kKTc8qkrH3g
+++
FLOWERS (Spain)
Director: John Garrano & Jose Mari Goenaga
Cast: Nagore Aranburo, Itziar Ituño, Itziar Aizpuru
Genre: Drama
99min ½ Spanish with English Subtitles (2014)
One day a bouquet of flowers appears at Ana’s doorstep, the subsequent week another bouquet arrives, and the week after that, yet another one. The anonymous sender upsets Ana’s partner, with whom she shares her flat and meals, but not much more. He holds the flower shop accountable for allowing just anybody to send flowers to anyone. After the death of a crane operator, his mother and his ex-wife are equally surprised to regularly find fresh flowers at the spot where he succumbed.
Flower bouquets at the sites of road accidents, as anonymous love letters or as mere proofs of existence, inspired this award-winning film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFZYvh7uT2A
+++
SOMETHING MUST BREAK (Sweden)
Director: Ester Martin Bergsmark
Cast: Saga Becker, Iggy Malmborg, Shima Niavarani
Genre: Drama
81min ½ Swedish with English Subtitles (2014)
Based on an auto-fictional novel by Eli Levén, who co-wrote the movie-script, Something Must Break, tells of Sebastian, a passionate, but self-destructive gender-queer 20-something. About to be beaten up, Sebastian is saved by Andreas. Despite Andreas identifying as straight, a complicated and intense love story develops between the two. Though a provocateur defiant in the face of conformity, Andreas is still troubled by his feelings for Sebastian. Sebastian struggles to not be overcome by the feelings for a non-committal, anxious lover, and also gets ready to let Ellie out – the woman inside, who is growing stronger every day.
Ester Martin Bergsmark’s debut feature has screened at festivals across the world and won numerous awards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXeZ0y4SAic
+++
AMY (UK)
Director: Asif Kapadia
Cast: Amy Winehouse, Mitch Winehouse, Yasiin Bey
Genre: Documentary
128min ½ English (2015)
Asif Kapadia’s much talked about documentary follows Amy Winehouse from the early days of her extraordinary career, until the heart-breaking end. Relying mainly on never before shown footage, this intimate document traces the journey of the talented jazz-singer/songwriter until she achieved levels of fame no one could have dreamed of and the impacts on Winehouse and her family. Where media headlines focused on the drug-addict, who was a singer, Kapadia’s attention is on the extraordinarily gifted artist, who got stuck in drug abuse and self-destruction.
Among the many awards Asif Kapadia has won, are the 2016 Academy Awards for Best Documentary and the British Academy Film Awards equivalent.
(Courtesy of Ster Kinekor)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2yCIwmNuLE
Images permission to use: Getty Images
-ends
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE GOETHE-INSTITUT SOUTH AFRICA
MEDIA QUERIES:
National Publicity: Bridget van Oerle / BUZ PUBLICITY:
buz@buz.co.za / 083 263 6991 / 011 673 0264 / 011 477 0923
Durban Publicity:
Sharlene Versfeld : Versfeld & Associates
sharlene@versfeld.co.za 083 3263235/ 031 8115628
2 April is Autism Awareness Day: Pledge to be Silent
Media Release
Action in Autism:
2nd of April is Autism Awareness Day: Pledge to be Silent
People with autism experience difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction. Over 50 % of people with autism struggle with verbal communication and spoken language. For people who cannot express their basic needs or experiences in a way that the rest of the world understands, life can be isolating and extremely lonely.
Action in Autism has committed to acknowledging World Autism Day on April 2 by asking people to make their pledge to be non-verbal for one hour – from 10am to 11am. To respect, acknowledge and accept difference, we ask you to join us and thousands of our people with autism, and pledge to use an alternative means of communication – signs, gestures, pointing, typing or drawing – during this time.
“Speaking is not the only form of communication. Honour those who are different from you and experience their world.” says Liza Aziz, Chairperson of Action in Autism. “Our organisation does not receive any funding from government, so we would like to encourage people to us either in cash, kind or through volunteering time.”
Action in Autism will host a fundraiser on 30 April at 7pm at St. John’s Hall. Tickets are R70 and are available from our offices. For more information about Action in Autism and the support to parents and families provided by the organisation, please call 031 207 4858 or emailinfo@actioninautism.org.za.
Ends.
Further information:
Kirsten Miller
ACTION IN AUTISM
031 207 4858/083 7774468
New Director for African Art Centre - Durban
Media Release
New Director for African Art Centre
Over the past 56 years the African Art Centre has earned the reputation of being the longest surviving South African organization involved in the development and promotion of African artists and crafters. Following on this rich history the Centre is proud to announce fresh impetus as it welcomes Magdalene Reddy as its new Executive Director.
Magdalene Reddy holds an Honours Degree in Music and has been a manager in a number of sectors within the arts and culture industry over the past 10 years.
Most recently, Reddy worked with the SA Seasons’ team on promoting South African arts and culture in both France and the United Kingdom in the SA-UK Seasons and the SA-French Seasons, which were projects of the Department of Arts and Culture that saw thousands of South African artists perform and exhibit their work across these countries. Prior to this, she worked at the Centre for Creative Arts playing a vital role in the implementation the CCA’s four iconic festivals – the Durban International Film Festival, Poetry Africa, Time of the Writer and the Jomba! Contemporary Dance Experience.
“Although my first love for the arts was through music, my work at the Centre for Creative Arts developed my interest and experience across all artistic genres of African culture. I was privileged to have been part of creating a platform for African and international artists to share the beauty of their expertise with Durban audiences. This intercultural exchange of artists and arts practitioners had helped me appreciate all forms of art in a special way,” says Reddy.
Reddy now brings her passion and experience to the African Art Centre helping to steer the ship into the next era. “The wealth of local South African art needs to be shared with the world, we need to create processes and platforms for our artists to thrive. The African Art Centre is here to help grow South Africa’s creative economy by developing market access and professional exhibition platforms for cutting-edge and relevant work by the artists and crafters of KwaZulu-Natal.”
“Our vision is to create an enabling environment for the sustainable development, promotion and preservation of African arts and crafts with special focus on KwaZulu-Natal. Our focus now is to strengthen the economic benefit for local KZN artists. This will be achieved through three primary pillars – local and international exhibition platforms, development programmes focusing on the creative and business aspects of the art and the provision of a retail and wholesale outlet for artists and crafters.”
Part of freshness at the Centre is its new, energetic and diverse board lead by Yanni Vosloo, Merchandise Director for Mr Price Home, “It is an immense privilege for us to be able to provide a safe and nurturing platform for the emerging creatives of KZN, at the African Art Centre. The challenges we face are common to many businesses and non-profit enterprises where budget and funding for creative endeavours are limited, commitment is scarce and participation intermittent, BUT we remain focused on the needs of our artists and crafters, determined to ferret out true talent and develop those eager for knowledge and experience. It is for these qualities that we appointed Magdalene and the Board is delighted in her delivery and for the development she’s achieved in a very short time.”
To kick off the 2016 exhibition programme, the African Art Centre recently released a call inviting local KZN artists to be part of a Human Rights exhibition themed 20 Years Later: A Fresh Look at the Bill of Rights. This group exhibition, curated by Carol Brown, will be opened by the Hon. Justice Albie Sachs.
Twenty years ago South Africa was full of hope looking towards a new future. The Bill of Rights, which was the cornerstone of the Constitution of SA, was widely celebrated as being one of the most progressive in the world. Justice Albie Sachs (one of the architects of the Constitution) launched the Images of Human Rights Print Portfolio at the Durban Gallery in 1996. A proud moment. Where are we now? Much has improved while much remains a work in progress.
South Africa today is a beautiful but complex country and this exhibition aims to celebrate this beauty whilst bringing some of the complexities to the fore. A group of artists, who attended a workshop on the Bill of Rights, will be showing new works highlighting how artists envision the present which is built on the past.
Justice Albie Sachs will launch this exhibition of prints, drawings, paintings and photographs, all created especially for the exhibition by well known artists as well as unknown young talent. The exhibition opens on Thursday 10 March at 17:30 at the African Art Centre, 94 Florida Rd, Durban, and will run for 3 weeks.
For more detail contact the African Art Centre on 031 312 3804/5, email africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za or go to www.afriart.org.za .
-ends
Photo : Magdalene Reddy : Director of the African Art Centre by Val Adamson.
Bow Music Jam at the opening of the 1st International Bow Music Conference at UKZN
BOW MUSIC JAM at the opening of the 1st INTERNATIONAL BOW MUSIC CONFERENCE at UKZN
The First International Bow Music Conference, opens at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday 24 February. Running until 27 Februaryover three venues (The Innovation Centre and Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre at University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College Campus as well as the KZNSA in Bulwer Road, Glenwood), events include several academic paper presentations, an evening of film screenings, as well as bow music performances – all of which are open to public participation and attendance.
The Innovation Centre (Gate 9 - Rick Turner Road) will be the platform for the presentation of a number of research papers gathered from the call for proposals late last year, and will feature presenters from South Africa, Germany, USA, Brazil and United Kingdom. Registration takes place on Wednesday (24 February) from 08:00 – 10:30 and an optional fee of R200 will include tea and lunch.
The exciting performance programme kicks off on Wednesday with the staging of a Bow Jam in partnership with the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music regular Wednesday night concert series at the Centre. The Bow Jam will feature Grupo Percussao, a berimbau ensemble from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Led by percussionist, composer and Northern Illinois University academic Gregory Beyer, the group will perform excerpts of works from its Arcomusical Project for sextet, quintet, quartet, trio, duet and solo berimbau. Part of the evening’s entertainment will see conference delegates introducing themselves and their favourite musical bows in song.
The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on Thursday (25 February) will host screenings of the films “The Traditional Music of Mali, West Africa” by Salil Sachdev and 'Jogo de Corpo' (Body Games) - The Angolan Roots of Capoeira, directed by Richard Pakleppa, tickets are R10. Friday and Saturdayevening (26 & 27 February) will see an extensive bow music performance programme, with Xhosa bow legends Madosini Mpahleni and Mantombi Matotiyane sharing the stage with other veteran exponents of the rich southern African bow music traditions: such as Lesotho’s Mme ‘Matlali Kheoana and Makhetha Setlaba, Sekuru Muradzikwa from Zimbabwe, Bhemani Magagula and Khokhiwe Mphila of Swaziland, Bavikile Ngema of Zululand and Mozambicans Ernesto Mathusi and Maneto Tefula. Friday will see another presentation of Brazilian berimbau ensemble Grupo Percussao. Tickets are R50 and available from Computicket or at the Box Office.
On Saturday 27th, the KZNSA is the venue for an interactive session of bow music workshops, a Capoeira Angola Roda led by Mestre Cobra Mansa (Brazil) and an exhibition of musical bows curated by the conference convenor Dr Sazi Dlamini. All are welcome to attend. Workshops start at 10am. Early arrival is recommended to ensure availability.
For further details, programme and updates on the Bow Music Conference and Concerts visit www.bowconference.com
-ends