Realness Announces Award Winners and New Partnership with Toronto International Film Festival

Realness Residency is a Pan-African screenwriting initiative. It is seeking diversity in contemporary African perspectives, encouraging risk-taking, originality and authenticity. This ethos has been demonstrated once more by the success of alumnus Luck Razanajaona (Madagascar) at CineMart in Rotterdam where his Realness project Disco Afrika won the Wouter Barendrecht Award of €5,000 given to a director under 35-years-old last night.  

“We have once again achieved our target of over 120 submissions and are excited to start the evaluation process. We look forward to welcoming our 2018 residents to their home-away-from-home at Nirox in June.” said Realness co-founder Elias Ribeiro. “Since its launch, the residency has nurtured ten African writers from eight countries on the continent, growing into an impactful centre that fosters emerging talent and that is recognised throughout the film community.” co-founder Cait Pansegrouw went on to say.

Ribeiro and Pansegrouw’s production company Urucu Media produced The Wound, the most awarded South African film ever made, which was shortlisted to the top nine in the 2018 Best Foreign Film category of the Academy Awards. The Wound has found distribution in over 30 countries around the world and has been acquisitioned by the likes of HBO, Netflix and Mnet. They also co-produced the Mozambican Oscars entry, The Train of Salt and Sugar. 
“It’s very good to start your project in this kind of residency programme. It has a great reputation so it gives you more credibility and introduces you to potential producers and funders.” 2017 Resident Rama Thiaw, Senegal. Through Realness’s partnership with other labs and development platforms, its residents are considered for various scholarship awards to platforms that will further their creative progress. The 2017 results are as follows:
Locarno Filmmaker’s Academy: Miles from Nowhere, Samantha Nell (South Africa)
TorinoFilmLab: The Kingdom of Casaurinas, Fradique Mario Bastos (Angola)
EAVE Producer’s Workshop: Miles from Nowhere, Samantha Nell (South Africa), attended by producer Bongiwe Selane
The award to attend La Fabrique Cinema de L’Instituit Francais in Cannes will be announced in March.
Swiss production company Cocoon, lead by producer Simone Soleil, awarded each participant with a 1000 euro stipend to assist with their real-world costs while in residence.

Realness is also proud to announce a new partnership with Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The festival will award a resident with a flight, festival pass and personalised itinerary allowing them maximum professional development during their time at TIFF.
Realness was founded in 2015 by Urucu Media, presented under the mentorship of Berlinale Talents, in partnership with Nirox Foundation, Durban FilmMart, The French Institute of South Africa and La Fabrique Cinema de L’Instituit Francais, TorinoFilmLab, Locarno Filmmaker’s Academy, Cocoon, Toronto International Film Festival, The CNC, EAVE and Fairbridges Attorneys.  

Links
Website: www.urucumedia.com/realness  
Twitter @realresidency
Instagram @realnessresidency
Facebook /realnessresidency

About Realness
Realness arose out of a need for promising African film projects to be resourced and supported at the crucial development phase so that they may be competitive in the international film financing market. The residency programme creates opportunity for creative interrogation and ensures that projects are given the space to mature sufficiently; such that, once they enter production, they result in films that have the potential to travel and appeal to both African and worldwide independent cinema audiences. Realness strives to empower African authors to tell stories through an African lens. 

-ends

Issued by Sharlene Versfeld

Versfeld & Associates

PR for DFM & DFO

AmaZulu FC to meet Fans in City ahead of Durban Derby

Fans of SPAR’s AmaZulu FC will have an opportunity to meet their favourite players on Friday, February 2 ahead of the exciting Durban Derby between them and Lamontville Golden Arrows on Saturday, February 3.

The full team will be based at the Workshop Shopping Centre, Amphitheatre in Durban on Friday from 12noon to 2pm (thereafter ten members will remain behind until 3pm) to sign autographs and meet their fans. Sponsors, SPAR are laying on a fun afternoon of entertainment, which will be hosted by Nompilo Maphumulo (Nosipho) and Nombuso Thembinkosi Thwala (Mondli) from SA’s top soapie – Uzalo. A stellar line-up of performers will provide the tunes and vibes for the afternoon including DJ Nzwiri, Kwaito artist Ndah Jay, Rapper, Zee Gee, DJ Tira and Amadada who promise a great interactive time with their audience.

There will be a dance off competition judged by players Mbongeni Gumede and Thembela Sikhakhane, plus a football play off between players Michael Morton, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Mabhuti Khenyeza and Jabulani Ncobeni who will pair up with two fans in a ball juggling competition. There will be loads of giveaways and great prizes to be won.

At the Workshop, supporters will also be able to enter into a SPAR’s Durban-based in-store competition in which three lucky winners will win a signed AmaZulu jersey, VIP tickets to a forthcoming AmaZulu game and lunch with celebrated ABSA Premiership’s all-time leading goal scorer, Siyabonga Nomvethe.

The popular SA Premier Soccer League team will be going head to head against Lamontville Golden Arrows at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, on Saturday, February 3 at 20:15, and are actively encouraging their supporters to come out in full force, a huge motivator for the teams playing.

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY hosts Swiss choreographer in a groundbreaking exchange that opens up challenges within dance, diversity and disability!

MEDIA RELEASE

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY hosts Swiss choreographer in a groundbreaking exchange that opens up challenges within dance, diversity and disability!

In an exchange that has taken almost 2 years to set up, Swiss choreographer Jürg Koch, has arrived in Durban to work with Flatfoot Dance Company and various local guest dancers in an unprecedented exchange. With support funding by Pro Helvetia, Jürg is spending 3 weeks in Durban to explore dance teaching and choreographic practices that are based on ideas of diversity especially as they relate to the inclusion of differently abled dancers into mainstream theatre dance.

Jürg’s own dance history has seen him work extensively with UK based CandoCo – Europe’s first professional integrated dance company working with dancers with disability. He taught, for ten years, at the University of Washington (Seattle) before heading back home to Switzerland and the city of Bern, where he now works as a freelance teacher and choreographer.

His connection with Flatfoot is a natural fit as Flatfoot’s own integrated youth dance work, spanning over 10 years, has been seminal in shifting national perceptions around who can dance. Flatfoot’s mandate to open up access to dance and the arts, has seen them work in conjunction with the Open Air School in a youth dance programme called LeftFeetFIRST!, and more recently they have started South Africa’s first Down syndrome youth dance company.

In a three way collaboration Jürg and Flatfoot are also joined by the Wentworth Arts and Culture Organisation’s (WACO) Dance Movement headed by Jarryd Watson. The final outcome of this exploratory dance residency will be on show at the Loft Theatre on Thursday the 1 February @ 5pm. Tickets are limited and so booking is essential. Tickets can be booked by calling 082 875 6065.

This final performance is also the culmination of a two day colloquium that Flatfoot’s artistic director, Lliane Loots, has set-up to coincide with Jürg’s visit. Loots, working in association with The Playhouse Company, has created a two day feast for dance teachers and performers to allow further exploration of the politics and practice of integrated dance practice. This colloquium features special guests, Unmute Dance Company (Cape Town), Dr. Gerard Samuel (UCT), Moving Into Dance (Johannesburg), Gladys Agulhas (Johannesburg) and disability activist and filmmaker Liza Aziz (amongst others).

Loots says that the intention of the colloquium is to “push the shared knowledge and practice-based learning around integrated and disability dance in South Africa - with a focus on revising the idea of dance as a tool for ‘living democracy’ - a term that Flatfoot Dance Company uses to describe its impulses in dance education and community dance engagements”. She goes on to say that integrated dance “is also a growing impulse towards diversity in terms of performance  practice and the hope is that we are all challenged to think bigger and more inclusively”.

The colloquium takes place at The Playhouse Complex on 31 January and 1 February and costs R300 (lunch and tea included). Limited places available and booking essential: 082 875 6065

SPAR KZN School Girls' Hockey Challenge 2018

Rolling into its eighth year, the SPAR KZN School Girls’ Hockey Challenge kicks off in Glencoe, at the end of February 2018 with the first of ten regional tournaments.

One time winners, Sarel Cilliers will host the first regional at their school on Saturday 24 February. An anticipated 12 schools are expected to battle it out, including six time winners, Ferrum High School from Newcastle.

In previous years, the Pietermaritzburg Central and Pietermaritzburg Northern regionals were held on the same day, however, this year both these regions will have their own day in the sunshine.

The only newcomers to the Grand Finals last year, St John’s DSG will have home turf advantage as they defend their PMB Central Regional title on 10 March. The following day, St Anne’s College welcomes the teams participating in the PMB Northern Regional to their picturesque grounds. No stranger to the Grand Finals, St Anne’s will also have home ground advantage, having won their regional six times.

Heading to the first of the Durban and surrounds regionals, St Henry’s hosts the Durban Central Regional at the 3 Schools Trust on Saturday 17 March. This tournament has been dominated by Durban Girls’ College, the only team in the tournament’s history to have a 100% record.  

Kuswag hosts the Durban South Regional on completely neutral territory at the 3 Schools Trust Astro on Sunday 25 March. Kuswag School has previously participated at the Grand Finals and will be keen to make an appearance, releasing the stronghold Amanzimtoti High School have had on the region.

The sixth regional takes place after a two week break with Reddam College hosting the Durban North Regional at their school on Sunday 15 April. Our Lady of Fatima will be defending their title, having won this title in the first tournament, and again last year. They will be keen to hold out previous winners Ashton and Danville.

The tournament then travels to the outlying areas. On Saturday 21 April former defending champs, Kokstad College will host the Southern KZN Regional at their school. Three teams have raised the trophy in this region, with current defending champs and three times winners, King Edward High School taking on rivals, Kokstad College and Creston College who have both twice travelled to the Grand Finals.

Returning to Durban, and certainly the feistiest of the regional tournaments, the Highway Regional will be hosted by Westville Girls’ High School on Sunday 6 May. In 2014, Westville managed to topple St Mary’s DSG in a thrilling game where they won 2-1. Saints have dominated the region, winning it six times and adding to their impressive successes, they are also the overall 2017 Grand Finals tournament winners.

Travelling inland for the second last tournament, Wartburg Kirchdorf will defend their title at home on Saturday 12 May, hosting the Umvoti, uThukela and Umzinyathi Regional.

Finally, the last regional will be competed in Richards Bay for the North Coastal Regional. Defending champs, Grantleigh will host the tournament again, on their magnificent turf, just outside of Richards Bay. The tournament takes place on Saturday 19 May concluding the ten KZN Regionals.

Once all the regional winners have been crowned, they will each travel to the action packed Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG on 20 and 21 July.

For more info like the tournament’s active Facebook page.

Reminder - Durban FilmMart Project Submission for 2018 Closes on 12 December 2017

Media Release

Durban FilmMart Project Submission for 2018 Closes on 12 December 2017

Project submissions for the 2018 Durban FilmMart (DFM) which takes place during the Durban International Film Festival , South Africa close on December 12, 2017.

The Durban FilmMart is a joint project of Durban Film Office, the eThekwini Municipality’s  industry development unit, and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), which strives to support and stimulate the growth of African film and develop connections between African film makers and the rest of the world.

“With two recent Durban FilmMart projects  Inxeba (The Wound) (SA) and Train of Salt and Sugar (Mozambique) having been selected as Best Foreign Language Films for the next Academy Awards, we are seeing the impact that the support of projects in development has on the industry on a global level,” enthuses Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office

The Durban FilmMart, now in its 9th year, comprises an exciting four day programme of workshops, seminars, and networking sessions and is attended annually by approximately 600 film-makers, distributors, broadcasters, agents and other film industry representatives.

Over the years the DFM has supported the development of over 170 African co-production projects, many of which have been developed into fully-fledged film products with cinema and festival release.

Ten documentary and ten fiction feature length film projects will be selected from the submissions, and these projects will undergo a two-day packaging and mentoring programme followed by two days of one-on-one meetings with a panel of film financiers, buyers and distributors from across the globe.

The Durban FilmMart is open to full length feature and documentary films projects with Africans in the major creative roles (writers, directors and producers) that are looking for co-producers, financiers, sales agents and funders. All film projects submitted are reviewed by a selection committee for consideration. All projects must have both a producer and director attached to them, and must be submitted by December 12, 2017.

“As we head into our ninth year, it feels like the DFM has really matured,” says Toni Monty. “We are seeing more and more of our alumni projects being completed and doing extremely well on either the festival or cinema circuits. It is really heartening to see that the effort and energy put into this programme continues to bear great fruit for the growth of the industry on the continent. We look forward to seeing some interesting projects submitted this year.”

For more about the Durban FilmMart 2018, project submission criteria and how to submit your project, visit www.durbanfilmmart.com.

For further enquires contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com or call   +27 31 311 4243

-ends

Nolwazi Magwaza

Versfeld & Associates

PR for DURBAN FILMMART/ DURBAN FILM OFFICE

Overstone presents - Coffee and Cake with Nibs Van Der Spuy

Legendary world acoustic guitarist Nibs van der Spuy will perform at Overstone Cottages, Overstone Farm near Wartburg, KZN Midlands, on Sunday, December 3, from 11h00.

This is one of many music concerts planned for the cottages, set within an exquisite working farm, with its beautiful 170 year old gardens, great walks with opportunities for cycling and birding.

“We have had two very successful, but small concerts here on the farm, with Nibs, Rowan Stuart, Andy Turrell, Charles Webster and Kaiti Faul, and we are keen to make it into a regular occurrence to generate interest in this part of the Midlands,” say sisters and organisers Phillippa Gordon and Caroline Gordon.  “Durbanites and folk from Maritzburg, seldom hesitate to hop in the car and drive to Notties for a craft beer and saunter around the craft shops, and often this side is thought to be too far. But it’s not. Here’s an opportunity to bring the children, grannies and grandpas to come enjoy a relaxing day listening to music, being outdoors and feeding one’s soul.”

Fires will be lit for those wanting to braai. There are lovely walks, and while there are no formal trails, there are plenty of places to cycle.

Local NGO Singakwenza (www.singakwenza.co.za), has been nominated beneficiary of this event, so a portion of the proceeds will be going to them to assist with the amazing work they do in early childhood development.

Tickets are R75, which includes coffee and cake. Under 12’s are free. Buskers wanting to perform can also get in free. Gates open at 11am and Nibs will start playing at 11h30.

The Overstone Farm is on the D82 road near Wartburg about 68kms from Pietermariztburg . It is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Durban.

To book call 083 290 1153 or email  info@overstone.co.za. For directions and more about Overstone Cottages go to www.overstone.co.za.

Josh's Big Year: A Story Of Hope

From a broken, suicidal, autistic teenager, who dropped out of school at 15, to a passionate young adventurer, comes a remarkable 300-page self-published coffee table book, Josh’s Big Year which was launched today (November 14) in Durban. Josh Crickmay's publishing debut is a celebration of courage and triumph of the human spirit.

In 2012 15-year-old South African school pupil Josh Crickmay, unable to cope with the demands of the classroom dropped out of school. What followed was a deep and debilitating depression kindled by the belief that he would never be able to fend for himself. Severely suicidal, Josh landed in hospital and was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome or High Functioning Autism.

Certain that unless they did something radical, they would lose their only child, Josh’s parents Andrew and Kathy, quit their jobs and embarked on a quest to give Josh a reason to live and to function in life without a formal education. They did this by building on and kindling Josh’s interests in birding, photography and writing.

 For an entire year they travelled to every corner of Southern Africa and spent seven weeks in the Amazon and Andes in what is known in birding circles as a “Big Year” which involves identifying as many bird species as possible in a single year, inspired by the movie of the same name.

The entire project represents Josh’s own work from photography to layout and design. His writing is a delight, honest, self-effacing and laugh out loud funny in places but sobering and tear-filled in others.

Ernie and Liesl Els had this to say: “This book has a transformative effect; like turning on a flashlight in a dark room. For readers the book serves as a delight for the senses – visually, thanks to the diverse and brilliant photography, and emotionally, through the way in which the book navigates Josh’s emotional journey”.  This sentiment is shared by founding art director of Getaway magazine James Berrange who said “the effect this book is going to have can hardly be imagined”.

The book took nearly 3 years to write, with the first edition completed when he was 16. The book is hoped to impact and give encouragement to a world where one in 68 people are thought to be on the Autism spectrum. 

Josh’s plan is that Josh’s Big Year will be the first in a series of books as he video blogs his adventures and highlights conservation issues.

The book can be purchased online at www.joshcrickmay.com . It is an ideal corporate or family gift for Christmas or special occasions.

Memorias Flamenca 14 - 17 December 2017

The Linda Vargas Spanish Dance Company have become a well established institution of Durban. Since its inception 35 years ago they have used innovation, creativity and the highest standards of professionalism to build a loyal and extensive following of Spanish dance in South Africa – whilst developing a style and ethos that is also unique to Durban, where all its performers have come from.

In 2017 the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company began celebrating its 35th Anniversary with a guest appearance in the 25th Anniversary Shall We Dance production. The Company continue their year long celebration, with their annual showcase at the UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music: Memorias Flamenca from the 14th – 17th December 2017.

The celebrations will culminate in their 35th Anniversary Gala production at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre in July 2018. This Gala production will be a celebration of the Linda Vargas Company's 35 years of creativity and will bring together the best in terms of dancers, musicians and choreography. It will explore the diverse range of the company repertoire both musically and stylistically and will showcase the legacy and contribution that this company has achieved since its inception 35 years ago.

Memorias Flamenca will begin taking audiences down memory lane as we look back at our legacy of 35 years. The show will include fresh interpretations of previous highlights, some old favourites, as well as new contemporary choreographies. Memorias Flamenca sees the launch of Linda Vargas’s new young dancers project: Siyanda (isiZulu for “we are expanding”).  The show will also include guest appearances by members of the Flamenco Del Sur Company from Cape Town – headed by Linda’s sister Juana Vargas. There are only 4 performances, which usually sell out very quickly, so book early to avoid this treat not to be missed!

Memorias Flamenca will once again be backed by Demi Fernandez and Neil Gonsalves, these world renowned musicians in their own right who will also present new musical arrangements alongside the dance. Their unique style and talent continue to leave audiences spellbound. They are joined by Bryan Stone on percussion and feature live singing by Gemma Schumann. It will be a joyous exploration of the past and the future which remains grounded in the company’s rich legacy to dance in South Africa.

In the early years, the Linda Vargas Company included a variety of styles of Spanish Dance in their productions, including classical, neo classical, regional and flamenco. Subsequently the Company became more specialised in flamenco. They began their journey in great opera productions at The Playhouse Theatre in Durban and the State Theatre in Pretoria. Linda was invited to choreograph and perform in the international production of “Carmen”, where she worked with the world renowned director of the London Opera, Sir Michael Rennison. Linda and her company produced their first major production at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre where they were invited to perform as part of the Federico Garcia Lorca Festival in 1986. Subsequently the company were invited to participate in the grand opening of the Playhouse Theatre Complex in the mid 80’s, from where they produced numerous productions in association with the Playhouse Theatre over the 35 years.

The multicultural fusion of music and dance which gave rise to flamenco stands testament to the power and beauty of cultural fusion in art and inspired their choreography and production of “Desert Flowers” at the Playhouse Drama Theatre in 2004. This production received critical acclaim for its pioneer work in fusion of dance styles. It comprised a cast of over 30 dancers from Indian, African, Classical Ballet and Flamenco genres. Demi Fernandez composed the original music score which was performed Durban’s leading musicians. The Linda Vargas Company has continued to include fusion choreography in its more recent productions while always remaining true to the original essence and purity of the Spanish Classical and Flamenco forms.

Linda and Company have made rich contributions to the Dance culture in Durban and have toured South Africa extensively. They have participated in numerous collaborative productions with The Playhouse Dance Company, NAPAC, PACT, and CAPAB, Siwele Sonke Dance Theatre, Fantastic Flying Fish Dance Company, Mercedes Molina Spanish Dance Theatre and the annual Shall We Dance showcase. Linda has worked with renowned choreographers such as David Gouldie, Ashley Killar, Mark Hawkins, Hazel Acosta, Gerard Samuel, Jay Pather, Neville Letard, Rhoda Rivkind, and Mavis Becker. Linda and her company have been invited numerous times to perform for the Spanish Embassy in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Pretoria, and Cape Town. They have participated in numerous outreach projects and educational workshops at schools and continue to promote  Dance and Culture at every opportunity.

Neil Gonsalves holds a Master’s degree in Music and currently lectures at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He has performed in various national music festivals with numerous South Africa jazz and Afro-beat luminaries as well as his own band, Tonk. He has also toured internationally, including a 4 year stint as part of Johnny Clegg’s band. He has released a solo album “North Facing” which represents a blend of modern South African and Nordic Jazz.

Demi Fernandez was born in Brazil of Spanish Parents and spent many years living and performing in Flamenco Tablaos in Spain. Demi has also appeared as leading flamenco guitarist with numerous South African and international Spanish Dance Companies.  He is resident guitarist for the Linda Vargas Flamenco Dance Company and Alianza Flamenca. He has composed musical scores for several SABC TV productions and also appeared in numerous productions including “Guitars for Africa” in Durban and at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. He currently lectures in the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Jazz programme.

Memorias Flamenca runs at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on the UKZN’s Howard College campus from 14 - 17 December 2017. Performances are nightly at 7pm and on Sunday the 17 December at 3pm. Entrance Fee is R130 (R100 students / pensioners). Bookings through Linda on: lindavargasflamenco@gmail.com or 031-201 0750 (mornings only). Tickets are limited for each performance so advanced booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Digital Battle at DigiFest 4 (6 – 11 November)

It's all out War in the first Digital Battle at DigiFest 4

Durban University Of Technology

6 – 11 November

Digifest 4, the Annual Arts and Design Digital Festival, which takes place at the Durban University of Technology, is hosting a Digital Battle on November 11 and is making a call for participants.

DigiFest is a public event that takes place from 6 to 11 November and features a packed programme of creative activations across a variety of genres.  The Digital Battle, a digital design tournament, is a major feature at this year’s event, which sees creatives come together in a live head-to-head design tournament where participants can flex their skills in front of an audience. 

The Battle takes place at the DUT Gallery, on the Steve Biko Campus  (Steve Biko Road) on November 11 from 5pm to 9pm, and competitors will engage in a battle of their choice including 2D design, animation, character design and video editing, and there are some awesome prizes up for grabs.

“This is really about the coming together of great creative minds to have a whole lot of fun, while under some open scrutiny and a peer pressure,” quips Festival Manager, Steve Jones. “With the theme of DigiFest this year being “glitch”, a celebration of malfunctions, technical mishaps and imperfections in systems, the end results of this Digital Battle could be quite interesting, as designers have an open door to go for it.”

Entries are open to anyone interested, especially digital designers, creative designers, art directors, 2D and 3D designers, animators and graphic designers. Entries close on November 9. Go to www.designbattles.co.za/durban.html to sign up.

All are welcome and entrance is free to the Digifest, with exception of 11 November events at Steve Biko where tickets will be free for students and R40 for the public at the door.

The full programme can be found on the website digifest.dut.ac.za.

Instagram: dutdigifest_

Twitter: @DigitalArtFest

Facebook: DUTDigiFest

-ends

Korey Riker, saxophonist, flautist & featured soloist for John Legend's latest tour - to sit in with Monday Big Band

Media Release

Korey Riker, saxophonist, flautist & featured soloist for John Legend's latest tour - to sit in with Monday Big Band

Durban jazz musicians are making Mondays fun again. The Monday Big Band led by George Mari is performing at KuDTa (Wilsons Wharf) on Mondays from 5:30 - 7:30pm. 

The weekly big band gathering showcases the city's swinging talent and provides an opportunity for a regular big band night – something new for Durban! Featuring a 13-piece line-up of Durban based jazz musicians including Burton Naidoo (piano) Llewellyn Chetty (bass), Sbu Zondi (drums), Debbie Mari (vocals) with Thabo Sikakhane, Phuti Mofokeng and George Mari (trumpets), Mxolisi Mdlalose and Tim Lewis (saxophones), Kgetsi Mokgetsi and Siyalo Khumalo (trombones), and Gerald Sloane (guitar), The Monday Big Band promises to make Monday’s the favourite day of the week with a wide range of repertoire including Little Sunflower, Doxy, Jive Samba, Lullabye of Birdland, South African standards such as Shona, The Mandela Suite and other original compositions by the band members. 

With occasional change in personnel, The Monday Big Band features guest musicians every so often and Monday 6 November is bound to get jazz lovers down to the bay. Philadelphia-based Korey Riker (USA),  who is currently touring with John Legend as saxophonist, flautist and featured soloist for his 'Darkness & Light' tour which comes to Durban the same week, will be sitting in with The Monday Big Band. Riker released his second album ‘Recognizance’ in 2015 and was a recipient of the 2016 Kimmel Center Jazz Composer Residency grant where he was afforded the opportunity to further explore his work as a composer, producer and performer. Riker will be releasing his next album soon.

Catch him live, one night only, with The Monday Big Band on Monday 6 November where he’ll be sharing the bandstand with some of Durban’s finest jazz musicians. 

The Monday Big Band performs every Monday from 5.30pm – 7.30pm at Wilson’s Wharf at KuDTa. Entrance is free.

-ends

Pic: Korey Riker (saxophone)

DigiFest 4 - Annual Arts and Design Digital Festival

The Durban University of Technology’s fourth annual DigiFest takes place from 6 to 11 November, featuring a series of live art activations, innovations, exhibitions, discussions, workshops, music, poetry, dance and drama as well as craft and street food markets.

DigiFest 4, is a public event that looks to celebrate the creative spirit through multimedia projects from disciplines such as visual and performing arts and promotes a collaboration across art, science and technology.

“The theme this year is “glitch” which informs the content of the fest that will engage, contest, celebrate and question the idea of malfunctions, technical mishaps and imperfections in systems,” says Dr Rene Smith Festival Director and Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts & Design. “Curated projects will speak to the disruption and subversion of formats, spaces, places and technologies. It is about questioning and going beyond traditional notions of art in an interdisciplinary, multimedia world, where design and creativity merge and interact with science and technology broadly.”

Opening night takes place on 6 November and will highlight a collaborative live audio visual performance coordinated by Johannesburg-based electronic artist, cultural activist and producer, Marcus Neustetter and featuring a selection of local artists. Sue Gollifer, the chair of the ISEA international board, will be introducing ISEA as a precursor to ISEA2018 (International Symposium on Electronic Art), which takes place in Durban next year. The Alumni and Development Department will be running a competition to pledge support for the Missing Middle campaign.

In a new fashion, the festival will host a series of events across venues in Durban. The KZNSA Gallery in Glenwood comes alive on November 7 with DUT Fine Art Department exhibition, and an installation by Bongumenzi Ngobese, examines elements of sounds, which address issues of context through video. The night features a special performance by Zimbabwean multi-media artist Robert Machiri.

An evening of style takes place at the DUT Brickfield Campus on November 8, with a multi-media fashion experience featuring leading innovations in the fashion and textiles department  joined by a special guest DJ to be announced. B-Tech students final portfolio exhibitions will be on display and student run pop-up shops will have jewellery and craft on sale.

A breakaway session on November 9 at the Green Camp, a creative hub of urban farming and green rehabilitated art in Umbilo, features the premier of the film entitled ‘Street art and mural art as visual activism in Durban” by artist Mook Lion. “A Sketch” is an installation of bricolage video work by Glenn Adendorff and Rob Da Banka closes the night with vinyl loops.

The City Campus explodes with creativity on Friday, November 10 from 10am with a host of prominent speakers in the world of arts, design and digital media. In the courtyard students entrepreneurs showcase their products and innovations. Exhibitions open throughout the afternoon and feature projects from various departments including graphic design, jewellery, interior design, journalism and video technology as well as individual exhibitions from range of young local artists working in the digital arts.

The Talk Fest at the City Campus that day includes speakers Sheetal Cross (RSA) – Virtual Reality, Kirstin Wiedow (Namibia) NUST-DUT Polar Project, Mari Pete (RSA) – Glitches in ELearning, Prof Oliviera (Brazil) – LabInter Project, Tegan Bristow (RSA) Fakugesi Festival, Arjon Dunnewind (Netherlands) - Frankenstein in the Garden of Eden.

The Makerspace hosts a workshop that will allow a fixed number of participants the opportunity to collaborate and build doodle bots. This session will open to all on a first come basis, and submissions can be done via digifest@dut.ac.za.

The day culminates with the popular PechaKucha, a gathering of inspired minds who presents ideas, thoughts, dreams and creative insights. This year some of the speakers include Llwellyn Makhanya (Photographer), Richard Gevers (Civic Data Activist), Mark Stuart (Developer), Brad Vause (Musician, app developmer), Zwelisha Giampietri (Multi-media designer), Sihle Mthembu (Journalist), Bylwansta (Designer and Rapper) and more.

On Saturday, November 11 the Steve Biko Campus becomes the focus with live performances in the form of poetry and open mic sessions, a cross-platform theatrical piece entitled Duped and a hip hop battle closing the evening with a great line-up of music by ByLwansta, Gaba, Rude Boyz, Moonchild, Sibot and Toyota and Sparks Bantwana.

A highlight of the DigiFest 4 this year is The Digital Battle, which will take place at the DUT Gallery on November 11. This Digital Battle is a live head-to-head design tournament where participants flex their skills in front of an audience and compete for some great prizes. The  competitors will engage in a battle of their choice including 2D design, animation, character design and video editing. Entries are now open and close on November 8, head over to www.designbattles.co.za/durban.html to sign up.

“We are pleased to be presenting DigiFest 4 again this year, as it provides a valuable opportunity for students to showcase their work, and to collaborate with professionals and other creatives,” says Steve Jones, Festival Manager. “We aim to build an event that stands tall on the Durban calendar and engages the highest level of the work from around the world to be presented.”

All are welcome and entrance is free with exception of 11 November events at Steve Biko where tickets will be free for students and R40 for the public.

The full programme can be found on the website digifest.dut.ac.za.

Instagram: dutdigifest_

Twitter: @DigitalArtFest

Facebook: DUTDigiFest

Gecko Culinary Adventures - October 14, 2016

Gecko Culinary Adventures in Musgrave was abuzz last weekend as six young aspirant chefs took to the state-of-the-art cooking stations in this year’s KZN finals of the SPAR Junior Cook competition.

These senior primary school finalists battled it out for the title with twelve year old Ballito resident Ryleigh Rutherford from Maris Stella taking the honours with a delectable and flawless cheese cake. Twelve year old Tiana Gangaram from Pelham Senior Primary School in Pietermaritzburg was runner up with a superb tuna tart, which completely converted one non-fish eating judge.

Runners up were Olivia Elliot (12) also from Maris Stella on the Berea who made a Italian chicken dish, Kuyanda Sibisi (12) from Durban Primary in Umbilo with stuffed potato skins, Kirsten Short (11) from Durban Girls College, also on the Berea, with a chocolate coffee cake, and Callan Canham (11) from Collingwood Senior Primary in Wentworth with a stacked pancake cake.

The annual cook-off involved the youngsters preparing a recipe that they had submitted as their competition entry, as well as a mystery dish – a ginger bread family - that was given to them following the completion of the first dish.

One of the judges, SPAR Advertising and Promotions Manager, Nelene Rampersad who was instrumental in conceptualizing the competition for SPAR in an effort to encourage young chefs, said “I love that this year we had such a range of dishes from the finalists. This made judging difficult, and our taste-buds were put to the test, but after much deliberation, Ryleigh’s Cheese Cake came out tops. It was faultless – a great presentation, and top-class texture and flavour. Her gingerbread man was done to perfection with a crisp texture, with some fun iced decorations. Well done to all for the good food, great spirit and enthusiasm.”

Ryleigh won a R5,000 shopping voucher for her first place position with runner up Tiana Gangaram receiving a R2,000 shopping voucher and all four remaining finalists each received a R500 SPAR shopping voucher. All finalists received a SPAR sweet hamper and a hamper packed with baking utensils to further their culinary aspirations.

“It was really fun,” says Ryleigh, who has always helped her mum in the kitchen ever since she can remember, “I enjoyed making my cheese cake here today. It was so exciting to work in a professional kitchen.”

Participant comments for Regional Papers

Berea: Oliva, who confesses to often making a mess in the kitchen, but does clean up, says “I love to bake and cook a lot and I especially love to make vanilla sponges and decorate them. I sometimes also cook for my family.”

PMB: Tiana started baking about a year ago says “Sometimes I am allowed to be alone in the kitchen and that is great fun. I especially love to make breakfast of pancakes and crumpets for my family.”

Berea / Umbilo: Kuyanda, who started baking two years ago, says she likes to bake, “especially chocolate muffins and vanilla scones,” which she adds “are eaten mostly by my brother!”

Berea: Kirsten who has been interested in cooking for about a year, says “I really enjoyed making my chocolate coffee cake today in this professional kitchen – it was fun.”

Bluff / Wentworth: Callan says “I have always been busy in the kitchen having tea parties since as long as I can remember. I especially love to make pancakes for my family.”

Durban FilmMart calls out for 2018 Projects

Project submissions for the 2018 Durban FilmMart (DFM) which takes place during the Durban International Film Festival , South Africa (19-29 July) open on 20 October, 2017.

The Durban FilmMart is a joint project of Durban Film Office, the eThekwini Municipality’s  industry development unit, and the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), which strives to support and stimulate the growth of African film and develop connections between African film makers and the rest of the world.

“With two recent Durban FilmMart projects  Inxeba (The Wound) (SA) and Train of Salt and Sugar (Mozambique) having been selected as Best Foreign Language Films for the next Academy Awards, we are seeing the impact that the support of projects in development has on the industry on a global level,” enthuses Toni Monty, Head of the Durban Film Office

The Durban FilmMart, now in its 9th year, comprises an exciting four day programme of workshops, seminars, and networking sessions and is attended annually by approximately 600 film-makers, distributors, broadcasters, agents and other film industry representatives.

Over the years the DFM has supported the development of over 170 African co-production projects, many of which have been developed into fully-fledged film products with cinema and festival release.

Ten documentary and ten fiction feature length film projects will be selected from the submissions, and these projects will undergo a two-day packaging and mentoring programme followed by two days of one-on-one meetings with a panel of film financiers, buyers and distributors from across the globe.

The Durban FilmMart is open to full length feature and documentary films projects with Africans in the major creative roles (writers, directors and producers) that are looking for co-producers, financiers, sales agents and funders. All film projects submitted are reviewed by a selection committee for consideration. All projects must have both a producer and director attached to them, and must be submitted by December 12, 2017.

“As we head into our ninth year, it feels like the DFM has really matured,” says Toni Monty. “We are seeing more and more of our alumni projects being completed and doing extremely well on either the festival or cinema circuits. It is really heartening to see that the effort and energy put into this programme continues to bear great fruit for the growth of the industry on the continent. We look forward to seeing some interesting projects submitted for this edition.”

For more about the Durban FilmMart 2018, project submission criteria and how to submit your project, visit www.durbanfilmmart.com.

For further enquires contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com or call   +27 31 311 4243

Annual Jazz Jol at Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (UKZN) - 27 October 2017

The 29th Jazz Jol featuring a host of local and national talent is set for Friday, October 27 at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. This year’s popular annual music event features a variety of talented musicians including Sweet Concept (a UKZN Alumni Band), UKZN Vocal Group and UKZN’s Big Band along with a selection of students taking to the stage in an evening tailor-made for lovers of jazz and popular music.

“The Jazz Jol was not only started, all those years ago, as an event for music-lovers but also in an endeavour to raise funds for the Ronnie Mandosela Scholarship,” explains lecturer Neil Gonsalves. “The Scholarship provides bursaries for deserving UKZN music students from disadvantged backgrounds, as well as helps to fund students’ travel visas for overseas trips, and national travel and accommodation to the National Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown and other educational festivals, workshops and conferences. This issue of mobility, of getting around and sharing ideas and networking is key to a musician’s success in the future. Through mobility the musicians are able to exchange knowledge and gain important experience both nationally and internationally.”

“We are particularly pleased to welcome Sweet Concept to this year’s Jazz Jol,” enthuses Gonsalves. “This is an UKZN Alumni Band that features Thabani Gapara (alto sax) who now lives in New Zealand, Siyanda Zulu (trumpet), Siya Mthethwa (keyboard), Bheka Mthethwa (bass) and Sbu Zondi (drums) – all of whom would have been showcased at a Jazz Jol in the past.” Sweet Concept was formed in 2006 by Siyanqoba Mthethwa, Thabani Gapara and Siyanda Zulu. Most of the band started off as backup singers for some of South Africa’s more prominent and illustrious artists including Swazi Dlamini, Siphokazi, Judith Sephuma and Ernie Smith to mention a few. The band won further accolades after competing in The Suncoast Jazz competition, winning prizes in categories of “Best Band” and “Best Composition.”

“The band members have since 2010, pursued individual music career paths in performance, production and education and occasionally come together to perform, so we are delighted to be hosting them this year,” says Gonsalves. “Recently  Bheka Mthethwa, the groups bassist released his debut album titled “Supernal Sounds”, and all of them have a string of credits to their names.”

The band will perform a variety of original music that reflects the variety of rich perspectives each member has collected in the past half a decade. A true reflection of the sound of South Africa.

UKZN Voices directed by well-known Durban musician and Jazz Voice lecturer Debbie Mari, features singers from the Jazz and Popular Voice programmes in the School of Arts at UKZN. Singing mostly close harmony arrangements, the vocal jazz ensemble will perform A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square, Java Jive, Almost is Never Enough and Charlie Chaplin’s best loved composition Smile. The group comprises Andiswa Maduna, Nomthandazo Madiya, Neli Skhosana, Monique Naude (soprano), Nomalanga Khanyile, Amanda Biyela, Wandithanda Makandula (Alto), Busisiwe Hlokoza, Siphelele Mthiyane, Sanele Khubisa (Tenor), Thembelani Mkoka and Thabani Dlamini (Bass).

Certainly a major drawcard to the Jazz Jol is the appearance of the UKZN Big Band 2017 directed by Burton Naidoo, and featuring students from UKZN. The band this year focuses on House Music – and unusual approach to electronic music that started taking the world by storm in the 1980s. House Music, is characterised by it's 'four to the floor', groove and minimalistic harmonic and melodic sequences. The UKZN Big Band House Performance will focus more on African House Music such as Micasa, Davido and Black Coffee and the repertoire features arrangements by UKZN Students Phumlani Mtiti, Riley Giandhari, and Sinalo Zulu.

This year’s Jazz Jol is funded by Concerts SA, a joint South African/Norwegian live music development project housed within the SAMRO Foundation.

Tickets will be available at the door at R120, pensioners R80 and students R60.

For more information contact Thulile Zama on 031 260 3385 or email Zamat1@ukzn.ac.za

Action in Autism Skills Transference Workshop

Most people with autism struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication, sensory processing difficulties, social interaction and asserting themselves in a fast-paced, highly interactive and social world. Action in Autism, a non-profit organisation currently based in Sydenham, will address these difficulties through a highly-intensive 2-day workshop for parents, professionals and those who interact regularly with people with autism. These workshops offer skills and techniques to support a person with communication, social interaction, and sensory difficulties. When employed by those who interact with autistic people on a daily basis, these supports help enormously to ease the stress and anxiety of social interaction and participation, and increase the likelihood that a person with autism will be encouraged to tackle potentially overwhelming social situations more easily.

Hosted bi-annually by a fabulous team of six professionals, a parent and a young person with autism, the workshop is held over two days and includes both theoretical and practical components, as well as opportunities for networking. The team of professionals comprises of a clinical psychologist, educational psychologist, two speech therapists and a specialist in augmentative and alternative communication systems, an occupational therapist,and an educator.

All parents and professionals are invited to join Action in Autism’s next Skills Transference Workshop on Friday 13 October and Saturday 14 October, to be held at the Moth Hall, King Dinuzulu Hospital in Durban. 

The workshop cost of R850 per person and covers course materials, refreshments and meals. Please contact the Action in Autism office on 031 207 4858 or send an email to info@actioninautism.org.za for a registration form. Places are limited to 40 people per workshop.

For more information about Action in Autism, the Skills Transference Workshops, or other services and support offered by the organisation, call 031 207 4858 or email info@actioninautism.org.za.

Inxeba - The Wound - at KZNSA October 7

'INXEBA'('THE WOUND') ENCORE AS DGLFF 2017 RESUMES

Having now fulfilled the technical requirements of the Film & Publications Board (FPB) of South Africa, the now fully registered Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (DGLFF) has resumed its screening programme across the city. The shock postponement wrought by the FBS's last minute engagement with the DGLFF days prior to the official opening 25 August was very difficult for the team.

"We were geared for our best Festival yet, and the news that FPB needed us to wait 30 days whilst they checked our film selection, with only something like 3 days to spare, was devastating on planning, and the momentum we'd built up" laments festival director Jason Fiddler. "Of course I have to respect where the FPB is coming from, and I share their commitment to protecting minors from harmful material. The DGLFF's focus has been on mature and LGBTIQ-relevant content so I was confident there."

Fortunately for the Opening Night on 25 August, 'INXEBA' ('The Wound'), was already classified. "The amaXhosa king had only the week previously called for this film to be shut down. Unfortunately for that call, we were able to screen it, as we were licensed without any problems and of course, as an already 16 SL classified film, 'INXEBA' could proceed. The rest of the programme, or course, could not" reflects Fiddler, with a hint of irony.

The critically acclaimed and award winning 'INXEBA' stars musician and novelist Nakhane Touré as Xolani, a lonely factory worker who joins the men of his community in the mountains of the Eastern Cape to initiate a group of teenage boys into manhood. The film has now been officially selected as South Africa's entry into the foreign language section of the Academy Awards in 2018, a decision that has continued to stir calls from traditionalists for its effective banning.

"Having discussed this over with the film's producers and distributors, and in spite of the fact we'd already screened twice on opening weekend a month ago, we felt that the circumstances warranted another opportunity for Durban's LGBTIQ community to see the film until its commercial release in February next year" says Fiddler.

'INXEBA' ('THE WOUND') , which was a project of the Durban FilmMart in 2014, will have an encore screening this Saturday 7 October at 7pm at the KZNSA gallery in Glenwood, Durban, whilst a daytime community screening is being co-ordinated off the main programme - this will be announced on the festival Facebook page, Twitter feed and the festival website.

The revised festival programme is already under way and continues to Wednesday 11 October 2017. "I'm very pleased that the FPB had no issues with our original selection of 47 films, albeit that the Danish documentary Miss Rosewood was classified 18 SN" says Fiddler. "There are some powerful documentaries, an extraordinary selection of short films and entertaining feature films await"

Included in the remaining programme is the US musical-romantic drama 'SOMETHING LIKE SUMMER'. The great news is that an American benefactor bought out a whole lot of tickets to give away to audiences, so the first 25 arriving on Friday 6 October get theirs for free. The film will now also be up for a free daytime community screening, thanks to this sponsor's support! Details will follow as with 'INXEBA's community screening. This film adaptation of the novel by Lambda Literary Award-winning novelist Jay Bell, tells the story of two boys whose secret relationship in high school appears to be doomed, only for them to encounter one another years later as friends and even enemies. It stars Davi Santos (Power Rangers), Ben Baur (Hunting Season, #Adulting) singer-actress Ajiona Alexus (Fox TV's Empire), and introduces Grant Davis, who performs six of the seven songs in the film; Ajiona performs the seventh as a solo.

Argentinean drama 'BROMANCE' screens Thursday 4 October at Tina's Hotel in Kloof at 8pm, and again Tuesday 10 October at the KZNSA at 7pm. It tells the story of three 20 year olds who make a trip looking to reconnect, to regain their teen-hood friendship. But time has changed them and the intrusion of a girl will take them to the limit and will test their desires up to the breaking point of all the ties that binds them.

Monday 9 October brings about the now annual tradition at DGLFF of francophone cinema, "French Nite" at Alliance Francaise Durban in Morningside, with a selection of documentary and narrative films. In 'EVEN LOVERS GET THE BLUES' Ana is sleeping with Hugo, Dalhia with Graciano, Léo with Louis, and Arthur with everyone. Parties and love affairs lead to heart searching, deep desires and the craving to live life to the full. It is a portrait of the love and sexual lives of disenchanted and passionate young people.

In continuing its long standing partnership with the Durban Lesbian & Gay Community & Health Centre, DGLFF is arranging free daytime community screenings of short film packages at 3pm, at the Centre in Morningside, on Friday 6, and Monday 9 through Wednesday 11 October. Seating is very limited and on a first-come, first-seated basis. The Centre offers clinic services and HIV testing as well as outreach and advocacy work.

A feast of great documentaries start at 2pm on Saturday 7 October with 'Carlos Jáuregui, The Unforgettable Fag', a feature length film about Carlos Jauregui, gay rights activist, friend, lover, fighter, an icon, and inspiration for the masses. He was the first gay to come out on the cover of a magazine in the ‘80s. His conviction and courage changed the lives of Argentine LGBT community and history of a country and its laws. He led the first Pride March in Argentina unifying the LGBTIQ movement. He laid the foundations of dialogue and the way to anti-discrimination towards the homosexual community.

That is followed at 4:30pm by a pair of South African documentaries speaking to the transgender experience: 'LOCKED IN' looks at being trans and Muslim, coupled with how traditional Xhosa communities see LGBTIQ people, whilst 'THE STORY OF ZIGGY' is a fascinating short documentary that briefly outlines the life of a woman in mid-transition to becoming a man, exploring the challenges of black South African gender identity in a complex youth society.

The world premiere of South African gay horror short film 'SHADOW' takes place Saturday 7 October at 6pm, just before 'INXEBA' at 7.  Our closing night film is the extraordinary Zulu lesbian short film 'SINA NOMAKOTSHANA' ('DANCE WITH THE MAIDENS') at 7pm on Wednesday 11 October. It tells the story of a people-pleasing girl from a staunchly religious and homophobic family falls in love with her dance partner, and must choose whether to come out of the closet during her traditional Zulu initiation into womanhood, or give up on her lover.

The revised DGLFF programme is available online and all screening information in the printed souvenir guide books remains relevant (apart from dates and times). Information and PDF download can be found at the Festival website www.dglff.org.za

...END/

Jason Fiddler

Festival Director

Mobile: +27(0)78 189 5430|  Telephone: +27(0)31 811 0959|  Facsimile: +27(0)86 545 9839

Skype: jason.fiddler1| Email: jason@dglff.org.za  | Website: www.dglff.org.za 

FB Page: www.facebook.com/DGLFF | Twitter + Instagram: @DbnGayFilmFest

Postal Address: P.O. Box 51190, Musgrave Road, 4062, South Africa