Adventurer and Wildlife Filmmaker Josh Crickmay comes face-to-face with “City Beasts” in new series on People'sWeather

Exploring the wild side of Cape Town game ranger, and adventurer Josh Crickmay takes audiences on an exhilarating journey through the City's hidden treasures in the upcoming TV series City Beasts: Cape of Chaos on People'sWeather on Channel 180 DSTV and Openview Channel 115 beginning on 29 January.

City Beasts chronicles the journey of Josh Crickmay on a mission to find proof that humans and animals can coexist in harmony. Josh shares his experiences as he discovers these animals in a fun and educational way, imbuing the series with his unbridled enthusiasm and quirky sense of humour. Through tracking, trap cameras, stakeouts, and by following the tales from the locals, he encounters fascinating “beasts” of the City, uncovering their resilience, as they adapt and cohabit with humans, who have increasingly claimed their spaces.

Through honest and genuine encounters with animals like penguins, sharks, porcupines, baboons, genets, and even otters, he proves his theory that not only do people coexist with wildlife in Cape Town, but he also discovers the remarkable impact it has on the locals.

Josh’s passion for wildlife was ignited as a 15-year-old when as a lost and suicidal teen, he spent a “big year’ chasing down bird species in Southern Africa, the Andes, and the Amazon. Following this he produced a magnificent coffee table book: Josh’s Big Year, a photographic record of his experience. Josh qualified as a FGASA nature guide and became interested in creating content and started filming his experiences, uncovering his eccentric and often humourous slant on nature.

“What attracted us to the City Beast series is Josh's unique, genre-bending approach to wildlife film-making. It’s off-beat, unusual, highly accessible and engaging,” says Stephan le Roux, owner and CEO of People’sWeather.  “He has created a fresh approach to an often serious genre that is desperately in need of some humour and young voices to broaden its appeal. Think Tik Tok by the waterhole!”

“Creating the City Beasts was the culmination of everything I love in life: Incredible wildlife, fascinating people, conservation, challenging filmmaking, pirate boats and unbridled havoc,” says Josh. “It was as every bit chaotic behind the scenes as it is on the screen, and I couldn’t have asked for better.”

Josh’s enthralling adventures kick off with a welcome by Cape Town’s dassies. He follows baboons as they navigate the urban landscape and tracks down the four species of cormorants inhabiting the City, unveiling a stunning diversity of avian life. He takes a plunge into the depths of the kelp forests, learning to free dive to bring viewers face-to-face with the shark life beneath the waves. His encounters with the iconic seals of Cape Town, provide a rare glimpse into their daily struggles and triumphs in their natural habitat. He captures the goofy and lovable nature of African penguins. In a breathtaking exploration of shipwrecks off the Cape of Storms, Josh reveals how nature has ingeniously turned man's trash into treasure. He meets a Cape Clawless Otter under the docks of Simon’s Town harbour, searches the dangerous gorges of Table Mountain for the extremely elusive and aptly named ghost frog, and has a memorable experience with a pair of porcupines. Josh also shares his personal story of struggle and success with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as he explores sundews and seabirds and searches for an elusive otter.

It's no wonder that Josh feels that creating City Beasts is a kind of tribute to the Natural World - as it literally saved his life. Josh's curiosity, sheer bravery, and clever sense of humour make him an endearing character, and his passion is undeniably authentic and palpable throughout the series. “My every step forward is an attempt to repay that debt back to the Natural World, through conservation, spreading knowledge and excitement about our world through film - told with humour, adventure, and as always, mayhem.”

Catch this uniquely captivating series on People'sWeather on Channel 180 on DSTV and Openview Channel 115 from January 29 to 8 February at 20:30 with repeats.

To watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9UBn5T1_n4

For more information go to https://www.peoplesweather.com/.

For more info on Josh Crickmay go to www.Joshcrickmay.com[KC2] 

Wembley to Soweto and Beyond The transformative ripple of one small creative idea with its roots in SA

From the spark of one man's belief in the game-changing power of creativity, a new UK charity ignited 8 young minds in Soweto, South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, catapulting their careers. Fast forward to today, and this creative force has exploded onto the global scene, set to make waves across the USA in Los Angeles, with South African powerhouse photographer Thapelo Motsumi playing a crucial role in fuelling its momentum.

Thapelo Motsumi with Richard E Grant.

The Wembley to Soweto Foundation was created by UK-based multi-award-winning actor and producer David Westhead, to train photojournalists from disadvantaged backgrounds against the backdrop of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Foundation is quietly backed by some of the world’s biggest names in film and TV – Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Idris Elba, Adjoa Andoh, Muthutuzehli Matshoba, Christoph Waltz, and Emily Watson amongst others.

Originally the Foundation’s programme was set out as an in situ training programme to help uplift, empower, and enable young people, instil valuable life skills, and help them progress positively and make meaningful contributions to society.

“Our focus was that art could be accessible and we aimed to inspire the creators of tomorrow - little did we think that the programme would grow exponentially beyond our expectations,” says Westhead.

“The training programme proved so successful, with many of the Sowetan photographers being able to elevate themselves socially and economically, that it evolved into a “tag-teaching” model,” explains Westhead. “This meant past trainees who share similar backgrounds and experiences could easily connect with compatriots across the globe and impart their experience and knowledge of photography with those entering the programme.”

Now South African, Thapelo Motsumi, who was one of the original 8 that were trained in 2010, along with a diverse cohort of former participants in the programme, will be training four new students in the art of photojournalism in Los Angeles, US. They will also be coaching two alumni to be trainers.

The USA programme, in partnership with world-renowned camera giant Leica, begansin LA on December 8, and will roll out into some of the poorest communities in Chicago, Washington, and New York City over the next year.

“We are privileged to be partnering with legendary camera experts, Leica on the programme. Having high-end equipment enables trainers and trainees to experience top quality results, which will help to demonstrate and develop their creative eye, capabilities, and potential for excellence in their work.”

Students at work

The Foundation has enabled participants to visit major sporting events such as Fifa World Cups, Cricket World Cups, UEFA-, Euros- and Rugby World Cups, The Olympic Games, and English Premier League games.

Westhead also begins filming a documentary in LA this week to coincide with the start of the USA training. The documentary will feature five alumni photographers including Motsumi, who has gone on to become an international photographer and has worked with the United Nations, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Idris Elba, amongst other high-end clients. The documentary with its working title: Shooting Stars: Football, Photos and Favelas, will follow these trainers as they work with youngsters from gangland LA across the States.

“I am looking forward to working with peers in the USA and doing the documentary with the Foundation,” enthuses Motsumi. “Being selected for the 2010 programme was life-changing and I am always so happy to help impart my skills, knowledge, and experience to help other brothers and sisters move ahead with their creative skills.”

For more information about the Wembley to Soweto Foundation programme go to http://wembleytosoweto.com 

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Exciting Outdoor Experiences and Adventures with Green Corridors in December

The holiday season is here, and there are a host of truly thrilling outdoor adventures and leisure activities on Durban’s doorstep with multiple Green Corridors tourism sites available for holidaymakers to enjoy. Best of all, these experiences are just a short distance away from the heart of the City.

Escaping the hustle and bustle of the festive crowds becomes an enticing option for locals, and out-of-town tourists, allowing families to indulge in a range of fantastic activities, whether it's a self-drive exploration or a guided adventure.

View of Inanda Dam

The breath-taking eNanda Adventure Park on the expansive Inanda Dam features water’s edge picnic spots, a thrilling pump bike track, and guided biking, birding, hiking, and canoeing excursions. The centre also has safe, shady camping areas on the shores of the dam.

Biking around iSithumba

The magical Valley of 1000 Hills offers a culturally warm and welcoming experience at Isithumba Adventures with walking, hiking, and biking trails, as well as authentic cultural tours.

Mqeku Picnic Site - “bumslide”

And, for a delightful laughter filled day out, the Mqeku Picnic Site becomes a choice, featuring a natural waterslide along the pristine tributary into the Umgeni. With braai facilities and ample shade, it becomes the perfect spot for families to unwind and revel in nature.

Hiking around Amaphephetheni

Alternatively, the 7 and 14km trails in Amaphephetheni by Amatata Adventures offer more rigorous hikes with heart-stopping views of the Inanda Dam and the Valley of 1000 Hills. For the more adventurous, one can also hike from Matata Adventures to Mqeku picnic spot for an experience and views you will not forget in a hurry!

Lower Molweni, on the outskirts of Krantzkloof Nature Reserve

Lower Molweni, on the outskirts of Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, awaits nature enthusiasts with a network of community-developed nature trails that are supported by Kloof Conservancy.

Nogxaza Falls Hike

In the same reserve in Upper Molweni, the challenging Nogxaza Falls Hike, that begins at Overrock Rasta Camp, the series of cliff face walk ways and custom made view points allows individuals to experience awe-inspiring views of rural KZN. Overrock is fast becoming one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Green Corridors network.  

Hiking around Mnini Dam

Just south of Durban, in the welcoming community of uMgababa, Mnini Dam boasts two fantastic sites: Thulas' Adventures and the Mnini Dam Tourist Resort. Ideal for picnics, canoeing, fishing, birding, hiking, and biking trails, these sites promise a warm and memorable experience.

Close to the Blue Lagoon on Durban's scenic beachfront, the GreenHub offers an array of eco-tourism activities. Individuals can immerse themselves in birding, hiking, canoeing, and, on selected days, discover the enchanting Ezemvelo Beachwood Mangroves with its truly unique ecosystem.

Most Green Corridors sites can be accessed as self-drives, although the guided tours are recommended to enhance the experience. Guides are all trained and accredited and have deep knowledge of the areas in which they live and work. The guided experience includes a shuttle tour in an air-conditioned mini-bus.

Additionally, guests can also be accommodated overnight in the very comfortable “pop-up camp” with or without catering.

A range of cultural tours are also available including a visit to the Rasta Caves in Inanda, and the Inanda Heritage Route, and Waterfalls.

Camping and activity fees may vary and contribute to the growth of the local tourism economy in these vibrant areas.

To explore the many options in more in-depth, visit this link: https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/our-work/tourism

Bookings are essential and can easily be made by calling +27 (0)81 268 3787 or emailing reservations@durbangreencorridor.co.za

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Durban North’s Roadhouse Crescent (Connaught Bridge underpass) for Major Clean-Up on 29 and 30 November

Green Corridors and TriEcoEmvelo, are facilitating a major clean-up of the Roadhouse Crescent recycling area at the Connaught Bridge underpass in Durban North, on Wednesday, 29 and Thursday 30 November, with the aim of removing 500 bags of waste.

(Left to right) Siphiwe Mthabela from Tricomvelo and Siphiwe Rakgabale from Tricomvelo and Green Corridors, with Jonathan Welch technical consultant and project manager of the Green Corridors’ KMBC in front of the plastic baler brought in to help streamline the recycling collection process at the Roadhouse Crescent collection area under Connaught Bridge in Durban North. A major clean up is planned for Wednesday, 29 and Thursday 30 November, with the aim of removing 500 bags of waste.

This area has been used for a long time as an illegal dumping ground and has been “adopted” by Green Corridors in an endeavour to clean it up and support the informal recyclers to derive an income from their collections by formalising the area as a recycling collection point, and discouraging illegal dumping.

Members of the public and community organisations are invited to join in the clean-up from 8am until 2pm on 29 and 30 November together with the Green Corridors and WESSA and the Roadhouse Recyclers teams. eThewkini Municipality Cleansing and Solid Waste will be removing the non-recyclable waste. Volunteers should wear closed shoes and hats. 

“This clean-up marks our adoption of the area, formalising the collection of waste as a materials recycling facility (MRF), supporting these area recyclers with their efforts to earn an income, and ensuring the site is no longer used to dump,” explains Musa Shange, Green Corridors Project Officer. “Through a joint project between eThekwini Municipality, Green Corridors, TriEcomvelo and Safripol we have installed a plastic baler that compresses recyclable plastics which enables the local recyclers to densify the materials derived benefit from the increased value. We are also erecting a fence around the area to stop the illegal dumping.”

The Connaught Bridge Roadhouse Crescent Recycling project has been a combined effort between a number of civil society organisations, government structures, businesses and informal recyclers, that have worked together to do clean-ups, recycle and repurpose waste material. Green Corridors has facilitated the purchase of materials by formal recycling enterprises, and taking materials to sites where they can be beneficiated, such as Green Corridors’ KwaMashu Materials Beneficiation Centre.

"We want to help these recyclers set up a solid cooperative that they can eventually run themselves,” enthuses Siphiwe Rakgabale, Green Corridors Litterbooms Co-ordinator and owner of TriEcoEmvelo. “They are a crucial part of the value chain that recycles waste materials and can make a significant contribution to a sustainable circular economy."-ends

I heart Market - Saturday 2 December and Saturday 16 December - Durban North

The ever-popular I heart Market returns to Durban, finding a new home at Northlands Primary School, 20 Gleneagles Drive Durban North, in time for its magical festive season markets on Saturday 2 and 16 December from 9am to 2pm.

Saving the dates ! L-R Getting ready to welcome shoppers to the I heeart Market which has moved to Northlands Primary School in Durban North are from left to right : Jane Frew - Owner: JellyPickle Paintings (calendar is her work), Tanith Molliere - Market Manager:  I heart Market, Caroline Hockly – Marketing Manager:  Northlands Primary School, Nicola Savage - Owner:  Savage Jewellery, Sara Trickett - Owner:   The Thrift Collection and Tracy Galloway - Owner:  Coffee Guys

“Northlands Primary School is very excited to be partnering with the I heart team as their new venue,” says Caroline Hockly, Marketing Manager at the School. “As a community-centred school in the heart of Durban North, we know that this is going to be welcomed by the local community at large. They have been sorely missed on the local calendar as a beautifully curated, top-quality market. We are honoured to be able to provide them with a new home and hope for a long-lasting association.”

Renowned for its excellent quality artisanal products, supporting local small businesses, and offering an exceptional retail experience, the I heart Market boasts an exquisite array of handcrafted goods, including jewellery, accessories, leather items, ceramics, visual art, home decor, plants, clothing, condiments, cured meats, as well as a delectable selection of bakery items from bread and pastries to cookies, and cakes, plus a mouth-wateringly delicious range of food truck eats – catering for all tastes. In keeping with its name, the Market’s curated offerings are lovingly crafted, reflecting a deep commitment to the craft and a strong sense of personal integrity. 

These two December markets will offer a broad range of fine festive fare from Christmas decorations to gift ideas and more, for the whole family. This is an opportunity to shop away from the usual season rush, and at a leisurely pace, where there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The Market takes place from 9am to 2pm in the school hall and surrounding gardens. There is plenty of parking available in designated school parking, with security guards in attendance.

The I heart Market is always on the lookout for fresh talent - anyone interested in becoming a vendor can contact the market directly on info@iheartmkt.com.

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Unlocking Leadership Excellence as Creative Producer Indaba Gathers Global Talent

Fifteen accomplished producers hailing from various corners of the globe have been selected to participate in the third edition of the Creative Producer Indaba (CPI).

This highly respected film industry professional development programme begins with an open assembly on 6 November, after which the cohort will attend the renowned Atlas Workshops, the dynamic industry programme of the Marrakech International Film Festival, Morocco from 25 November to 1 December where they will  focus on legal and financial aspects of their work, as well as their own career development. Following this, they will attend the International Film Festival Rotterdam (Netherlands) from 25 January to 2 February, 2024 where the programme will focus on marketing, sales and story development. The Indaba then culminates in a programme of online sessions from 8 to 12 April 2024.

The Creative Producer Indaba, conceived by Realness Institute under the leadership of programme director Elias Ribeiro, a Cape Town (SA) based NPO, has formed strategic alliances with noteworthy industry players such as EAVE, International Film Festival Rotterdam's IFFR Pro, and Atlas Workshops. Furthermore, in an effort to expand the Realness Network into the Global South, it has collaborated with the Brazilian foundation Projeto Paradiso, facilitating the participation of a Brazilian producer with interest in producing African projects.

"We're thrilled to welcome new collaborators on board, including the Canadian Film Fund, the Austrian Film Fund, Training Institute Focal, Jeune Création Francophone fund, and the NFVF. Their support is a tremendous boost for the future sustainability of this vital program" says Elias Ribeiro, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Realness Institute.

The CPI offers this unique opportunity to 10 African producers, with and without projects, as well as 5 international producers to bolster their leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities, refine their production skills, and foster professional networks that span across both Africa and the international stage.

Having made significant contributions to the African film landscape Adja Mariam Soro (Côte d’Ivoire), Chloé Ortolé (Senegal), Dantagos Jimmy-Melani (Namibia), Godisamang Khunou (South Africa) and Nomusa Nkabinde (South Africa), are all seeking their next landmark venture and will use this opportunity to network, engage and seek out projects to become involved in.

Actively seeking international collaborators and financial backing to bring their visionary creations to life, African producers with projects in development include Dhia Jerbi (Tunisia), Kudakwashe Maradzika (South Africa/Zimbabwe), Misha Maseka (Zambia), Stefan Supplice (Morocco) and Tapiwa Chipfupa (Zimbabwe).

The international producers include Anouk Shad (Austria), Marie Ka and Sherien Barsoum (Canada), Rhea Plangg (Switzerland), and Yolanda Barroso (Brazil), who joins the CPI with an interest in investing and engaging with African film projects.

An impressive ensemble of industry experts will mentor the filmmakers – including Group Leaders Mehret Mandefro and Diana Elbaum, Story consultant and Creative Producer 2022 alumnus Tracey Lee Rainers. And, as part of the programme the cohort will be able to engage with seasoned ad highly experienced industry experts such as Femi Odugbemi, Sata Cissokho, Constanza Arena and Dayo Ogunyemi, and IFFR Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic, who will share their skills, insights, and guidance.

Mehret Mandefro, the Director of Development and Partnership at the Realness Institute says “Training and connecting producers that can skillfully develop African stories and finance them for both the local and global market is a critical intervention.”

“EAVE is proud to partner again and contribute with our methodology for the third edition of  INDABA with an incredibly strong cohort of African and international producers who will enhance their entrepreneurial and producing skills and become part of a thriving professional support network through their participation,” says Kristina Trapp, the CEO of EAVE.

Vanja Kaldudjercic  IFFR Festival Director says “The Indaba is a powerful example of the importance of lasting bonds in our industry, both between the exciting talent on the programme and our partners at Realness, EAVE, the Atlas Workshops, and everyone else who makes this programme possible. We're delighted we can continue to develop the skills and creativity of these producers, and we look forward to another fruitful edition.”

Head of Atlas Workshops at Marrakech IFF, Hédi Zardi says “Our collaboration with the program Creative Producer Indaba is very inspiring because it actively participates in the dynamic that we create within the Atlas Workshops. Indaba helps us anchor our support for the African producers of tomorrow. Creativity can only rhyme with diversity.”

The Realness Institute acknowledges the support of Institut Français d’Afrique du Sud, the Brazilian foundation Projeto Paradiso, the Austrian Film Institute, The Canada Media Fund, the Austrian Film Institute, The Swiss training organisation Focal and The Storyboard Collective, the Jeune Création Francophone fund and in partnership with European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (EAVE), International Film Festival Rotterdam Pro (IFFR Pro), and Marrakech International Film Festival (Atlas Workshops).

For more information and submission details, please visit the Realness Institute website at https://www.realness.institute/creative-producer-indaba

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FLATFOOT ACCESS FESTIVAL 2023 – a Feast of Dance for All Abilities

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY in partnership with Stable Theatre presents its second annual edition of the FLATFOOT ACCESS FESTIVAL offering a week-long engagement (workshops, panel discussions, and performances) from 28 November to 3 December during South Africa’s National Disability Rights Awareness Month (3 November - 3 December).

The festival celebrates FLATFOOT’s 20-year history of encountering disability through dance education and development work, and more recently in their professional development work. 

“The journey toward access and training for dancers living with both intellectual and physical disabilities lies at the heart of FLATFOOT, and this small ever-growing festival,” says FLATFOOT’s Artistic Director Lliane Loots. “It is a wonderful moment of celebrating not just the incredible dancers, dance makers, and choreographers, but of the truly transformative power of dance to bind society together.”

FLATFOOT Downie Company

New works from the 7-year-old integrated dance programme working with dancers with Down Syndrome who fondly call themselves the “FLATFOOT Downie Dance Company", will be performed. The company also performed at the inaugural SIBIKWA BODY MOVES festival in Benoni, Gauteng in 2022. For this festival they will perform alongside FLATFOOT in a new work called “now that we are here …” created by Lliane Loots in collaboration with all the dancers.

FLATFOOT Access Panthers

With the success and growth of the FLATFOOT Downie Dance programme, FLATFOOT set out (in the beginning of 2023) to start a new intake of dancers and training. After a series of workshops, and not excluding anyone, a group of six amazing dancers stuck it out and the group - now referred to as the “FLATFOOT ACCESS PANTHERS” – was born. The group was named by Kelly Louw – one of the participants. This will be their first public performance – and together and alongside the FLATFOOT company, they will perform a work called “finding home”.

Julia Pitt with FLATFOOT Dance Company

Loots’s ongoing work with dancers using wheelchairs is showcased in a special trio created for dancer Julia Pitt alongside FLATFOOT’s Jabu Siphika and Ndumiso ‘Digga” Dube. “This new work is called “the infinite space between us”, and is a journey taken by three dancers that delves into how we hold, walk and wheel past or towards one another as we attempt to find or break connections,” explains Loots. Loots’s on-going choreographic interrogations into the intimate politics of relationships, are given a unique spin as the dancers play around with duet, trio, solo formats – and a wheelchair.

WACO’s Dance Movember

The FLATFOOT ACCESS FESTIVAL also hosts two special guests: dancers from WACO’s DANCE MOVEMENT under the choreographic guidance of Jarryd Watson. DANCE MOVEMENT is a dance project that was created in 2007 to give access to children and youth, artists, dancers, choreographers, and people living with disabilities to dance training and skills development especially based in the South Durban area of Wentworth. They perform a special work called “Medicine” with choreography by Watson and featuring dancers Kyle Bowles, Bheki Khotsolo, and Cole Walljee.

Jurg Koch

The second special guest is Jürg Koch from Switzerland. Jürg has been working internationally as a performer, choreographer, and dance educator for over 20 years. He received his MA from the London Contemporary Dance School (1998) and, significantly, worked with Candoco Dance Company. His dance integrates disabled and non-disabled performers and this informs his artistic and educational approach. 

Jürg will run a series of workshops titled “in response to …” over three days of the festival (28 – 30 November). Sixteen eThekwini dancers will work on dance and access “in response to...”. The outcome of the workshop will have a staged viewing on Thursday 30 November at 2.30pm at The Stable Theatre and will be followed by a panel discussion with Jürg Koch, Lliane Loots, Jarryd Watson, and all the dancers from the workshops. The panel will discuss, amongst other issues, the working process used by Jürg and will offer space for participants to speak about their dance experience over the three days, all the while celebrating the rich diversity of disability dance work being done in Durban. Attendance at this viewing and panel discussion is free.

Finally, Jürg offers a small deeply personal performance from his own “The Printer’s Tray”. On the one hand, a printer’s tray is a sorting box, divided into a number of compartments to store movable type for printing. On the other hand, printer trays are used to store and display keepsakes and souvenirs; they are placeholders for memories and stories. For each event or performance, several pieces from Jürg’s collection are selected and presented as a linked set, at times with the possibility for the audience to choose the music for the performance of a particular piece.

FLATFOOT Dance Company

The Festival has been made possible through the partnership with the eThekwini Municipality’s Stable Theatre, with support funding from PESP 4, the National Arts Council and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture. The Festival also acknowledges the URKI funded African Disability Dance Network (ADDN) and how they have supported and encouraged disability and access dance work in South Africa and on the African continent.

Performances and workshops take place at The Stable Theatre 115 Johannes Nkosi (formerly Alice Street) Durban and take place on Saturday 2 December at 6.30pm, and repeated on Sunday 3 December at 2.30pm. Tickets are R80. The Stable Theatre is wheelchair friendly and there is safe parking on site. Bookings are through Computicket : 

https://computicket-boxoffice.com/e/flatfoot-access-festival-3-dec-2023-8RIGkr

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Workshops and Events at the European Film Festival 12 - 22 October 2023

The 10th edition of the European Film Festival kicks off on Thursday 12th and runs until Sunday 22nd  October at The Labia  (Cape Town), Ster Kinekor, The Zone (Johannesburg) and Ster Kinekor Gateway, Durban, as well as online. A number of free activities have been designed to both broaden and deepen the reach of the festival this year. 

Providing access in a variety of areas inside and outside the city precincts, thirteen screenings and post-screening discussions will take place at Community Centres in the Cape Town (Bertha Movie House Khayalitsha and Mowbray, various Ikamva Youth Programme venues in T3-T4, Mandela Park and Gugulethu) Johannesburg (Market Theatre – Windybrow and the Sibikwa Arts Centre),Durban (Ekhaya MultiArts Centre – KwaMashu) and  Oudtshoorn – Oudtshoorn Community Centre.   For full details go to : https://www.eurofilmfest.co.za/2023-home/special-programmes/

Further screenings and post-screening discussions are arranged for various secondary schools in the Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban areas.

A special screening and discussion also takes place at the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Sexualities, AIDS and Gender. Directed by Lukas Dhont, Close is an Oscar-nominated drama about two 13-year old boys whose friendship is shattered by the pressures of masculinity.  There is much to unpick and unpack about this moving portrait of identity and independence, heartbreak and healing, and love -  this event is open to students, it starts at 16.00 on 20 October.  Email h.khorombi@up.ac.za for more information.

Cinematography Workshop

Goodbye Julia

A cinematography workshop conducted by Pierre de Villiers offers an invaluable skill-sharpening opportunity for budding cinematographers, in both Johannesburg and Cape Town.  Pierre’s film Goodbye Julia, which opens the festival, had its World Premiere in Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival 2023 and went on to win the Prix de La Liberte prize (Freedom Award).  Pierre was also cinematographer for the now-legendary Lesotho film It’s Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection.  The workshop will be an interactive exchange with Pierre sharing experiences, tips and techniques aimed at broadening technical and aesthetic approaches to cinematography.

Workshop dates:

Johannesburg

Date: Friday, 13 October 2023

Time: 9:30 – 11:30

Venue: Wits Film School Theatre

Cape Town

Date: Monday, 23 October 2023

Time: 10:00 – 12:00

Venue: Baxter Theatre

Many of the films online also have Q & A’s following the viewing of the film – to further enhance the film festival experience.

Eswatini and Lesotho

In Eswatini and Lesotho meanwhile, where filmmaker development opportunities are far and few between, the festival hosts a 2-day workshop entitled The Architecture of the Film Script by Zornitsa Sophia, director of Mother.   This is an intensive closed programme for budding scriptwriters.

Mother, which opens the festival programme in Eswatini and Lesotho, is based on the story of Elena Panayotova, who also presents a workshop in both countries.  Drawing on her vast experience as a theatre director, academic and cultural activist, including extensive work in Africa, Panayatova will offer an open session called Performing Arts for Social Change. This 90 minute workshop will be of interest to performing artists, educators, social workers - any one interesting in applying theatre or performing arts for social change.  Enquiries about this workshop may be addressed to the Alliance Française in Mbabane and Maseru.

Visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za for film synopses, trailers, screening schedules and festival updates.

The European Film Festival 2023 is a partnership project of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and the participating European embassies of Belgium, Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine; as well as the cultural agencies of British Council, Camoes Institute of Portugal, Diplomatic Representation of Flanders, French Institute in South Africa, Goethe-Institut and Italian Cultural Institute.

The festival is organised in cooperation with Cineuropa, supported by Ster Kinekor, The Labia and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

The special programmes in Eswatini and Lesotho are organised in partnership with the Delegations of the European Union to the Kingdoms of Eswatini and Lesotho respectively, and the Alliance française in Maseru and Mbabane.

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European Film Festival comes to Durban 12 - 22 October 2023

Film-lovers in Durban are in for a treat in October during the European Film Festival which runs from 12-22 October.  The festival has extended its reach beyond its principal cinema screenings in Johannesburg and Cape Town to include a special programme at Ster-Kinekor Gateway in Durban.

As co-director of the festival Magdalene Reddy explains: “Five of the most recent films this year will only show in cinemas: ANATOMY OF A FALL, GOODBYE JULIA , THE OLD OAK, THE TEACHERS LOUNGE, and MAVKA – THE FOREST SONG. Because they will not be available in the festival’s free countrywide online streaming programme we have scheduled a special showing for these five films for Durban, as well as in Johannesburg and Cape Town of course.  If extending the festival footprint to Durban in this way draws significant public interest perhaps this is something the festival can revisit again for future events.”

More about the Films:

The French film ANATOMY OF A FALL, astonishingly well-written and directed by Justine Triet, won the top prize at Cannes, the Palm d’Or.  Starring Sandra Huller, this part thorny family story, part whodunit, part courtroom drama, puts marital power dynamics under the microscope.  As Time Out magazine says;  ‘This is a thriller of real psychological, intellectual and emotional depth.’ 

 Veteran UK filmmaker Ken Loach’s latest work THE OLD OAK is an incisive social drama about an English village where there is anger, resentment and a lack of hope since the closing of the local mine.  What more could go wrong for the world-weary townsfolk?  That’s when the Syrian refugees move in….!   A timely story about modern Britain, immigration, xenophobia, and the need for compassion and understanding.

GOODBYE JULIA is a six-country coproduction (Sudan, Egypt, Germany, France, Sweden and Saudi-Arabia) and winner of the prestigious Prix de la Liberté (Freedom Award) at the Cannes Film Festival.  Directed by Mohamed Kordofani, GOODBYE JULIA tells the story a friendship between two women who represent the complicated relationship and differences between northern and southern Sudanese communities at a time of intense upheaval and transition in that country.

The smallest of decisions has seismic repercussions in THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE.  When a young teacher decides to investigate theft at her school things escalate dramatically, not how she intends.  Crackling with tension, İlker Çatak’s film is about a lot of things — conformity, rebellion, racism, optics, and intergenerational mistrust.  THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE swept up the top prizes at this year’s German Film Awards: Best Film, Best Direction, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay, and has just been selected as Germany’s submission for next year’s Oscars.

Carving a path to peace and a future beyond war, MAVKA – THE FOREST SONG, by directors Oleh Malamuzh and Oleksandra Ruban, is a family animation with key intrinsic messages, and the highest-grossing Ukrainian film ever. Poignant and uplifting, this gloriously animated story touches on themes of love, trust, and the coexistence of two worlds: people and forest creatures. And the transformative power of music!

Visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za for film synopses, trailers, and screening schedules.

The European Film Festival 2023 is a partnership project of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and the participating European embassies of Belgium, Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine; as well as the cultural agencies of British Council, Camoes Institute of Portugal, Diplomatic Representation of Flanders, French Institute in South Africa, Goethe-Institut and Italian Cultural Institute.

The festival is organised in cooperation with Cineuropa, supported by Ster Kinekor, The Labia and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

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African-European Co-Pro to open European Film Festival in SA

The celebratory 10th edition of the European Film Festival in South Africa, opens with the African–European film GOODBYE JULIA, set in Sudan, at Ster-Kinekor’s The Zone in Rosebank, Johannesburg on 12 October.

Goodbye Julia directed by Mohamed Kordofani

GOODBYE JULIA is a remarkable six-country coproduction between Sudan, Egypt, Germany, France, Sweden and Saudi-Arabia, and the first film from Sudan ever to be presented in the Un Certain Regard competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Prix de la Liberté (Freedom Award).   

The film tells the story of two women who represent the complicated relationship and differences between northern and southern Sudanese communities. The multi-layered narrative takes place in Khartoum during the last years of Sudan as a united country, shortly before the 2011 separation of South Sudan.  

Supported by superb cinematography by South African Pierre de Villiers and a moving musical score by Sudanese musician Mazin Hamid recorded during ongoing clashes between the military and civil society in Khartoum, this is a powerful directorial debut by the largely self-taught filmmaker Mohamed Kordofani.  Pierre de Villiers, will be in attendance at screenings of the film in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and will also present cinematography workshops at film schools in both cities during the festival.

After kicking off the festival on 12 October, GOODBYE JULIA will have subsequent screenings on 22 October at The Labia, Cape Town, and on 21 October at Ster-Kinekor Gateway, Durban. 

African stories

Mother directed by Bulgarian Zornitsa Sophia

Connecting the festival more closely to the contexts and the continent in which this festival takes place, GOODBYE JULIA is one of three African stories in this year’s festival.  At the heart of the  film MOTHER, directed by Bulgarian Zornitsa Sophia, is the unfolding of the narrative in Kenya, where a theatre director undergoes profound transformation during her experiences at a local orphanage in Kibera, often called one of the biggest slums in Africa.  MOTHER is based on the true story of artist and cultural activist Elena Panyatova.   NAYOLA, directed by José Miguel Ribeiro, is a thrilling animated story about three generations of women plagued by the long civil war in Angola.  Based on a play by José Eduardo Agualusa and Mia Couto, NAYOLA is bold and thrilling storytelling alive with vivid eye-candy animation! 

Nayola irected by José Miguel Ribeiro

The European Film Festival runs from 12-22 October, with screenings in cinemas, as well as online. Visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za for the film synopses, trailers and screening schedules.

The European Film Festival 2023 is a partnership project of the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa; the participating European embassies of Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine; and the cultural agencies of British Council, Camoes Institute of Portugal, Diplomatic Representation of Flanders, French Institute in South Africa, Goethe-Institut and Italian Cultural Institute.  The festival is organised in cooperation with Cineuropa, supported by Ster Kinekor, The Labia and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

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10th European Film Festival Programme 12-22 October 2023

Film Line-up for 10th European Film Festival

The European Film Festival in South Africa celebrates its 10th edition from 12-22 October with an inspired lineup of 16 new award-winning films screening in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with a special programme in Durban.  Featured countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Ukraine, while the festival also features an African-European co-production film, set in Sudan.

Filmmaker engagements, community centre and schools’ programmes will deepen the festival’s reach, while the countrywide online programme of free screenings will run concurrently during the festival.  The festival will also present events at the Alliance Française in Eswatini (20-22 October) and Lesotho (20 – 29 October). 

The European Union’s Ambassador to South Africa, Sandra Kramer, said that “not only does the 2023 European Film Festival showcase some of the most acclaimed productions to have emerged from the film industries in the European Union and Europe, but the films provide thought-provoking perspectives on issues that are just as meaningful to South Africans as they are to people everywhere. We hope this festival will strengthen connections between Europe and South Africa, and its immediate neighbours, Eswatini and Lesotho. May this festival stimulate discussion and new ideas around our shared experiences, hopes and dreams, as together we face our ever-changing world.”

Transition

The festival theme this year is Transition, as the films offer a cinematic reflection of the transition people go through during our turbulent and fast-moving times.

As festival co-director and curator Peter Rorvik explains; “There can be numerous transitional moments in a lifetime; awakenings, re-awakenings, renewal of purpose, our self-understanding, of who we are, and our direction in life.  Transition is, in essence, a response to change, a process of managing change, or making a change. 

All these elements of transition feature prominently in the line-up of films on offer this year.  The illuminating power of cinema transports us deeply into these experiences, milestones, growth points and turning points, which offer resonance with our own life journeys, and the shared life journeys of those around us”.

The Films

The festival includes two films which were jointly awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022: 

From Italy

Set in the breath-taking Italian Alps, THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS is a compelling character-driven drama directed by Charlotte Vandermeersch and Felix van Groeningen.  Gorgeously shot, this film offers a deeply textured glimpse into the bonds of friendship, the journeys of self-discovery, and the relationship between humans and nature.

From Poland

The Oscar-nominated film EO, directed by the legendary Jerzy Skolimowski, is an innovatively-conceived road movie with a difference; it is seen almost entirely from a donkey’s perspective.  This beguiling and often-harrowing tale of a donkey is both thrilling and empathetic, compelling us to see the world differently.         

 There are three films fresh from the most recent Cannes festival in May 2023:

 From France

ANATOMY OF A FALL, astonishingly well-written and directed by Justine Triet, won the top prize at Cannes, the Palm d’Or.  This part thorny family story, part whodunit, part courtroom drama puts marital power dynamics under the microscope.  As Time Out magazine says;  ‘This is a thriller of real psychological, intellectual and emotional depth.’

From the United Kingdom

In THE OLD OAK, veteran filmmaker Ken Loach has made an incisive social drama about an English village where there is anger, resentment and a lack of hope since the closing of the local mine.  What more could go wrong for the world-weary townsfolk?  That’s when the Syrian refugees move in….this will be a time of transition for everybody!

African-European collaboration in Sudan

GOODBYE JULIA is a six-country coproduction film (Sudan, Egypt, Germany, France, Sweden and Saudi-Arabia) and winner of the Cannes Film Festival’s prestigious Freedom Award.  Directed by  Mohamed Kordofani, GOODBYE JULIA tells of the friendship between two women who represent the complicated relationship and differences between northern and southern Sudanese communities at a time of intense upheaval and transition. South African cinematographer for the film, Pierre de Villiers, will present workshops at the festival.

Discovering and affirming one’s identity is not a straight-forward process for all., especially in relation to gender norms. As evidenced by the following two films, this is all the more challenging for the very young who face enormous pressures as they attempt to find their place in the world, and within themselves:

From Spain

20,000 SPECIES OF BEES by Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren focuses on an eight-year-old child who asks “How come everyone knows who they are and I don’t?”  Beautifully delivered, this richly textured chronicle of an 8-year-old’s gradual transitioning, and the effect it has on a family, is ultimately about tolerance and acceptance.

From Belgium

The Oscar nominated CLOSE by Lukas Dhont has been winning major awards for its sensitive portrayal of how the pressures of masculinity shatter the innocent friendship of two 13-year old boys.  CLOSE is an emotionally transformative portrait of the intersection of friendship and love, identity and independence, heartbreak and healing, and of necessary transition.

Two films about responding to the unforeseen circumstances that sometimes surprise and challenge us:

 From the Netherlands

In Martijn de Jong’s NARCOSIS, an adventurous, eccentric and fun father fails to resurface during a cave-dive, and we see how his family responds in unique but very relatable ways as they transition to new lives.  This deeply touching story about love, loss and acceptance won four Golden Calf awards at the Netherlands Film Festival and was the Dutch submission to the Academy Awards. 

From Germany

The smallest of decisions has seismic repercussions in THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE.  When a young teacher decides to investigate theft at her school things escalate dramatically, not how she intends.  İlker Çatak’s film is about a lot of things — conformity, rebellion, racism, optics, and intergenerational mistrust.  The film swept up the top prizes at this year’s German Film Awards, and has just been selected as Germany’s submission for next year’s Oscars.

Coming-of-age processes are integral to making transitions in life: 

 From Denmark

Will a dream dictate life or death?   AS IN HEAVEN, by director Tea Lindeburg, takes place in turn-of-the-century rural Denmark, where a mother goes into a complicated labour, thereby accelerating the growing-up process for 14-year-old Lise, a process that can be bewildering as well as joyful. AS IN HEAVEN highlights woman-centred experiences that remain just as relevant today.

From Switzerland

Barbara Kulcsar’s feel-good comedy GOLDEN YEARS shows that coming-of-age can come at any time.   As a newly retired husband and wife discover, it’s never too late to find the courage to make a change in life.   And growing old is certainly not for sissies!  GOLDEN YEARS was a breakout hit at the Swiss box office, ranking as the most successful Swiss feature film since the beginning of the pandemic.

New participants Bulgaria and Romania have films in the festival for the first time this year:

From Romania

MIKADO, directed by Emanuel Pârvu, is a fast-paced drama about power dynamics in a Romanian family.  Teenager Magda offers her expensive necklace to a sick child, thereby creating conflict with her controlling father.  A complicated situation develops where every action has consequences…

From Bulgaria

Inspired by a true and transformative story, Zornitsa Sophia’s MOTHER starts out with a theatre director in Bulgaria struggling to come to terms with her inability to have a child, and progresses to her discovering a new and culturally challenging kind of motherhood in Kenya. The director Zornitsa Sophia will attend the festival accompanied by the remarkable artist and cultural activist Elena Panayotova, on whom the story is based.

Adding an exciting new dimension to the festival are two extraordinary animations: 

From Ukraine

Carving a path to peace and a future beyond war, MAVKA – THE FOREST SONG, by directors Oleh Malamuzh and Oleksandra Ruban, is the highest-grossing Ukrainian film ever. Poignant and uplifting, this animated story touches on themes of love, trust, and the coexistence of two worlds: people and forest creatures, and the transformative power of music!

From Portugal

José Miguel Ribeiro’s film NAYOLA brings us much closer to home. A painful secret, a reckless search, a combat rap-song, a suspended love, an initiatory journey - NAYOLA is about three generations of women plagued by the long civil war in Angola.  Based on a play by José Eduardo Agualusa and Mia Couto, NAYOLA is bold and thrilling storytelling alive with eye-candy animation! 

Finally, from the Czech Republic

Petr Václav’s IL BOEMO (THE BOHEMIAN) is a special treat for music lovers.  Prolific 18th century composer Josef Mysliveček was admired by Mozart, but forgotten by history.  This biopic includes Mysliveček’s romantic dalliances, revealing backstage intrigue, and the colourful lifestyles of the era.  Centrally of course, there is glorious music featuring some of the world's leading operatic soloists performing with the renowned Baroque Orchestra Collegium 1704. 

 The Screenings

Screenings take place at Ster-Kinekor’s The Zone in Johannesburg, and The Labia in Cape Town. Each film will screen  once. Ster-Kinekor Gateway in Durban will present a limited programme of films not available in the online streaming.  Five of the most recent films will only show in cinemas: ANATOMY OF A FALL, GOODBYE JULIA , THE OLD OAK, THE TEACHERS LOUNGE and MAVKA – THE FOREST SONG.   11 films can be viewed for free online. Visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za for more information.

The European Film Festival 2023 is a partnership project of the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and the participating European embassies of Belgium, Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine; as well as the cultural agencies of British Council, Camoes Institute of Portugal, Diplomatic Representation of Flanders, French Institute in South Africa, Goethe-Institut and Italian Cultural Institute.

The festival is organised in cooperation with Cineuropa, supported by Ster Kinekor, The Labia and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

The special programmes in Eswatini and Lesotho are organised in partnership with the Delegations of the European Union to the Kingdoms of Eswatini and Lesotho respectively, and the Alliance française in Maseru and Mbabane.

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An Inspiring Weekend Workshop For Writers in Cape Town and Johannesburg

The Write Journey weekend workshop in Cape Town and Johannesburg on 28 and 29 October takes aspirant writers from inspiration to writing their first pages.

The Write Journey workshop empowers writers to own the writing process and take ownership of their stories.

Following in the tradition of 23 years of extensive workshops throughout South Africa, and courses internationally, The Writing Studio is a leading independent training initiative that has shaped the successful careers of many of South Africa’s leading filmmakers and storytellers and is now honing the skills of future writers in the art and craft of storytelling.

The workshop is ideal for beginners, experienced writers who are unsure of what they are writing,  writers who need discipline and motivation and is aimed at novelists, screenwriters, and playwrights.  Anyone who has a story to unleash.

It is an interactive, intimate, and introspective journey into the world of the story, empowering writers to take ownership of the creative journey and creative expression.

The 4-sessions will explore who are you as a storyteller and storymaker, how to write a first draft, what type of story you are writing and who you are writing for, what you want to write, who are you writing about, how you structure & plot your story and how do you take ownership of your story.

The workshops are facilitated by Daniel Dercksen in Cape Town and Dirk Fourie in Johannesburg.

As the driving force behind the successful independent training initiative The Writing Studio and a published film and theatre journalist of 40 years, Daniel Dercksen has been teaching workshops in creative writing, playwriting, and screenwriting throughout South Africa for the past 23 years and fine-tuning screenplays and stories as a story-editor.

Dirk Lombard Fourie received his Honours Diploma in Film and Television Production Techniques at the City Varsity Multimedia School in Cape Town. Between 2002 and 2007 he facilitated workshops in screenwriting and directing, through the Writing Studio, at the SABC branches in Cape Town, Bloemfontein, and Johannesburg. In 2007 his short film, In God’s Country, won the highly acclaimed Jury Prize for Best Newcomer at the 65th Annual Apollo Film Festival in Victoria West, South Africa. In the same year, it also received awards for Best Screenplay (as co-writer with Daniel Dercksen), Best Director and Best Film at the Shortz Film Festival in Cape Town.

All you need for the workshop is a notebook, pencil, and your IMAGINATION!

Proud graduates from The Writing Studio include Tertius Kapp (Griekwastad, Gaia), writer-director Sallas De Jager (Dominee Tienie), writer-director Karen van Schalkwyk (The Adventures Of Supermama), director-writer-producer Uga Carlini (Alison, Angeliena, Beyond the Light Barrier), writer-director Henk Pretorius (Modder en Bloed), writer-director John Barker (Umbrella Men), playwright Neil Coppen (Isidlamlilo / The Fire Eater),  Spanish filmmaker Pablo Pinedo (Noma), director-producer Bonginhlanhla Ncube and screenwriter Carl Roddam (Safe Bet), and writer, facilitator and self-publisher Gary Hirson.

For more information on The Write Journey Weekend Workshop for Writers in Cape Town and Johannesburg on 28 and 29 October, visit the website www.writingstudio.co.za or email writejourney@writingstudio.co.za

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“Great or Small, CROW Loves Them All” - World Animal Day on 4 October

With 355 animals currently in their sanctuary, and with an impressive 164 998 animals, rescued over their 43 years in existence providing a life-giving service to the country’s wildlife, the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) calls on South Africans to join in commemorating Word Animal Day on Wednesday, 4 October, and appeals for financial support for the astonishing work they do.

“The theme for World Animal Day 2023 is “Great or Small, Love Them All”,” explains Clint Halkett-Siddall, Operations Director of CROW. ‘This is exactly what we do –we take in all manner of wildlife that have been injured, displaced, or abandoned, nurse them back to health, rehabilitate them, and release them back into their natural habitats. We love them all!”

“Our challenge is now to galvanize some serious financial support to enable us to continue to do this important work.”

CROW was adversely affected by COVID, which resulted in the loss of two years of international volunteer income – which contributed to a sizeable portion of their running costs. This together with the repercussions of the floods and riots, and increased overheads especially on animal feed and fuel, means that the centre has almost depleted its financial reserves. 

 “We are appealing for a renewed burst of financial support from individuals and companies, to enable us to keep our doors open and help the 3000-4000 indigenous wild animals that we care for each year. Without this support these animals will be left without assistance, with no chance of being nursed back to health, and released back into the wild,” says Halkett-Siddall. 

CROW is Durban’s only registered and fully permitted wildlife rehabilitation centre providing indigenous wildlife with a second chance at a free, safe, and sustainable life in the wild. They also work with Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Terrestrial and Marine species.

The Centre works with all indigenous mammal species, reptile species, and bird species. Some of the animals currently on property include TOPs Nile crocodile, blue duiker, and Blesbok, as well as grey duiker, genet, scrub hare, rock hyrax, banded mongoose, water mongoose, spotted eagle owl, wood owl, spurwing goose, Egyptian geese, egret, terrapin, garden variety birds, bush baby, vervet monkeys, leopard tortoise, eastern hinge tortoise, labots tortoise and specs tortoise. 

“Due to financial constraints, we have had to cease after-hours services and if funding does not improve we will have to put on hold on rescues and collections,” he explains. ‘We now also have to limit the intake of Egyptian Geese and vervet monkeys which are robust urban dwellers but very expensive to feed.”

CROW gets no government funding and relies solely on public support. “We are appealing to people who care about wildlife and our environment to assist us by donating to Hope for Our Wildlife – CROW’s Emergency Appeal. Any donation in any form is most welcome to keep our doors open to animals in need.”

Donations can be made from the CROW website or using one of the many options to support listed there:  https://crowkzn.co.za/donate/

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The Sound of Drowning, an inspiring short documentary on addiction recovery available to view online during Women’s Month

The Sound of Drowning, a compelling, insightful, and gently inspiring short documentary about women and their journey from addiction to recovery, directed by Durban filmmaker, Tami Jacobs is available to view free online on YouTube during Women’s Month.

The film is a quiet homage to the brave journey of eight women from the ages of 19 to 69 years -mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts - from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, who have found and are living in recovery from active addiction. By amplifying the voices of these resilient women who triumphed over challenges around addiction whether it be alcohol, street drugs, or psychiatric medications, the filmmakers hope to encourage women to step forward and seek help if needed.

Anél Sherren and Tami Jacobs - producers of The Sound of Drowning

Produced by Jacobs and Anél Sherren, an Addictions Counsellor, who also features in the film, The Sound of Drowning offers insights into the transformative power of unity through community that is found within the recovery process and sheds some light on what it takes to get better and what happened to them when they eventually reached out for help. 

Jacobs, who is herself an addict in recovery explains what inspired her to create the film: “I lived in active addiction for 15 years before finding recovery and I know from my personal experience that it’s an extremely painful place to be.”

“I was constantly depressed and suicide was a constant risk for me. When I found recovery, together with my sponsor and co-producer Anél, we noticed that the number of women who seek treatment and also manage to stay in recovery is drastically less than the number of men. Anel has a lot of insight into the disease of addiction and we decided that together, we could do something about it. We first wanted to find out why women don’t seek help and next, we wanted to send out a message of hope to any women suffering from the disease of addiction, that there is help available, and there are many people that can support them.”

“The purpose of the documentary was to lift the lid off the stigma women face when attempting to get help for their addiction,” says co-producer Anél Sherren. “There is such disproportion between the number of men and women coming in for help -we wanted to break this view so that women could feel safe asking for help and entering into treatment. We hope that this gentle message from these incredible women in this film will help motivate women to step forward.”

To watch the film go to: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpoIp8TmGyQ 

For anyone struggling with addiction and needing support please call 0818609578.

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Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge Maritzburg: Sunday 20 August

Running an entirely individual race, young Tayla Kavanagh owned the Maritzburg SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that took place in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday 20 August. 

Leading from the start to finish with a gun-to-tape dash, the 22 year old running for Hollywood Athletics Club, finished her 10km challenge in a time of 34.07. Kavanagh had a decent lead of 1 minute and 14 seconds to second place Jenet Mbhele, who finished in 35.21. A delighted third place Makhosi Mhlongo crossed 3 minutes and 21 seconds behind Kavanagh, in a time of 37.28.

A fresh looking Kavanagh, who resides in Hillcrest started after her run, “I had a good run, the course was undulating which suit me. The actual race was tough as I ran completely solo from the start. There was no one to help push me but it was a good test for me demanding my focus on keeping up my pace”

The leading lady’s next race will be in two weeks’ time when she will be hitting the streets of Durban for her home club’s race, the Hollywoodbets 10km run. Thereafter, the budding athlete will be heading to the 5km World Champs in Riga, Latvia running around the Baltic city on 1 October. This will be her second international race, having a Hollywood dream build up to her second global race, the determined star finished second in the recent Totalsports Women’s Race held in Durban recently, in a time of 33.44. Her first international race was in Germany last year where she took part  in the Race 2 Records 10km run.

“I really would love to run a fast time in Riga, even a personal best would be great.” Talking about her personal best, the trail blazer has a 32.10 best run that she set in 2021 at the SA Champs for 10km.

Both second-place Mbhele and third-place Mhlongo will be heading east where they will both be competing in the gruelling 50km World Champs in Hyderabad, India later this year. 28 year old Mbhele from Umzimkulu ran in the Comrades earlier this year where she finished tenth overall. 

A completely sold-out field of 3,100 ladies tackled the course, starting in a gorgeous mystical mist that enveloped Alexandra Park area before the clouds lifted and burnt off, and the day warmed up to a gorgeous sunny morning. 

CHOC House in Pietermaritzburg, the race charity for the event, were awarded a cheque of R20,000, with R5 from each entry being donated to them. 

Results 

1 Tayla Kavanagh 34.07; 2 Jenet Mbhele 35.21; 3 Makhosi Mhlongo 37.38; 4 Janie Grundling 38.36; 5 Slindile Hlatswayo 38.50; 6 Nokkhanya Memela 41.22; 7 Janene Carey 41.25; 8 Kadence Ribbink 43.15; 9 Dawn James 44.48; 10 Hannah Bullock 45.45

Junior

1 Kadence Ribbink 43.15; 2 Hannah Bullock 45.45; Mia Clendennen 49.13

Senior

1 Tayla Kavanagh 34.07; 2 Jenet Mbhele 35.21; 3 Slindile Hlatswayo 38.50

40 – 49

1 Makhosi Mhlongo 37.38; 2 Janine Grundling 38.36; 3 Pauline Rainbird 49.03

50 – 59

1 Janene Carey 41.25; 2 Dawn James 44.48; 3 Sibongile Ziqubu

60 - 69

1 Brenda Myburgh 57.58; 2 Alette Wegner 01:01.24; 3 Kathy Baxter 01:04.30

70 + 

1 Sybil Dinkemann 01:12.26; 2 Jeanette Eglington 01:16.41; 3 Christina Eckstein 01:22.45

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JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience Announces International Guests for 25th Edition

This year, the JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience presented by the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) celebrates its 25th anniversary, offering dance fans a 13-day treat of world-class contemporary dance that will see both local and international dance makers converge on Durban from 29 August to 10 September.

Alongside the very best that South Africa has to offer JOMBA! will feature international guests from Mozambique, Switzerland, Netherlands, Madagascar, Uganda, Romania, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. This 25th edition offers not only a powerhouse of performances but workshops, residencies, talks, panel discussions, and virtual screen dance.

The theme for this year is “(in)tangible heritages”. Curator and Artistic Director, Dr Lliane Loots elaborates: “In curating this year’s festival, we have invited dance makers to reimagine their – and our – relationship with ideas of belonging and our varying (in)tangible heritages. The 25th JOMBA! is honouring artists who, through their work and their moving bodies, generate a new sense of belonging that questions who we are at this critical moment in our history”. 

Mozambique’s award-winning dancer/choreographer Pak Ndjamena

Mozambique’s award-winning dancer/choreographer Pak Ndjamena presents his arresting solo work, DEUS NOS ACUDI / GOD HELPS US, that interrogates contemporary African male identity and pulls no punches in its message. 

Thobi Maphanga in hannahmadance’s INVASION(S) (Germany)

Two dance companies from Germany will feature: Hannah Ma’s hannahmadance performs a work that links with South African performers Thobi Maphanga and Jabu Siphika.  INVASION(S) analyses the act of invasion as the act of violently entering a (political, physical, biological) territory from a feminist, and post-migrant perspective. Helge Letonja and his company Of Curious Nature – made up of artists from all over the world presents UN-ZEIT which creates hypnotic images where the perception of time seems to fray and dancing bodies search for support. 

Virva Talonen (Finland)

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY in Portable Home Project (Finland /SA)

With support from the Finnish Embassy (Pretoria), Virva Talonen presents a work in collaboration with Durban’s FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY. Her Portable Home Project is a contemporary dance performance series that delves into a concept of home and its various definitions. The Portable Home Project is co-created by Finnish Lighting Designer Nanni Vapaavuori. 

ACE dance and music (UK)

Birmingham (UK) based ACE dance and music features in a spectacular double bill – UNKNOWN REALMS – with choreography by Burkina Faso’s Serge Aimé Coulibaly and South Africa’s Vincent Sekwati Mantsoe. Coulibaly’s THE NIGHT BEFORE TOMORROW is a metaphorical night where people try to do their last dance before an uncertain tomorrow. Mantsoe’s MANA – THE POWER WITHIN engages the sacred, ritualistic and shamanic. 

Ramanenjana (Romania/Madagascar)

JOMBA! partners again with Rerouting Arts at St Anne’s (Hilton) to share a collaboration between Romania and Madagascar. Ramanenjana is a docufiction performance about a dance that made history. The work examines dance’s societal role and how colonialism spread misconceptions about this extraordinary moment in history. Ramanenjana will also be performed for audiences in Durban. 

Unmute Dance Theatre (SA)

JOMBA! continues to open up access to work that makes visible intersections around dance and disability. JOMBA! 2023 DANCEABILITY FOCUS features dance-makers who are shifting global perceptions around disability: Joseph Tebandeke (Uganda), Unmute Dance Theatre (Cape Town, South Africa), and an inclusive programme from Introdans (Netherlands).

Joseph Tebandeke (Uganda)

Introdans (Netherlands)

In partnership with ASSITEJ, JOMBA! offers the new JOMBA! FOR YOUTH FOCUS aimed at younger audiences, to help grow youth audiences for dance.

Switzerland’s Joshua Monten’s GAME THEORY 

Artists from Switzerland and the Netherlands feature in a new JOMBA! programme that travels to schools and also offers public performances. Switzerland’s Joshua Monten, brings a delightful engrossing work called GAME THEORY that will travel to two schools. This work looks at some of the building blocks of play: freedom and rules. Dutch Dance company de Stilte, focuses on developing productions and performing for children. They bring FLYING COW choreographed by Jack Timmermans which is the story of two girls and a boy who embark on a stand-off, flying on the wings of their imagination.

FLYING COW choreographed by Jack Timmermans (Netherlands)

Other features of the 25th Anniversary festival include two major South African works, the JOMBA! Youth Open Horizons, JOMBA! ON THE EDGE, after performance talks, an engaging dialogue with dance-makers, the launch of the 25th-anniversary book, a series of free workshops and masterclasses, a lighting workshop, a screen dance residency, a dance writers residency, and a smaller curated festival at The Market Theatre in Johannesburg.

Tickets are R80 or R50 (students, scholars, pensioners) or R350 – once off FULL festival pass to see everything.

Booking through COMPUTICKET

For more information go to https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/

-Ends

Seven new local guides for Green Corridors and local other tourism sites

Seven local nature-lovers recently qualified as eco-tourism guides - part of an initiative started by Green Corridors (the Durban NPO which has as its mandate to look after green spaces), in partnership with Kloof Conservancy and 1000 Hills Tourism.

The guides received their NQF4 certificates from Sigma International, a CATHSSETA accredited training provider. The formal training included both classroom and field work over four months working with the Green Corridors qualified guides to gain field experience.

Guides who graduated include from left to right:  Thando Shezi and Nokwazi Sithole who are now guiding with Green Corridors Matata Adventures set in the mountains of Maphepehetheni, a wild camping site, with owner of the Mlu Mthembu, Mbali Xaba and Nomfundo Ntshingila, (and Ntikelelo Nene not in picture) who are guiding in the Lower Molweni site supported by the Kloof Conservancy, and “Rasta” Reuben Tafari who guides at the Overock Site in upper Molweni. In front is Sbu Nduku who now guides with Thulas Luthuli at Green Corridors Mnini Dam site. 

The graduation ceremony was held at the Green Corridors Tourism site at iSithumba Adventures  in Kwa-Ximba where the guides received their certificates.

The official curriculum included facilitating a curated cultural experience, customer care, leading guiding activities, ensuring safety and handling emergency situations, as well as conducting research and developing a guided experience at a renowned tourism destination.

Guides who graduated included: Nokwazi Sithole and Thando Shezi, who are now guiding with Green Corridors Matata Adventures set in the mountains of Maphepehetheni, a wild camping site, with owner of the Mlu Mthembu. “Rasta” Reuben Tafari who guides at the Overock Site in upper Molweni, Sbu Nduku who now guides with Thulas Luthuli at Green Corridors Mnini Dam site, and Nomfundo Ntshingila, Mbali Xaba and Ntikelelo Nene who are guiding in the Lower Molweni site supported by the Kloof Conservancy. 

For more information about the various nature walks, sites and guide tours, contact Green Corridors on reservations@durbangreencorridor.co.za.

-ends

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Ten Teams in Grand Finals 22 & 23 July

After ten hotly contested regionals around KZN, the finalists from each area head to the main event of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, the Grand Finals that takes place at St Mary’s DSG on 22 and 23 July. 

This year’s Grand Finals welcomes a fantastic mix of challengers. The tournament that began in 2011 has a handful of teams with an expansive history of appearances, and adding to the line-up this year, several fresh new contenders. 

Snap! Pictured at the tournament announcement for the Grand Finals of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge are Danville Park Girls’ High School’s captain, Anqobile Nkayi; Durban Girls’ College’s Jenna Reardon; Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School’s keeper, Kelly Willson with her captain Sisikelelwe Sopiseka and St Mary’s DSG’s captain, Kelly Jansens ter laeck. The action packed weekend of hockey will take place at St Mary’s DSG in Kloof on 22 and 23 July. Pic by Val Adamson

Two travelling teams will be competing for the very first time: the challenge welcomes Suid Natal Hoërskool representing the Sisonke and uGu Region and St Dominics Newcastle, the winner of the Northern KZN Region. 

Two teams will be making their second appearance, having both last competed at the Grand Finals in 2012. The Wykeham Collegiate will be waving the flag for the Pietermaritzburg North Regional and on behalf of the uMvoti and oThukela Regional, Ladysmith High School are back too. In their first run at the finals, Wykeham got to the medal round, finishing an impressive fourth overall, while Ladysmith earned a seventh place eleven years ago. 

Back for a third time, Danville Park Girls’ High School will be keen to better their consistent sixth places in 2012 and 2014. Kuswag Hoërskool will also take to the turf for their third outing. They competed in the inaugural tournament in 2011 where they finished ninth and then last year, they took the tenth spot. 

North Coast Regional winner, Grantleigh College head to the finals for their fifth time. Last year they finished seventh and in 2011, 2016 and 2017 they ended eighth overall. 

After several years’ sabbatical, Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School make a welcome return for the seventh time as the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional winners. In their six previous runs, they have featured in the medal games every year with three silvers in 2011, 2013 and 2015, two bronze medals in 2012 and 2014 and a fourth in 2016. 

Host school St Mary’s DSG will be eager to continue their success at the Grand Finals, they have dominated the Highway Regional, representing the area for the tenth time this year. Saints have hoisted the trophy five times in 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, taken silver in last year’s finals, won bronze in 2011 and 2013 and finished fourth in 2015. 

The only team with a 100% record at the Grand Finals, Durban Girls’ College are the defending champions. The Durban Central Regional winners have a fantastic history at the Grand Finals, winning gold four times in 2013, 2014, 2015 and last year. They have also won silver in 2012, 2016 and 2017, one bronze in 2019 and two fourth places in 2011 and 2018. 

The weekend’s action will all be livestreamed on the SuperSport School’s mobile app and website.  

For more info like the tournaments’ Facebook page (SparKZNSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

Eleventh Appearance

Durban Girls’ College - Durban Central Regional Winner - Gold (2013, 2014, 2015, 2022), Silver (2012, 2016, 2017), Bronze (2019), Fourth (2011, 2018)

Tenth Appearance

St Mary’s D.S.G. – Highway Regional Winner - Gold (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), Silver (2022), Bronze (2011, 2013), Fourth (2015)

 Seventh Appearance

Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High – Pietermaritzburg Central Regional Winner - Silver (2011, 2013, 2015), Bronze (2012, 2014), Fourth (2016)

 Fifth Appearance

Grantleigh College – North Coast Regional Winner – Seventh (2022), Eighth (2011, 2016, 2017)

 Third Appearance

Danville Park Girls’ High School – Durban North Regional Winner – Sixth (2012, 2014) 

Kuswag Hoërskool – Durban South Regional Winner – Ninth (2011), Tenth (2022)

 Second Appearance

The Wykeham Collegiate – Pietermaritzburg North Regional Winner - Fourth (2012)

Ladysmith High School - uMvoti and oThukela Regional – Seventh (2012)

 First Appearance

Suid Natal Hoërskool - Sisonke and uGu Regional Winner

St Dominics Newcastle – Northern KZN Regional Winner 

 ENDS

Realness Announces Participants for Second Edition of Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy

Nine female film industry professionals from Africa have been selected to participate in the second edition of the Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy – a dynamic and innovative film industry development programme presented by Realness Institute in partnership with the Locarno Film Festival and with the support of The Story Board Collective.

The programme aims to support, upskill and network young film professionals working in distribution and sales, festival programming, theatrical exhibition, and other related sectors of the industry.

Participants of the 2023 Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy : Tope l-r: Lerato Bokako (South Africa), Nozipho Swelindawo (South Africa),  Abulele Njisane (South Africa), Middle l-r: Anga Mqingwana (South Africa), Khanyisile Zondi (South Africa), Lucinda Van de Rheede (South Africa), Bottom L-R: Seggen Mikael (Eritrea/ Germany), Taryn Joffe (South Africa), Victoria Ogar (Nigeria) 

The participants are:

Abulele Njisane (South Africa) - lecturer in Cinema Studies at the School of Arts, Media and Cultural Studies department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Lerato Bokako (South Africa) – film festival programmer and features writer.

Taryn Joffe (South Africa) - Festival Programmer and Industry Coordinator at Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, curator and writer. 

Anga Mqingwana (South Africa) -producer with Big World Cinema team in Cape Town as a Production and Distribution Co-ordinator.

Khanyisile Zondi (South Africa)- founder of Sinema Agency, a start-up specialising in film marketing, public relations, and distribution.

Nozipho Swelindawo (South Africa) - founder and co-director of Mbudu Community Art Centre. 

Victoria Ogar (Nigeria) - film account manager at Filmone Entertainment 

Lucinda Van de Rheede (South Africa) - entrepreneur, writer and freelance line producer and researcher.

Seggen Mikael (Eritrea/ Germany) - freelance cultural manager, programmer and writer, Film Festival Programmer at DOK.fest Munich and Industry Programmer at the European Film Market (Berlinale).

"We are thrilled to witness the Academy gearing up for this year’s edition during the highly anticipated FAME Week,” says Markus Duffner, Head of Locarno Pro, and Marion Klotz, Industry Academy Project Manager. “We love that all the selected participants are women, as the global film industry requires more female voices to be heard. We believe that this initiative will help propel young professionals into the vibrant tapestry of the local and international film industry network. We look forward to the transformative impact it will have on the next generation of filmmakers.”

“We believe this to be one of our most necessary industry initiatives,” says Elias Ribeiro co-founder and Executive Director of Realness Institute and Regional Manager of Locarno Southern Africa Industry Academy. “Before producers can deliver their content to African audiences through established and profitable distribution avenues on a large scale, we will remain dependent on the North structures. Our content is also worth less than in its primary market, where it is most relevant. The emergence of solid distribution operations is urgent and costly, so we need to innovate while we develop and build.”

The Locarno Southern Africa Industry Academy takes place during FAME Week Africa in Cape Town, South Africa from 3 to 9 September this year. FAME Week Africa is a growing platform for the development and networking of the creative industries on the continent.

"In the heart of MIP Africa at FAME Week Africa, the Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy emerges as a transformative platform, empowering African film professionals to unlock their potential,” says Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director: FAME Week Africa. “Through mentorship, networking, and curated programming, we pave the way for their journey into the global entertainment industry, celebrating diverse voices and captivating stories that will shape the future of African cinema.”

The participants will be given the opportunity to network with global experts, attend masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions. They will also contribute to curating the short film programme, under the mentorship of Academy alumnus Lyse Nsengiyumva (Rwanda) which will be showcased at The Labia Cinema in Cape Town from 7 to 9 September and will feature conversations with high-profile filmmakers and Q & A’s.

“As an alumnus of the first edition of the Academy, I’m thrilled and honoured to be part of this prestigious programme again, this time around as an artistic director of the Short Film Festival,” says Nsengiyumva. “I will be working closely with these professionals to curate a balanced and vibrant programme that promises to resonate with audiences. It is an extraordinary privilege to be involved with the Realness Institute which has been unwavering in its support of African cinema.

Victoria Ogar (Nigeria) says that she is looking forward to meeting new people, learning about new cultures through the films, and having a fulfilling experience.”The sheer magnitude of having to consider the films submitted at the festivals through a selection process to explore the audience's potential and satisfaction will be a lifetime achievement for my career growth in the film space."

“I hope to gain a  wider valuable network of African film professionals and that the programme will empower us to promote African cinema globally and elevate its presence on the international stage,” says Seggen Mikael (Eritrea/ Germany).

Khanyisile Zondi (South Africa) looks forward to gaining insights into distribution through the Academy to help affirm her vision to contribute towards the development of film in Africa: “My aspirations for the distribution industry revolve around fostering an inclusive ecosystem and leveraging technology to facilitate easier access for filmmakers across the continent to sales agents, aggregators, and distribution networks.”

Many mentors and experts will be supporting these young professionals in looking for systems and innovations in this distribution sector including amongst others Dennis Ruh (European Film Market Director), Pamela Bienzobas (Locarno Film Festival - member of the feature film selection committee), Lyse Nsengiyumva (International Film Festival Rotterdam Programmer), Constanza Arenas (Luz Agency and Marketing Expert), Sydelle Willow Smith (Sunshine Cinema), Claire Diao (Sudu Connexion) and Elias Ribeiro.

-ends

Tadu Nare (Nedbank) claimed victory at the Durban SPAR Women's Challenge

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Defending series champion Tadu Nare (Nedbank) claimed victory at the Durban SPAR Women's Challenge, strengthening her grip on the SPAR Grand Prix, on Sunday, dominating the third leg of the campaign with a gun-to-tape victory in ideal conditions.

Three athletes tried to stay with Nare in the early stages of the race, but the Ethiopian star stretched the small lead group into single file as she was chased by compatriot Selam Gebre (Nedbank), South African favourite Glenrose Xaba (Boxer) and Blandina Makatisi (Maxed Elite) of Lesotho.

By the 4km mark, Nare and Gebre had dropped Xaba and Makitisi, and with a few kilometres remaining in the 10km contest, Gebre could no longer hold on to the lightning fast pace.

Nare gradually drew further clear, ultimately crossing the finish line in 31:26 to secure her second victory of this year's series.

She still needs to run two more SPAR Grand Prix races this season to rake in maximum points, but Nare looked to be in full control as the campaign reached its halfway point.

"I felt very comfortable today. It was not like other races I've run this year, which had more hills," Nare said afterwards. "The course was good and I enjoyed it today. I had a good race."

Gebre held on to finish second in 31:37, with Xaba shattering her personal best to take third spot in 31:55, dipping under 32 minutes for the first time in her career.

Makatisi took fourth position in 32:18, and Kesa Molotsane (Murray & Roberts) was the best of the athletes in the chasing group, ending fifth in 33:42.

"I was not feeling very well at the start, and my body did not respond as well as I would have liked, so I'm glad I was able to run a good time," Xaba said. "I'm very happy with the progress I am making with my coach (Violet Semenya) and with my result today."

Meanwhile, in the grandmasters (60+) division, Judy Bird produced a superb performance to break the South African record in her age group. Bird charged to victory in her category in 40:00, taking 12 seconds off the national mark.

Though she narrowly missed her goal of running under 40 minutes, she was delighted to have broken new ground.

"I've been sleeping, eating and thinking sub-40 all week. I visualised it and it became non-negotiable, but it was quite a hard run," Bird said.

"My main focus this year is the SPAR Grand Prix and the other races are at altitude, but I'd love to go sub-40." 

ENDS.