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PROJECT RHINO - Rhinos Needs Your Vote

Local Non-Profit Organisation Project Rhino has been shortlisted for international funding from the European Outdoor Conservation Association. At a time where many organisations have lost international funding, this opportunity, if successful, would cover some much- needed rhino protection. The organisation was selected as one of sixteen finalists from hundreds of applications. Through a process of public voting, winners will be selected. 

Photo: Anthony Kirkwood

Project Rhino is  appealing to all supporters to vote for them  on https://www.eocaconservation.org/vote/ -  voting opened on 31 March and runs until to 14 April. There are 3 categories in which public are asked to vote – Project Rhino is in the second category.

“A vote for Project Rhino is a vote for the future of  our rhinos. Winning the European Outdoor Conservation Association funding would be a lifeline for our conservation efforts, enabling us to intensify our fight against rhino poaching and protect these majestic creatures for generations to come," said Carlien Roodt, Director of Project Rhino.

Project Rhino Alliance NPC protects and preserves the white and black rhino populations of KwaZulu-Natal, recognizing that their survival is inextricably linked to the broader conservation of all wildlife. The organisation aims to create a safe haven for rhinos and other endangered species, ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of the planet's precious wildlife heritage.

Project Rhino protects the second-largest population of white and black rhinoceros in the world. Their footprint in KwaZulu Natal spans 28 game reserves and approximately 800,000 hectares. Since 2008, over 10,000 rhinos have been killed for their horns, supplying Asian market demand.

Funding would contribute to ongoing work, including coordinated anti-poaching interventions such as aerial surveillance and rapid response, K9 antipoaching dog and handler patrols, and removal of snares. In addition, the Alliance will engage community elders to teach and to learn from their wisdom, and deliver conservation education for youth and children to promote the value of wildlife conservation and address real world challenges faced by communities.

ENDS

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY’S NEW SEASON BODIES OF WATER 10-13 April

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY is set to dazzle audiences with its 2025 showcase premiere of BODIES OF WATER at Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 10 – 13 April 2025.

BODIES OF WATER 2025. Dancer Sbonga Ndlovu PHOTO Val Adamson

Award-winning choreographer, Lliane Loots joins forces with celebrated Durban musicians Refiloe Olifant on violin, and Mandla Matsha on percussion, to offer a beautiful, soulful and thought-provoking new season of contemporary dance.

BODIES OF WATER 2025. Dancers Siseko Duba and Sbonga Ndlovu PHOTO Val Adamson

Loots says, “BODIES OF WATER embraces a double meaning as the dance work negotiates the ecology of water alongside an awareness that the human body is made up of 70% water. Setting the dancing moving body as a breathing metaphor for climate justice, the six FLATFOOT dancers face what happens to bodies in times of personal and political crisis”. She goes on to say, “Set against our own African geopolitics, and a larger ‘body’ of social dis-ease, BODIES OF WATER comes back to the ideas of how we relate to ‘bodies of water’ as both artistic and political metaphors for survival. Even though the human body is made up of mostly water, this fluidity is not our daily reality as we see a world becoming more intractable. The remarkable thing about water is that it is always travelling back to source, back home”.

 

BODIES OF WATER 2025. Dancers Siseko Duba, Zinhle Nzama, and Sbonga Ndlovu. PHOTO Val Adamson

Loots always acknowledges the six FLATFOOT dances (Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Zinhle Nzama, Siseko Duba, Sbonga Ndlovu and Ndumiso Dube) as her co-creators. “In this work the dancers courageously face off with their own flow and sometimes immovability as BODIES OF WATER open space for all of us to examine the very beating of our own hearts and the (wished for) lightness of our footsteps on this Earth. BODIES OF WATER is a daring and deeply beautiful navigation of both the human condition and the ecology of our planet.”

Refiloe Olifant

BODIES OF WATER is performed to an original and live score jointly created in rehearsals with Refiloe Olifant (violin) and Mandla Matsha (percussion). Refiloe (aka Fifi) is a violinist who hails from Bloemfontein and is currently employed by The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra as a principal violinist where she also features as an assistant concertmaster with a baroque ensemble based in Durban called Baroque 2000. Loots says, “Her ability to improvise and create a score with the dancers is a unique talent and I am so grateful to have her beauty in the room when we are working. I consider her and her music to be the 7th dancer in BODIES OF WATER”.

Mandla Matsha

Fifi is joined by long time FLATFOOT collaborator Mandla Matsha. Loots says, “Mandla is a percussionist whose particular ability to score when working with dancers, is what hold BODIES OF WATER together. His range of instruments from djembe drums to the istolotolo (mouth harp) are truly phenomenal”.

BODIES OF WATER sees FLATFOOT partnering once again with lighting designer Wesley Maherry whose bespoke designs for this dance company has seen him win numerous awards. His lighting design is supported by his audio visual/cinematic stage projection designs that give BODIES OF WATER a unique performance landscape.

 

BODIES OF WATER only has four public performances at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 10 – 13 April. Performances are on 10 and 11 April at 7pm, and 12 and 13 April at 2.30m. Booking is via WEBTICKETS. Tickets cost between R95 and R120.





There is a special schools’ performance on Friday 11 April at 10.30am where learners can watch the show and engage in a special one-off Q&A with FLATFOOT after the performance. Scholars pay R60 and accompanying teachers get a free ticket. This is via prior booking only via Lootsl@ukzn.ac.za.





BODIES OF WATER is made possible by a partnership with the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre (UKZN).





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I heart Market  - Easter Vibes Saturday, 5 April 2025 9am - 2pm

The next I Heart Market takes on full Easter “holiday vibes” at Northlands Primary School, Durban North on Saturday 5 April from 9am to 2pm.

This month’s market experience features loads of cool stuff for Easter celebrations: with kiddies' outfits, table decorations, jewellery, plushie and crochet toys, ceramics, soaps, gifts, sweet and savoury treats, and a range of delicious goodies to complement one’s Easter spread

The market will have an Easter Egg Hunt for the youngsters in the quad at 9.30am and 11.30am, and there will be loads of fun for the kids.

The market takes place indoors in the air-conditioned school hall and outdoors. There is a dedicated kids' play area (and pram park) to keep little ones occupied while parents shop and relax.

Entry is free, and friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Safe parking with car guards is available within the school grounds and surrounding precincts.

For more information follow on Facebook and Instagram: @iheartmarket.

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Conservation to Benefit from SANParks Honorary Rangers’ Comrades Marathon Fundraising

Close to R1 million was raised for the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHR), one of the Comrades Marathon Association's (CMA) six official AmaBeadiBeadi charities in 2024. 

A large portion of the net proceeds of this drive has gone to much-needed support for South African National Parks’ (SANParks) K9 anti-poaching units in the Table Mountain and Kruger National Parks, and support for SANParks rangers through “Project Embrace”.

Members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers in action at their Comrades water point in 2024. Photo: Carolien du Plessis.

This SANParks Honorary Rangers’ AmaBeadiBeadi charity drive enables runners and supporters to contribute directly to the conservation of South Africa's national parks, in what the organisation calls “a race to save our natural heritage”.

“The Comrades AmaBeadiBeadi Race4Charity drive has enabled us to contribute significantly to our K9 national project which supports the SANParks K9 anti-poaching units, and to our Embrace national project, which provides trauma counselling and support for field rangers and their families,” explains Ian Catt, Treasurer KwaZulu-Natal Region of SANParks Honorary Rangers and Chairman of the SHR Comrades organising committee.

“Poaching in our national parks remains a major conservation challenge in South Africa, and the SANParks K9 Unit is considered a game changer for anti-poaching initiatives."

“The support offered through Project Embrace supports field rangers whose demanding and often dangerous duties can lead to burnout and stress. This programme helps to promote ranger well-being and equips them to safeguard lives and wildlife effectively.”

Going forward, the SANParks Honorary Rangers is hoping that their 2025 CMA Amabeadibeadi Race4Charity drive will beat their 2024 target by exceeding R1 million.

Runners passionate about wildlife and nature conservation can enhance their Comrades experience by selecting the SANParks Honorary Rangers as their preferred charity through the Race4Charity platform. By doing so, they contribute to vital conservation projects within South Africa’s national parks.

To get involved, runners can register for the Race4Charity platform and select the SANParks Honorary Rangers as their chosen charity. This allows them to raise funds for conservation while participating in the marathon. It may also allow for a better seeding, should they raise more than R6000.

Supporters can contribute to the cause by donating to runners supporting the SANParks Honorary Rangers or donating directly to the organization. 

“It does not matter how small the donations are,” says Catt. “Every little bit helps.”

The 2025 Comrades Marathon will take place on June 8, 2025. "Our members across the country are ready to support runners who join our cause, and we look forward to encouraging all the runners as they make their way through our watering ‘hole’ on race day,” says Catt.

For more information, email comrades@sanparksvolunteers.org or visit www.sanparksvolunteers.org

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Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI)  announces animation project selection for the 16th annual DFM Pitch and Finance Forum. 

Over the past 3 years, animation has become an integral part of the Durban FilmMart annual event in July, Animation@DFM includes both important conversations in the industry programme and the participation of animation projects at the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum. 

The online animation masterclass series and one-on-one mentorship offered to projects in development is the first element of the annual programme. The aim of the masterclass programme is to prepare the selected participants  to pitch in Africa’s leading film finance and co-production market. The 16th annual Durban FilmMart is scheduled to take place from the 18 to 21 July, in Durban, South Africa. 

“Over the years, we have noticed the increase in the quality of animation projects coming out of African continent”, says DFMI director, Magdalene Reddy,  “DFMI is honoured to witness the growth of the animation sector and celebrate the work that is been done by creators, both on the continent and in the diaspora. Animation@DFM is now a permanent strand of programming at the market, bringing together the worlds of animation and live action in one place creates richer conversations and deeper networks for industry.” 

DFMI received applications from animation professionals across the continent and the diaspora which made the selection of 8 projects by the  independent evaluation panel very competitive, challenging and exciting. All 8 projects will go through a 3-month period of training and development to ensure they are ready to meet investors in Durban. 

8 Official projects:

Animated fiction features:

Aisha Qandicha    

Producer: Alyssa Harden

Director: Fatima Mahdar

Morocco     

Au nom du Roi Njoya (In The Name of King Njoya)        

Producer: Claye Edou

Director: Claye Edou

Cameroon   

Crocodile Dance

Producer: Ingrid de Beer

Directors:  Shofela Coker, Nadia Darries

South Africa /Nigeria

 Kamaroza

Producer: Nouran Abdallah

Directors: Ahmad Abdelhameed, Islam Mazhar

Egypt 

KINTUADI: SIMON KIMBANGU 

Producer:  Giresse Kassonga

Director: Benny Lusakueno

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tribe  

Producer: Debbie Crosscu

Director: Tendayi Nyeke

South Africa 

Animated fiction series:

Mboudgui   

Producer: Betty Sulty-Johnson, Lamissa Ouattara

Director: Bienvenu Wanso-Tissala

Cameroon /France 

Nunu Rhu/The Girl With Wings         

Producer: Ameera Faber, Sabrina Roc

Director: Clare Louis

South Africa 

Masterclass and Mentorship Programme

The 3-month online masterclass programme will feature script development, visual representation, finance planning, project packaging, pitching and much more while the one-on-one mentorship will allow individual mentors to assist animators with  project packaging and pitch preparation.

More details about the 16th Durban FilmMart will be announced in due course.

The Durban FilmMart 2025 is presented by the Durban FilmMart Institute with principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.

About Durban FilmMart Institute

Durban FilmMart Institute is the business hub of the African film industry in a world where professionals and content are globally competitive and celebrated. The mission of the Durban FilmMart Institute is to provide appropriate and effective programmes and services to promote, support and facilitate investment in the African film industry.  The Durban FilmMart Institute runs year round developmental programmes and an annual market (Durban FilmMart).  The DFMI has recently launched Filmmart.africa which is an online tool for filmmakers to connect and which we hope will enhance visibility for African content.  

For more information about the DFMI programmes visit www.durbanfilmmart.co.za

For more information contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com


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I heart Market - March Magic Saturday, 1 March 2025 9am - 2pm


It’s March Magic at next month’s I Heart Market—Durban’s favourite artisanal retail experience that takes place at Northlands Primary School, Durban North on Saturday, 1 March, from 9am to 2pm.

With its focus on products that are home-made, handmade and made-with-love approach, the market offers a vibrant experience to find local treasures and inspired creativity, while enjoying community connectedness in a relaxed environment.

More than just a market, I Heart Market is a vibrant, community-driven experience as shopping here makes a big impact on the local small business economy, with every trader offering something truly unique for shoppers.

Visitors can discover a carefully curated showcase of local talent and craftsmanship with an inspiring selection of fashion, décor, design, jewelry, and delicious food and refreshments. 

The market takes place both indoors in the air-conditioned school hall and outdoors on the school grounds, ensuring a comfortable shopping experience for all. A dedicated kids' play area and pram park keep little ones entertained while parents shop with ease.



Entry is free, and friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. Safe, monitored parking is available within the school grounds and surrounding precinct.

Stay updated or for more information follow on Facebook and Instagram: @iheartmarket.

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Dates for 2025 SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Regionals and Finals Announced

Turning fifteen, the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge celebrates an incredible milestone as it continues to be a much-anticipated highlight in the school sports calendar.

Since the Challenges inception in 2011, there have been 1,114 teams participating with 16,710 players taking to the turf. Over 3,300 coaches, managers and referees have assisted in 143 tournaments.

Growing the love of hockey. Celebrating the 15th anniversary of SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Nozipho Mkhize (Advertising and Sponsorship Manager, SPAR KZN), Les Galloway (Tournament Director and Head of Hockey, SchoolGirl Sport), and Nomfundo Shezi (Sponsorship Controller and Events) are pictured at the 2025 tournament announcement at one of the venues, Durban Girls’ College. Pic: Val Adamson

Fifteen years later, the tournament has had 130 victorious teams proudly hoisting their trophies at their respective regionals. The tournament comprises ten regionals across KZN, with a Grand Final rounding off the annual challenge where the ten regional winners meet in a highly competitive weekend of hockey. So far, 32 schools have participated in the Grand Finals, with only three schools being crowned the overall Grand Finals champions: St Anne’s College, St Mary’s D.S.G. and Durban Girls’ College.

Tipping off the sporting year for SPAR KZN, the first of ten hockey tournaments takes place at Curro Hillcrest with the Highway Regional on Saturday 8 March. In the first of three back-to-back weekends, the Durban Central Regional heads to Durban Girls’ College’s turf the following day on Sunday 9 March. St John’s D.S.G. welcomes teams for the Pietermaritzburg Central Regional on Saturday 15 March followed by Treverton School hosting the Pietermaritzburg North Regional for the first time, on Sunday 16 March.

Mid-April is the slot for concluding the Durban based challenges, with Werda Skool hosting the Durban South Regional at the 3 Schools Trust turf in Glenwood on Saturday 12 April. Then Ashton International College is the venue for the Durban North Regional the next day on Sunday 13 April.

The final four regionals roll out in an action-packed May. Another milestone, within the milestone year, Grantleigh School holds the 150th overall regional in KZN. Schools located around Richards Bay and Empangeni take to the scenic field on Saturday 10 May for the KZN North Coastal Regional. Heading south, one of the biggest geographic regions will run out onto the Creston College turf on Saturday 17 May for the Southern KZN Regional with teams from Sisonke & Ugu participating.

For the penultimate regional, Ladysmith High School is the host for the uMvoti and oThukela Regional on Saturday 24 May. Wrapping up the 2025 challenges, St Dominic’s Newcastle will greet teams from Dundee, Vryheid, Pongola, Glencoe and Newcastle on Saturday 31 May for the Northern KZN Regional.

Once all the ten regionals have been played, the top teams will congregate at St Mary’s D.S.G. in Kloof for the Grand Finals on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July.

All games will be live streamed on SuperSport Schools. For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page (SparSchoolGirlsHockeyTournament) or follow on Instagram (sparkznhockey). 

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SPAR KZN uplifts women in Sport 2025

SPAR KZN continues to proudly uplift women in sport in 2025 with their commitment to women’s athletics, schoolgirls’ hockey and netball in the province, celebrating incredible milestones,.

“We are referring to 2025 as our ‘big five’ year at SPAR KZN,” shared Menelisi Luthuli, Marketing Director for SPAR KZN. “The year is 2025 and we are applauding five years for our netball tournament, 15 years for our hockey challenge, and 35 years for our Durban Women’s race.”

Celebrations are in order. SPAR KZN applaud the milestones for their sports events this year. Pictured here are Brad Glasspoole (Race Director for SPAR KZN Women’s Challenge), Nozi Mkhize (SPAR KZN’s Advertising & Sponsorship Manager), and Les Galloway (SchoolGirlsSports Director for both the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey and Netball Challenges). Pic by Val Adamson

Celebrating 35, the renowned Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge is diarised for Sunday 22 June. The inaugural race that began in 1990 had a small field of 2,200 participants. With the start on the then-NMR Avenue, outside Kings Park Athletic Stadium, saw Colleen de Reuk historically breaking the tape on the athletic track in an impressive time of 34.16. Currently, Namibian Helalia Johannes holds the fastest 10km time, blitzing her way around the new fast, flat Durban route in 31.18 in 2019. 

Over the 34 years, the women’s race has enjoyed encouraging 369,406 participants to share their morning running around Durban’s scenic spots. The biggest field competing in 2015 had a field of 17,607. Moulding the event into a top tier triumph that everyone looks forward to, Race Director, Brad Glasspoole and his team works tirelessly to create a smooth experience from start to finish. Preparations are well underway to make the 35th race a memorable one. 

Tipping off the sporting year for SPAR KZN, the first of ten hockey tournaments takes place at Curro Hillcrest with the Highway Regional on Saturday 8 March. The tremendously successful SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge began in 2011, a vision of Tournament Director Les Galloway from SchoolGirlSport. 

Fifteen years later, the tournament has had 130 victorious teams hoist their trophies after their regionals. The tournament is split up into ten regionals with a Grand Final rounding off the annual challenge. 32 schools have participated in the Grand Finals with three schools being crowned the overall Grand Finals champions, St Anne’s College, St Mary’s D.S.G. and Durban Girls’ College. 

The newest addition to the KZN sporting stable, leading up to the 2023 Netball World Cup held in Cape Town, SPAR KZN and SchoolGirlSport created the only Fast 5’s tournament in the province for schoolgirls. In 2019 the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge was launched. Beginning with only four tournaments, it quickly grew to seven after its well-received inception. Expanding to eight tournaments in the challenge’s fourth year, the Fast 5’s Challenge is looking forward to continuing growing in its fifth year, and beyond. 

Eighteen teams have conquered their opponents in the 25 different regionals held since 2019 with Hillcrest High School; Durban Girls’ College and Dundee High School earning themselves double victories and Shayamoya Area Secondary School and Kingsway High School earning triple titles. Having wrapped up the 2024 season, Tournament Director, Marguerite Wagner is hard at work creating a memorable fifth year.

Luthuli concludes, ‘We worked out that over the 35 years, SPAR KZN has directly interacted and encouraged being healthier with just under 600,000 people through these three events – everyone from athletes to referees, coaches and managers and spectators. A truly phenomenal figure!’

For more info on all the events, please visit www.spar.co.za or find out more on the individual social media channels. 

 

ENDS

 

I heart Market - 2 November 2024

I heart Market - Saturday, 2 November 2024 - 9am - 2pm -Northlands Primary School, 20 Gleneagles Drive, Durban North

This month’s I heart Market which takes place on Saturday, 2 November 2024 at Northlands Primary School, in Durban North promises to be full of fun and flair and a great precursor to the ubiquitous festive season shopping.

The Market offers a dazzling variety of handmade treasures—from organic skincare, unique art, and fashionable finds to home décor, fresh flowers, kids' toys, jewellery and so much more providing an opportunity to find the perfect festive gifts or the coolest summer essentials.

“We invite Durbanites to join the shop local movement and experience the incredible difference it makes to Durban’s small creative businesses,” enthuses Tanith Molliere manager of the Market. “There is a delightful saying - “When you buy from a small business, someone does a happy dance” and it couldn’t be more true. Every rand spent keeps our creative economy thriving, supporting passionate artists and makers.”


The market offers a retail experience for the whole family. While adults browse, children can enjoy a fun, supervised play area, and there is a wide delicious array of artisanal food and refreshment stalls, including a new and popular addition - a gin bar with vibrant new flavours.

Families can enjoy a relaxing day out together, with a dedicated, supervised play area for the little ones, ensuring everyone has a great time. Most of the market is housed in an air-conditioned hall, which makes shopping in the warmer weather much more comfortable, come rain or shine. There is ample parking with car guards.

For further details email info@iheartmkt.com.

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Workshop and mentorship programme for AI-generated documentaries and narratives

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), in partnership with the innovative French studio u2p050, and Playtopia Festival has announced an open call for theUnrecorded Voices, a unique workshop and mentorship programme exploring AI-generated documentaries and narratives

This programme invites South African artists, developers, and students to dive into the intersection of art, technology, and history, using cutting-edge AI tools to create speculative documentaries based on historical events and fictional narratives.

Playtopia Festival 2023 in Cape Town

The programme is open to South African residents, and will take place online, with a daily workshop from 29 October to 4 November at10:00 to12:00; an individual mentorship programme from 5 November to 24 November, with a final exhibition of the various creative outputs at the Playtopia Festival, the annual Indie games and immersive Arts festival and conference in Cape Town from 6 to 7 December.

Participation is free, however space is limited. Participants will be selected via the open call applications which must be submitted by Friday, 11 October 2024 at 5pm and can be done on this  application link.

Playtopia Festival 2023 in Cape Town

About the programme: 

This workshop, led by u2p050—a collective of artists, historians, and technologists—focuses on the creation of "synthetic archives" through AI-generated content that reconstructs historical moments or imagines speculative events.

Participants will learn to work with AI tools for text, image, and audio generation, developing their own AI-assisted content that highlights underrepresented or unrecorded historical events.

The programme includes philosophical and ethical discussions on AI and its potential to reshape narratives, especially in relation to underrepresented communities and social movements.

Participants will showcase their creations during the Playtopia Festival in Cape Town, Africa’s leading festival for indie games and immersive arts. This offers a significant platform to present their work to an engaged and international audience.

IFAS invites South African artists and developers involved in digital media or technology-based projects, art and computer science students to submit applications to participate. No prior programming experience is required, but applicants should be familiar with technology due to the steep learning curve

Playtopia Festival 2023 in Cape Town

Selected participants will gain hands-on experience with advanced AI tools such as GPT, Stable Diffusion, and ComfyUI, while collaborating on creative projects. Participants must be available for the online workshops and flexible for the mentorship programme.

This project is supported by the French Institute of South Africa and Institut français in Paris, under the banner of Novembre Numerique (Digital November).

Unrecorded Voices falls forms part of a broader initiative to promote digital culture through creative projects worldwide,” explains Emmanuelle Denavit-Feller, Regional Head of New Media, Film & Music at IFAS. “This initiative emphasises co-creation and aims to bridge South African and French digital art scenes, and we are very excited about the creative output that will emerge from the workshops and mentorships as we navigate and pioneer in this digital space.”

 

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European Film Festival line-up announced

A stellar line-up of films has been announced for the 11th European Film Festival in South Africa which runs from 10 to 20 October.  Including two Oscar nominations, the select showcase of 14 films features numerous award-winners that delve into a wide-range of topics under the overarching theme of Complicated Freedoms.  Cinema screenings take place in Johannesburg at Ster Kinekor, The Zone in Rosebank, and in Cape Town at The Labia.  Eleven of the films will be available in the free programme of online streaming accessible across South Africa during the festival period.  

The Films

Io Capitano

The festival opens with Italian director Matteo Garrone’s Oscar-nominated IO CAPITANO. It recounts the epic journey of two teenage boys from Senegal who make their way across Africa in pursuit of a dream called Europe, and is based on accounts of actual experiences by people who have undertaken these arduous contemporary odysseys. Amidst the multiple dangers of desert, sea and hostile racketeers along the way, IO CAPITANO is ultimately a journey of hope and heroism.  This film goes beyond the numbers to put a very human face on migration issues that remain a tragic challenge to the world, very much including African countries; it raises issues of inequality and racism, but also highlights the presence of humanity and compassion in unexpected places.

 

Baan

The Portuguese film BAAN directed by Leonor Teles epitomises the pensive restlessness of 21st century Youth. It’s an innate search for both freedom and belonging in what is ultimately a journey of ongoing self-discovery when L. meets the elusive K.  This explorative and gorgeously shot film is by one of the brightest young filmmakers emerging out of Portugal today – who wrote it, directed it and filmed it.

 

Blackbird Blackbird Blackberry

The Swiss film BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD BLACKBERRY, directed by Elene Naveriani, is about a 48 year old woman in a Georgian village who finds herself passionately falling for a man, and is suddenly faced with the decision whether to pursue the relationship or continue her life of independence.  The film makes a powerful statement about ageism, sexual awakening, and self-empowerment.  BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD BLACKBERRY won the Best Film prize at the Swiss Film Awards this year.

 

Citizen Saint

From Georgia, CITIZEN SAINT is an evocatively shot black and white classic by Tinatin Kajrishvili, which tells the story of a mining town where the disappearance of a revered statue of a saint coincides with the arrival of a mysterious stranger.  A series of miracles create more chaos than good and controversial choices have to be made.  This rather satirical film was Georgia’s submission to the Academy Awards this year.

 

Dying

From Germany, the often comedic DYING directed by Matthias Glasner, unpicks the dynamics and dysfunctionality between the very different members of the Lunies family; the demented father, the sickly wife, the orchestra conductor son, and the radical hedonistic daughter.  We see that Dying is one thing, but Life is the real difficulty…. DYING won the Best Film prize at the German Film Awards this year.

 

Grey Bees

The Ukrainian film GREY BEES, directed by Dmyto Moiseiev, is about the last two remaining inhabitants in a tiny village in the no-man's-land between loyalist and separatist forces in the Donbas region in the days before the Russian invasion. Sergiich the beekeeper is Ukrainian, Pashka is Russian, and circumstances have brought them together in a stubborn and sometimes adversarial companionship.  GREY BEES is a powerful testament to human connection going beyond our differences in moments of need.

 

Kneecap

From the UK, KNEECAP by Rich Peppiatt, presents a riotous look at a hip-hop trio in Belfast who by rapping in their native Irish language become the unlikely figureheads of a Civil Rights movement to save their mother tongue.  In this fiercely original sex, drugs and hip-hop biopic Kneecap play themselves, laying down a global rallying cry for the defense of native cultures. The film won the coveted Audience Award at Sundance this year. 

 

Love According to Dalva

From Belgium, LOVE ACCORDING TO DALVA  directed by Emmanuelle Nicotis a beautiful portrait of friendship, recovery and identity through a young girl's childhood sexual abuse story.  Nicot’s  poignant film explores the ramifications of abuse with deep sensibility and grace, in Dalva’s journey to reconstruction and hope.  This film deals with a highly sensitive subject but one that has relevance in SA where child abuse is very high. The film won a remarkable 7 awards at Belgium’s Magritte Awards including Best Film.

 

Sweet Dreams

From the Netherlands, SWEET DREAMS, directed by Ena Sendijarević , is an audacious tale of the delicious demise of colonialism on a remote Indonesian island.  Satirical and sometimes surreal in tone, personal ambitions play out against a backdrop of workers uprisings, lust, and deep intrigue. Winner of the Best Film award in The Netherlands, SWEET DREAMS was also that country’s submission to the Academy Awards this year.

 

In the Spanish film THE OTHER WAY AROUND directed by Jonás Trueba, a filmmaker couple have decided to separate and come up with the idea of throwing a party to celebrate the break-up. It is a very contemporary comedy drama that teases out witty and highly believable performances from the cast with some revealing insight into how relationships work…. or don’t work. 

 

The Peasants

From Poland, THE PEASANTS, directed by Dorota Kobiela Welchman and Hugh Welchman, is a comic, tragic, and reflective story of one woman’s yearning for independence in a rural Polish village in the 19thcentury.  Full of ornamental song and rapturous dance, the acted performances are meticulously painted frame after frame by more than 100 oil painters in a unique form of animation, reminiscent of  the film LOVING VINCENT, by the same husband and wife directors. This film was Poland’s submission to the Academy Awards this year.

 

The Quiet Girl

In the Irish film THE QUIET GIRL, directed by Colm Bairéad, a young girl is sent away from her dysfunctional family to live with relatives for the summer where she blossoms and discovers a new way of living.  Similtaneously raw and profoundly empathetic, it is a story about childhood and the transformative power of love and human kindness.  THE QUIET GIRL won an Oscar nomination at the 2023 Academy Awards, the first Irish film ever to do so.

 

The Taste of Things

From France, THE TASTE OF THINGS is directed by Trần Anh Hùng, and stars Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel.  Set in 19 century France, it is a touching love story that revolves around gastronomy in a way you just won’t see in the modern foodie films and TV series.  This refined masterpiece of Cinema won the Best Director prize at Cannes and went on to be France’s submission for the 2024 Academy Awards.

 

Unruly

Women’s stories are very prominent in this year’s line-up and none more so than in the Danish film UNRULY.  Here, director Malou Reyman’s unflinching and empathetic depiction of young women battling patriarchy and suppression of their rights in a 1930’s women’s institution is a deeply personal example of how women’s voices will not be silenced.  It is also a strong reminder that achieving emancipation remains an ongoing process today. 

 For film synopses, film trailers and booking information visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za

 

The European Film Festival 2024 is a partnership project of the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and 14 European embassies and cultural agencies in South Africa:  the Embassies of Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the British Council, Camoes Institute of Portugal, French Institute in South Africa, Goethe-Institut, Italian Cultural Institut, and Wallonie-Bruxelles International.  

 

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

 

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Photos supplied:

More pics on this Google drive here

Audio : Co-director of European Film Festival - Peter Rorvik

Youtube link to trailer here:

Family Fun & Unique Finds at I heart Market Saturday, 5 October 2024

This month’s I heart Market takes place on Saturday 5 October at Northlands Primary School in Durban North, providing retail therapy that is always, fresh, exciting and surprising.

The market brings together like-minded “makers” and shoppers in a vibrant, safe, and caring space as some of the country’s finest artisans gather monthly to showcase their extraordinary handcrafted goods.

Whether one is in search of handmade treasures, artisanal foods, or eco-friendly items, the I heart Market has a range of carefully curated stalls featuring art, fashion, jewellery, homeware, and kiddies’ products, a perfect place to find those special, one-of-a-kind gifts as the festive season approaches.  The market also offers a selection of upcycled, recycled, and second-hand gems, each with its own unique story, and is particularly famous for its delicious array of food.

“The I heart Market isn’t just about shopping – it’s about creating memories,” says the manager of the market, Tanith Molliere. "By shopping here, one discovers unique products and supports local creatives and entrepreneurs who pour their passion and craftsmanship into each piece. Every purchase helps to grow and strengthen our community of talented artisans.”

Families can enjoy a relaxing day out together, with a dedicated, supervised play area for the little ones, ensuring everyone has a great time. Most of the market is housed in an air-conditioned hall, which makes shopping in the warmer weather much more comfortable, come rain or shine. There is ample parking with car guards.

Moliere welcomes traders to contact her if interested in joining this vibrant community of traders on the website iheartmarket.com/apply

For more information contact info@iheartmkt.com.

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SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge Highway Regional Saturday 31 August

Host school, Hillcrest High School were on-song in the Highway Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge that took place on Saturday 31 August. 

They met Luthayi High School in the regional final, both schools have been one-time winners in the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Fast 5’s Netball Challenge, with Hillcrest taking the honours of the Durban Regional in the inaugural tournament in 2019, and Luthayi winning the Highway Regional in 2022.

On the day, both teams were unbeaten going into the final. Hillcrest tipped off with the ball ziplining its way to Goal Shooter, Michaela Clegg who pocketed her teams first point after 20seconds. 18 seconds later, Luthayi responded with an equaliser by their captain, Sibahle Ngubane. At 68 seconds into the game, Hillcrest scorecard rolled over by another Clegg point. Knocking in their second point, the home team ignited, upping the pressure with spectacular all-round defence. Luthayi, seemingly rattled and a bit on the back foot, only managed to net a point to every two goals by Hillcrest. The half time score was 8 – 4. 

After a two-minute break, Luthayi’s Goal Attack opened up the second half scoring with an exceptional 2 pointer, a glimmer of a comeback was sparked. Hillcrest’s response was three individual points, with their Goal Attack Julia Cameron getting in on the scoring action, netting two of the goals. Noxolo Linda from Luthayi boldly tried a couple more times to sink some adventurous 2 pointers, but sadly didn’t manage to find the centre of the ring. Both teams increased their tallies by 4 points in the second half, with the final score sitting on 12 – 8. 

A few of the learners participating in this regional enjoyed a more flamboyant attack of attempting to float in 2 or 3 pointers, compared to the norm of slotting in the more reliable 1 pointer from just under the net. 

Playing for third place, a determined Kloof High School dominated the game against Curro Hillcrest taking the honours of third place with a 14 – 3 victory. In the semi-finals, Kloof met Luthayi in a vibrant game that Luthayi won 10-4. While the home team, Hillcrest met the other local team, Curro Hillcrest, ending with an impressive 15 – 3.

This weekend, the action heads to Curro Salt Rock for the Durban North Regional. If you are unable to get courtside, you can catch all the action on SuperSports Schools. 

Finals Result

Hillcrest High School 12 vs Luthayi High School 8

Third Place Playoff

Kloof High School 14 vs Curro Hillcrest 3

Semi-Finals Results

Luthayi High School 10 vs Kloof High School 4

Hillcrest High School 15 vs Curro Hillcrest 3

Pool Results

Pool A

1 Hillcrest High School 12pts; 2 Kloof High School 7pts; 3 Westville Girls’ High School 6pts; 4 Curro Hillcrest Seconds 4pts; 5 Waterfall College 0pts

Pool B

1 Luthayi High School Firsts 12 pts;2  Curro Hillcrest Firsts 9pts; 3 Gelofte Skool 4pts; 4 Hillcrest High School Seconds 4pts; 5 Sastri College 0pts

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Announcing the Participants of the Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy Hosted by Realness Institute

Realness Institute has announced the six African film professionals selected for the third edition of its highly successful Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy(SALIA), a prestigious programme fostering talent in the film and television industry on the continent.

Left to right : Top Awoua Keita Epse Diallo (Côte d'Ivoire), Bethlehem Tesfu Estifanos (Ethiopia), Duwayne Murphy (South Africa).Bottom: Mphumelelo Mnisi (Eswatini), Rehima Awol Ibrahim (Ethiopia), Tshiamo Malatji (South Africa).

SALIA is a collaboration between Realness Institute, the Locarno Film Festival with the support of The Story Board Collective which takes place in partnership at FAME Week Africa. It aims to support the development of young film professionals working in sales, traditional and online film distribution, theatrical exhibition, and programming for festivals, and archives. 

This year the programme takes place during FAME Week Africa from 1 to 7 September in Cape Town, with the programme will be led by Elias Ribeiro, director of Realness. Participants will be given the opportunity to network with global experts, attend masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions. 

David Rimer, Founder of the Story Board Collective a Geneva-based organisation dedicated to advancing transformative storytelling, says, “StoryBoard recognizes the significant role that programs like the Southern Africa-Locarno Industry Academy play in advancing the careers of emerging African film professionals. By bridging local talent with international industry leaders, these initiatives help to enrich the film industry with diverse and authentic voices,” 

“We're excited for a new great edition of the Salia, for which our partners at Realness draft each year a strong and more interesting programme, which enables to create an incredible professional network in the region,” says Markus Dufner, Head of Industry, Locarno Film Festival.

“We are grateful to our partners and with the opportunity to hold space for distribution, one of the most fractured parts of the value chain in the audiovisual business in Africa,” says Elias Ribeiro  Realness Institute Co-founder. 

Participants include:

Awoua Keita Epse Diallo (Côte d'Ivoire) the Acquisitions Director at COTE OUEST, who brings over 15 years of experience in content acquisition, including work with American studios, telenovela producers, and European distributors. 

Bethlehem Tesfu Estifanos (Ethiopia) is the Festival Coordinator for the Addis International Film Festival (AIFF) on Human Rights. 

Duwayne Murphy (South Africa)
 focuses on environmental issues through film and is the Founding Director of the Roots Film Festival, and has worked on international films and significant projects like iKasi Voices Season 2. 

Mphumelelo Mnisi (Eswatini) is the Head of Programmes for Eswatini TV who has played a pivotal role in shaping the public broadcaster's programming and content strategies.

Rehima Awol Ibrahim (Ethiopia)
is an expert in television programming and media research, and a key figure at Kana Television since 2016, who has served as a jury member for the International Emmy Awards since 2018.

Tshiamo Malatji (South Africa)
is a filmmaker and exhibitor, who directs the CineBa! Film Club and Festival in Bloemfontein. 

For more information about the participants and the programme, please visit www.realness.institute

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SA documentary that has touched a nerve – picked up by international festival

Mother City, the hard-hitting South African documentary about the politics of urbanism premiered internationally at the Sheffield International Documentary Festival, and at the prestigious Encounters South African International Documentary Festival where it played to sold out houses. Since then, it has been in demand by audiences and festivals eager to engage with its content throughout the country and abroad.

The film received special mentions from the juries at both these festivals, and was shown to a packed audience of industry peers at the recent Durban FilmMart.

It had a special screening at the CineCentre GrandWest, Cape Town on 30 August followed by a robust panel discussion hosted by Daily Maverick journalist, Rebecca Davis with Disha Govender, Head of Ndifuna Ukwazi Law Centre; Nkosikhona Swartbooi, activist; Brett Herron, former Mayco Member for Housing, City of Cape Town, and Anthea Houston, CEO of Communicare.  

The London Renters Union, a campaigning union with branches across the UK, requested a special for the opening of their Housing Justice Assembly 2024 in London on 30 August.

Given the dire housing and land needs a robust impact campaign is created by the film makers and activists seeking various opportunities to screen the film to a wide and diverse audience in order to trigger discussion.

Where to see Mother City,  next:

In Cape Town a short season will follow at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town on Sunday 8 September, 2.30pm and from Friday 13 to Thursday 19 September 8pm.

Johannesburg public screenings take place at the CineCentre Killarney Mall from Wednesday 18 September at 19:00 with a special screening with the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation with Daily Maverick’s Ferial Hafajee hosting a post screening panel discussion.

It will screen at CineCentre on Friday 4 October at 7.30pm, Saturday 5 October at 5.15pm and Sunday 6 October at 2.30pm.

International screenings and festivals include:

●      Sheffield: The Showroom Cinema in Sheffield 28 October

●      London: Bertha DocHouse in London requested to screen Mother City  29 October 

●      Namibia at the Film Week in Windhoek

●      In Germany, at Afrika Film Festival Köln, 

●      and in Switzerland and USA in the next four months.

Seasoned impact filmmaker Miki Redelinghuys of Plexus Films and veteran investigative journalist Pearlie Joubert, directed and produced the film with renowned feature-producer Kethiwe Ngcobo. Described as a beautifully observed, deeply human and often heart-breaking look at the politics of urbanism, the filmmakers spend six years documenting the activists of the dynamic Reclaim the City movement, as they transform two mothballed state-owned buildings in Cape Town’s into homes for more than 1000 people.  The Woodstock Hospital was renamed Cissy Gool House by occupiers and the Helen Bowden nursing home in the Waterfront, Ahmed Kathrada House  .

“This is a classic David versus Goliath struggle, where activists challenge the powerful forces of politics and property. It has touched a nerve wherever we have screened the film and resonates deeply with audiences worldwide – this is not just a South African problem,” says Pearlie Joubert, who recently  screened the film to the Renters Union in London.

“All over the world people who are living on the edges are talking truth to power, taking their fight like the Reclaim the City movement - to the streets, the courts, high-end events, and governments determined to make their voices heard. We are hoping this film will create the necessary impact for activists as well as those in power whose decisions affect them, we want each and every person who sees this film to be moved to action,” says Redelinghuys.

 

Link to ticket sales

 Cape Town: https://bit.ly/3AGbNPc

Johannesburg: https://bit.ly/3X4UzT4

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Choreographer BreeH Cele’s work “uXinzelelo” wins  Pick of the JOMBA! Live Open Horizons Platform

In the first time since COVID hit the globe in 2019, JOMBA’s popular Live Open Horizons made its way back live into the theatre to an appreciative audience, with Pietermaritzburg Choreographer BreeH Cele’s work uXinzelelo taking the honours receiving the “Pick of the Platform” award last night (29 August).

BreeH Cele (2nd from left) receiving the Pick of the Platform Award from Tammy Ballatyne (left) Jabu Siphika and Yaseen Manuel (Right) - Pic by Val Adamson

Jurors for the Open Horizons were dancer/choreographers Yaseen Manuel (Unmute Dane Company) and Jabu Siphika (FLATFOOT Dance Company) and dance writer and researcher Tammy Ballantyne.

uXinzelelo by BreeH Cele- Pic by Val Adamson

The jurors' citation read: “The Pick of the Platform was “uXinzelelo”, choreographed by BreeH Cele, with a carefully conceptualised work encompassing the weight of unique struggles faced by the black community when it comes to mental health concerns. Cele wove magic through the use of powerful, live vocals, strong voiceovers, evocative lighting choices, and disciplined, focussed performers. The stage was covered in white maize meal, which the performers became caked in as the strong choreography unfolded, with good use of the floor and imaginative partnering. At times, there was a sense of call and response between singers and dancers, as well as clever changes in pace and rhythm. An impressive work by a young woman who is using this research as part of her Master's studies.”

uXinzelelo  was performed by Nandile Khumalo, Sabelo Cele, Asanda S. Khathi, BreeH Cele, Slindile Mthethwa, Thulisile Sithebe, S'khona Mathenjwa, Pertunia Msani, Neo Dube and Nomthandazo Nxabela.

Accepting the award, which carries a small cash honorarium, BreeH Cele, said that she is looking to use it to further develop a short film on the work.

Inescapable, choreographed and performed by Siphesihle Vilakazi and Anneline Mazibuko- Pic by Val Adamson

Other works included Inescapable, choreographed and performed by Siphesihle Vilakazi and Anneline Mazibuko, from Durban, SASACRIFICIUM choreographed by Versatile Youth Company’  Thimna Sitokisi from Gugulethu, SA, and performed by Inam Dyonasi; Ndimphiwe Koloti; Sandile Dyushu; Buntu Anta and Simthembile Mampufoand Giselle and me choreographed and performed by Sarahleigh Castelyn (SA/UK) .

SACRIFICIUM choreographed by Versatile Youth Company’  Thimna Sitokisi - Pic by Val Adamson

The jurors noted the common threads binding the four works on this platform – the deep, inner struggles with mental health and emotional trauma. All four found inventive ways to communicate their stories through well-rehearsed and conceived works, with attention to effective lighting and a variety of choreographic choices.

Giselle and me choreographed and performed by Sarahleigh Castelyn (SA/UK) - Pic by Val Adamson

JOMBA! continues until 8 September with performances workshops and discussions.

For more info go to jomba.ukzn.ac.za

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I heart Market Saturday, 7 September 2024 - Durban

Spring has sprung! This month’s  I heart Market at Northlands Primary School in Durban North, takes place on Saturday 7 September and features the Spring Sale, the second and final sale market of the year.

“If you love shopping for bargains and supporting local makers, this is the market for you—especially if you’re looking to get a head start on your Christmas shopping,” says Tanith Molliere, Manager of the Market. “These sought-after sale events are always well-attended because this is one of only two times a year where our vendors offer their amazing crafts and products at especially discounted prices.”

The I heart Market offers a carefully curated selection of exclusive, innovative, handmade, homemade, and locally designed products. Shoppers can expect to find a broad range of items, including unique crafts, art, fashion, jewellery, homeware, children’s goods, and upcycled treasures. Alongside the shopping experience, visitors can indulge in a mouth-watering array of food in the food court, as well as craft gin and beer in the garden.

“We’re always on the lookout for fresh talent to join our community of creators,” adds Tanith. “We encourage ‘makers’ with unique, self-designed, and locally produced items to connect with us. Whether a jeweller, ceramicist, chef, cook, designer or innovator, this could is an ideal opportunity for makers to introduce news creations at our market.” 

Makers and food vendors can apply to Tanith on this link : https://www.iheartmarket.com/apply/

For those with small children, there is a dedicated play area and a pram park, allowing adults to have a stress-free shopping experience. The School Hall has air conditioning, guaranteeing a comfortable visit rain or shine.  There are also designated areas for parking within the school grounds and precinct monitored by security guards.

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JOMBA! Digital Open Horizons Pick Of The Platform Announced

The 26th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, which is currently running in Durban, announced its JOMBA! Digital Open Horizons “pick of the platform” awards for 2024 on Wednesday 28 August. The programme was screened on the festival’s YouTube Channel and is available for the remainder of the festival until 8 September here

The Digital Open Horizons platform invites digital submissions of original works from new and established dance-makers across Africa. These works which last 3 to 8 minutes, were reviewed by an independent jury and seven selected for this platform at the festival: Lacuna by Louise Coetzer (South Africa, Darkroom Contemporary), Echoes by Femi Adebajo (Nigeria), As the Mountain Stood Still by Dave Gardner/Jacques Batista (South Africa), Internal Struggles by Diana Gaya (Kenya), Yolk by Skyla Buchanan (SA/Cyprus),Moments by Marcia Mzindle (South Africa) and Blue Funk by Louise Coetzer (South Africa, Darkroom Contemporary)

The jury selected Yolk in first place, Echoes in second and Lacuna in third as the “picks of the platform”.

Yolk by Skyla Buchanan (SA/Cyprus)

Yolk was selected in first place for its “innovation, beautiful cinematography and interesting settings as well as its subject matter”. Filmed by Beatrice Mariani, and choreographed, performed, directed and edited by Skyla Buchanan a contemporary trained dancer, practitioner and choreographer working with a multidisciplinary approach to performance. 

Yolk is set against the oppressive heat of summer, and explores the link between womanhood and fertility - where the sense of being a woman is derived from a "bioessentialised" maternal instinct: “A woman with no children is a wasted potential of a womb, wasted space, wasted time, wasted life- the wasted yolk of a fresh egg.”

Echoes by Femi Adebajo (Nigeria),

Nigeria’s Femi Adebajo’s Echoes, performed by Adebajo and Janed Aduayom was awarded second place. This work was selected for its “interesting pace and rhythm as well as its use of location and space and his creation of tension and suspense.”

Adebajo is a creative multidisciplinary artist who focuses on exploring art as a medium of connection to the human mind. 

Echoes provides a creative representation of the concept of pressure and its influence on both the physical bodies and mental states of individuals. It aims to offer a powerful and artistic insight into the human experience, highlighting the effects of pressure and its significance in our lives.

Lacuna choreographed and performed by Mthuthuzeil November, directed by Louise Coetzer

In third place selected for its “wonderful play between dark and light, its use of slow motion and its cinematic sets” was Lacuna choreographed and performed by Mthuthuzeil November, directed by Louise Coetzer with videography: Oscar O'Ryan, and produced by Darkroom Contemporary.

Coetzer is a versatile dance artist also renowned for her multidisciplinary approach to performance art. Lacuna traces the unfilled spaces of the brutalist architecture enveloping the dancer. It is a cinematic study of light and shade, seen and unseen

The Festival offers a range of workshops, talks and performances and runs until 8 September. Tickets are available through Computicket.

All festival information is available on the festival website:  https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/

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Honouring Durban’s Wesley Maherry’s 15 years as Production and Technical Manager for JOMBA!

In a surprise citation and award ceremony on the opening night of the 26th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience on Tuesday 27 August, in Durban, the festival’s Technical and Production Manager, Wesley Maherry, was awarded a special citation in recognition of his fifteen years of committed service to the festival.

Wesley Maherry Production and Technical Manager for JOMBA! receiving the citation at the opening of the festival from Lliane Loots Artistic Director/Curator of JOMBA!, and  Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Photo Val Adamson

“We often forget that live theatre cannot function without deeply motivated, organised and gifted people whose work is to technically serve the vision of the artists and make their work possible on stage. Long hours in dark theatres and endless admin, are some of the challenges. In this environment, the CCA and JOMBA! has been – and is – honoured to have Wesley Maherry in the role of Production and Technical Manager for JOMBA! and all its various offerings”, said Ismail Mahomed, the Director of the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

JOMBA! is South Africa’s longest-running and most successful African contemporary dance festival. In 2022, JOMBA! was awarded the National Institute for Humanities & Social Sciences Award for Best Digital Creations. In 2023, JOMBA! received an accolade from Business Arts South Africa for the festival’s outreach and activism work. 

“Wesley’s specialised stage production and digital technology skills underline why JOMBA! remains so highly acclaimed in the creative industries. His work on the online digital delivery of the JOMBA! MASIHMABISANI dialogues and colloquium and, of course, the main JOMBA! festival in both Durban and at our JOMBA! @ The Market Theatre in Johannesburg, is unprecedented. Fifteen years speaks to a deeply committed support of artists and artistic spaces”, says Lliane Loots, the Artistic Director/Curator of JOMBA! “2024 heralds the 15thanniversary year that Wesley Maherry has worked for UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts and the JOMBA! Festival.”

Wesley works at UKZN’s Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre as a Production Manager. He is part of a very efficient but small team – headed by theatre manager Jackie Cunniffe - that keeps the Sneddon one of eThekwini’s preferred live theatre spaces. He has an undergrad degree in Drama and Performance Studies. In 2024, he graduated with an MA (through UKZN’s Drama Progamme) where he interrogated his lighting design practice with choreographers like Vincent Mantsoe and Lliane Loots. His MA began to look at how dance lighting can respond to the challenges and needs in Africa noting that most of the research around theatre and dance lighting is still only generated from Europe and America.

JOMBA! runs until Sunday 8 September in venues in Durban with a satellite event in Hilton and then goes to the Market Theatre in mid-September.

For more info go to jomba.ukzn.ac.za

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