Celebrated National Geographic Explorer Tara Roberts to give Keynote Address at NEWF Fellows' Summit in Durban

Celebrated National Geographic Explorer Tara Roberts to give Keynote Address at

NEWF Fellows' Summit in Durban

Durban, South Africa: Celebrated American National Geographic explorer Tara Roberts, will be in Durban this week (22 February) to present a keynote address at the inaugural Nature, Environment & Wildlife Filmmaking (NEWF) Fellows’ Summit.

At the invitation of NEWF directors Noel Kok and Pragna Parsotam-Kok, Tara Roberts will deliver her address to 80 young filmmakers, scientists and storytellers from 15 African countries who have participated in NEWF’s numerous labs or training workshops over the years. She will be referencing her ground-breaking National Geographic podcast series Into the Depths, of her personal journey following Black scuba divers from the organisation Diving with a Purpose, searching for slave shipwrecks around the world (of which there are reputed to be more than 1000).

Featuring on the cover of the March 2022 edition of the prestigious National Geographic magazine, Roberts reveals the insights of her journey explaining that “it is time for their (slave ancestors) stories to rise from the depths, to be told in their fullness, in their wonder—and with love, with honor, with respect.”

She also features in the National Geographic Documentary Special, Clotilda: Last American Slave Ship and a short documentary Diving with Purpose.

Over the 5 years of its existence, NEWF has grown into much more than its annual congress that connects filmmakers, storytellers, scientists, conservationists, and media distributors working in conservation through film. It has also played a major role in supporting emerging filmmakers by connecting them to funders as well as providing labs and capacity development, and this cohort is now known as NEWF “Fellows”.

“In the two-year absence of an in-person NEWF Congress, we thought we should focus on consolidating the skills and networking of the cohort of NEWF Fellows,” explains Noel Kok. “Our overall vision for this sector of the film industry is to tell the “Stories of Africa” that celebrate and advocate for the protection of her natural (and cultural) history that is told by a connected network of visual storytellers organically led by indigenous African voices. And there is no better way to do this, than by supporting the emergence of these stories through young filmmakers.”

“It is a true honour to have Tara here to give an address about her journey, as a journalist and storyteller, we hope she will shine a light for this cohort as a trailblazer, and role-model, motivating them to tell our African stories,” enthuses Pragna Parsotam-Kok. “Her story is so inspirational as she seeks out to uncover the lost history of Africans under the ocean.”

To listen to the Into the Depths podcasts : https://on.natgeo.com/3h6PV24

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Green Corridors – go outside with your family this holiday in Durban!

Green Corridors, the NPO that cares for the glorious green spaces around Durban, offers some exceptional picnic sites and tourism experiences, all easily accessible for a socially distanced outdoor gathering with a host of activities during the Festive Season. 

Whether it is self-drive or fully guided on the Green Corridors Shuttle Bus, these are wide-open spaces to relax, play, adventure and have loads of fun – they’re ideal for the whole family, and only a short distance from Durban’s CBD.

These wonderful sites are not only perfect for day visits, but camping, too, is available. There is also the unique Green Corridors’ pop-up camping option that is stress free…and includes everything you need for a “glamping weekend” tents, stretcher, camp shower, catering tent and other equipment (with catering or self catering options).

Cycling from eNanda Adventure Park

ENANDA ADVENTURES

eNanda Adventure Park on the beautiful Inanda Dam has the prettiest picnic site and an adrenaline-inducing pump bike track. The site offers guided mountain biking, birding excursions, hiking trails and canoeing.  A lovely shaded lawn overlooks the dam where you can launch canoes to explore the waterways. 

eNanda Adventures offers camping right on the water's edge, as well as cabins. Boat launching permits can be also issued on behalf of Msinsi Holdings (which manages the dam), ideal for those wishing to launch here. 

Canoeing at Mnini Tourist Resort

MNINI DAM

Mnini Dam, south of Durban in the quiet, picturesque uMgababa area offers two superb sites for picnics, canoeing, fishing (large-mouth bass, tilapia) and some spectacular birding, hiking and MTB trails. 

Hiking with Thulas Adventures around Mnini Dame

The two tourism sites are Thulas’ Adventures, which also hosts pop- up camps, with or without catering), right on the water’s edge, and you enjoy guided nature and birding hikes, as well as cycle tours. The Mnini Dam Tourist Resort is tailormade for picnics, boat launching, fishing, birding, and hiking, with campsites and en-suite rooms available for hire as well as a well stocked bar and restaurant.  

Tubing at Mqeku

MQEKU PICNIC SITE

Mqeku picnic site in the exquisite Valley of 1000 Hills has a unique ‘bum-slide’ on its river, a sparkling clean tributary into the Umgeni. This crazy, fun slide ends in a serenely calm pool, where you can simply float on a tube. There are excellent walking trails here, and the local community will welcome you warmly, and take care of your every need. Braai facilities and camping are available.

Biking at isiThumba

ISITHUMBA

Isithumba in the Valley of 1000 Hills is fully kitted out with accommodation, hiking, MTB and cultural tours. Local guides with unparalleled knowledge and story-telling skills will bring to life the culture, rituals and customs of the Zulu people as you tour this quintessential rural Zulu village.

Exquisite sites around Molweni Valley on a hike

MOLWENI VALLEY

Lower Molweni  is a short drive into the Valley of 1000 Hills from Hillcrest and is a hikers, birders and nature-lovers paradise.  there is a network of community-developed nature trails that lead hikers through the spectacular rugged cliffs and forests of the area, just on the outskirts of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. This reserve is a biodiversity treasure trove including 50 mammals, 253 bird, 35 reptiles, 150 butterflies, 273 tree and over 1500 plant species. Visit the Philangethemba Impact site with K&X Café and Ibongezi Crafters.

GREEN HUB

The GreenHub at Durban’s Blue Lagoon – offers some amazing eco-tourism activities – birding, hiking, canoeing and a visit to the fascinating Ezemvelo Beachwood Mangroves (on selected days). 

Green Corridors Shuttle bus at isiThumba

SHUTTLES OFFERED TO VARIOUS SITES

Green Corridors sites and tourism experiences are so easily accessible. The ultimate convenience is to hop on a  Green Corridors Shuttle Bus, which leaves from  Durban’s GreenHub on the Umgeni River (near Blue Lagoon) and takes guests on the following excursions:

·      Wild Enanda/Enanda Dam trip. It includes uMzinyathi Falls, the sacred Rastafarian Caves, a trip with Canoeing eNanda Adventures, and eNanda Mountain (lunch available at eNanda at your own expense). 

·      Mqeku Tubing and Bum Slide, where you’ll visit the Valley of a 1000 Hills, enjoy the amazing views en route…then just ride the bum slide, take a tube ride or chill in the shady picnic site (bring your own picnic lunch). Mqeku Picnic site is exquisite.

·      Durban’s Waterfalls (bring your own picnic lunch). You’ll travel from Paradise Valley Falls to Kloof Falls to uMzinyathi Falls – perfect for keen photographers, nature lovers and water babies. 

·      Mnini Canoe and Hike Trip, ideal for birdwatchers and peace seekers - lunch available at eNanda at your own expense. This is a leisurely day, drifting along the Mnini Dam shores, or hiking through the deep river gorges. 

·      Green Corridors’ GreenHub is centrally located on the banks of the uMngeni River, known locally as Blue Lagoon, offering a walk-in centre for information, eco-education and tour bookings, with bicycle and canoe hire available.

The Shuttle Bus transport, guides and any entrance fees are included in the R400 per person - minimum of four persons for the tour to run. 

All sites have a nominal entrance fee - camping and activity fees vary from site to site, helping to drive the local tourism economy in these areas.

Bookings are essential and can easily be made on +27 (31) 322 6026 or email frontdesk@greencorridors.afric

For more information go to : https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/

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Flatfoot Dance Company in Earth Rhythms at KZNSA Gallery

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY  in partnership with the KZNSA, presents …EARTH RHYTHMS

@ KZNSA GALLERY, Durban

Durban: Join FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY for two performances only at Glenwood’s iconic KZNSA Art Gallery in Durban on 10 and 11 December at 6.30pm.

In a family friendly celebration of rhythm, joy and the sheer delight of the dancing and moving body, FLATFOOT will take you on a journey of magical explosive dance that celebrates how rhythm connects us all. Choreographed in a sharing of skills and styles by the full company; Lliane Loots, Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Mthoko Mkhwanazi, Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba, Ndumiso Dube, and Zinhle Nzama, this performance also features celebrated Durban poet Ongezwa Mbele as her rhythmic spoken words weave a connection between dance, music and the healing time and tides of the ocean. 

FLATFOOT's Sbonga Ndlovu in full flight - photo by Val Adamson

EARTH RHYTHMS is a delightful showcase of FLATFOOT’s unique - award-winning - contemporary dance style mixed in with a bit of popular street dance that will bring a smile to your face.

In honouring the holiday season, this partnership with the KZNSA is a dine, wine, shop and dance happening– doors open from 5pm so you can do some early evening Christmas shopping at BUZZART21, grab a bite to eat and settle into your seats for the 6.30pm show start! The show is one hour.

 The venue is Covid compliant and no mask, no entry! Each performance has a limit of x100 audience members only – book soon to avoid disappointment. No walk-ins/at the door sales - all tickets MUST be prebooked and paid for in advance.

COST: R100 per ticket (under 13s: R80)

Bookings made via flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com

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SA Short film Deliver Me in competition at Cairo International Film Festival

Paper Cranes Collective and Ctrl Alt Shift are proud to announce that their first collaboration, Deliver Me, will have its international premiere at this year’s Cairo International Festival (26 November - 5 December) where it will take part in the Official Short Film Competition.  Directed by Cape-Town based Jannous Aukema (Until The Silence Comes and The Jaguars Daughter), the film was conceived, filmed and edited during South Africa’s LockDown level 4. Made for under R20,000 and a four-man crew, the project is a unique take on the documentary storytelling format. 

“We are honoured and very pleased to have our project Deliver Me, screen at such a prestigious festival such as Cairo International Film Festival, a festival that plays such a key role not only in the continental festival calendar, but also is a significant on the international festival landscape,” said Durban-based Mitchell Harper, Ctrl Alt Shift producer of the film. “ We are excited and to be the only Southern African film in the festival’s competition. The journey of the film has been amazing given it’s scale and I think a testament about the success of films that have collaborative nature, along with its unusual approach to story-telling and financing will hopefully readjust many to how we approach not only filmmaking, but help shift our understanding of what trials many go through in a bid to survive everyday life.”

Co-produced by companies in Durban and Cape Town, Deliver Me is a 28 minute film, a poetic meditation on the migration of a Malawian man, who has come to South Africa to find a future for himself and his family. We follow Paul Mwase through the evening streets, restaurants and suburbs he navigates as an Uber delivery bike rider, during the coronavirus hard lockdown in Cape Town, South Africa. We come to see that he is a man driven by love for his family, whom he remains in contact with through his cellphone, his digital lifeline to those he has left behind. His work and the conditions he toils in are solitary. In many ways Paulʼs journey as witnessed in the film is a signifier not only of the struggles of isolation in an unknown place, but more generally of the lonesome months of a world pandemic. 

The film will be have its screening on the 28 November and will be available on digital platforms, and  is available on the African continent  throughout the festival period.

To find out how to watch Deliver Me, go to The Cairo International Film Festival

Action in Autism Market Day – Saturday 20 November 2021

Media release

Action in Autism Market Day – Saturday 20 November 2021

Action in Autism will host a Summer Market at the Action in Autism Centre in Park Hill, Durban North on Saturday, 20 November from 9am – 2pm.  

The students of Action in Autism’s skills transfer and business hub, have been hard at work preparing for the market.   This project not only provides a focus for their learning and studies in the areas of administration, consumer and business studies, gardening, food production and craft, but also serve as a fundraiser for the organisation.  “Market Day means to show other people outside the Action in Autism Centre what we can accomplish when we work together as a team, and not just as individuals,” says Michelle Edmonds, a 22 year old autistic student. Her fellow student, Bruce Baloyi, interjects to ensure those attending know that the Market runs from 9am to 2pm.

The Market Day is a bi-annual event at which the Shahumna students showcase their work and products created in the Business Hub and is the practical component of their Business Studies curriculum. In addition, the Market serves as an event for networking and connection not only for Autistic people and their families, but also for the neighbourhood and surrounding community, as well as local business. “Market Day highlights the capabilities, talents and is a culmination of our students’ accomplishments throughout the year,” says Ashvir Dalu, manager of the Shahumna Centre. “It is also a time that we all get to relax and have fun in an embracing environment.” The intention for the Market is to create a day of family togetherness that is inclusive and welcoming of autistic people and the broader community, that will bring in much-needed funds and resources for Action in Autism, says Centre Director, Kirsten Miller. 

The Shahumna skills and business hub is just one of Action in Autism’s many projects. The organisation’s other flagship projects are its Early Intervention Centre that provides early intervention and therapy to those children whose families cannot afford the high cost of private services, and the Assessment and Therapy Wing, that provides assessment and therapy services. Emma Hunt, a Park Hill resident and a student at the Shahumna Centre, speaks of the Market as a wonderful opportunity for autistic people to interact with people both on the spectrum and outside of the spectrum. “We can all have fun together in one space instead of separating ourselves from each other,” says Emma.

Emma Hunt and Thabiso Ndlovu.j

Visitors to the market can expect to find baked goods and teas prepared by the students of the Business Skills Centre, a range of quality gelato flavours from The Italian Corner, pre-loved clothing, plants, a jumping castle, games and kiddies’ treats. Action in Autism extends a welcome to the surrounding communities to enjoy a day out with Autistic people, and to browse, have a cup of coffee and purchase one or two Christmas presents.   The organisation is using this as an opportunity to showcase its services and to create partnerships with individuals and organisations who would support the organisation and the programmes offered. 

Action in Autism welcomes any sponsorship/donation for the Market Day.  Action in Autism is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) with an 18A Tax Exemption status. This means that a donation to Action in Autism is tax deductible (Tax Act 58 of 1962). If you would like to attend the Market, or to make a donation, to book a table to trade, support a child at the centre, or for more information about the services offered by the organisation, please call 031 563 3039, email info@actioninautism.org.za, or visit the website at www.actioninautism.org.za. 

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Cover photo Kaveer Lutchman, Malita Mandlate and Bruce Baloyi

Action in Autism Fundraiser - award-winning film The Reason I Jump

Action in Autism:

Fundraiser Film: The Reason I Jump - Cinema 3, Gateway, Umhlanga

Sunday 21 November, 16h45

Action in Autism will host a special screening of the award-winning film The Reason I Jump based on the book by Japanese Naoki Higashida, who is Autistic, and was thirteen at the time of writing. This will be a fundraiser for the organisation which supports Autistic people and their families through the provision of services and resources, on Sunday 21 November at 16h45 Cinema 3, Gateway, Umhlanga.

Through his writing Higashida maps the experiences of being Autistic and translates these experiences for a neurotypical readership – the hyper-focus, the destabilisation, the social difficulties as well as the unique joys and benefits of thinking in a way that is neurologically a-typical. The internationally celebrated book was first published in Japanese in 2007 and later translated into English, the process supported and publically endorsed by the renowned novelist David Mitchell, who has an Autistic son.

The cinematic version of The Reason I Jump, created by film-maker Jerry Rothwell, won  the Audience Award: World Cinema Documentary at Sundance in 2020.  It is brought to Durban through an exciting partnership between Videovision Entertainment and Action in Autism. The screening of this powerful documentary aims to raise much-needed funds for Action in Autism’s two flagship projects, the Early Intervention and Therapy Centre, and the Shahumna Centre, a skills transference and business hub for adults with Autism and related neurological conditions. “The intention of The Reason I Jump, as both a book and a film,” writes Adrian Horton in The Guardian in a review from 9 January, “is explicitly didactic, a missive to explain one person’s neuro-divergent experience and broader call to expand one’s imagination of human cognition.”

Action in Autism’s vision is for Autistic people and all people with disabilities to be accepted, respected and valued as members of the community. “This fundraiser speaks to who we are,” says Liza Aziz, Action in Autism’s Chairperson and the parent of an adult Autistic son. “It empowers and teaches people about a world of which they know very little.” Videovision Entertainment has supported the organisation since its inception in 2005, and continues to work as one of the partners that ensures opportunity for Autistic people through events such as this screening.”

“In the film Rothwell examines the lives of five young people who live with Autism spectrum disorder, and is a perfect tool to educate people on Autism, so we are delighted to continue our association with Action in Autism since its founding, and to support the exemplary work done by Liza Aziz and the Action in Autism team,” said Sanjeev Singh, Videovision Entertainment’s Director of Distribution and Acquisition.

Tickets are  R120 and can be booked by calling 031 563 3039 or emailing info@actioninautism.org.za.

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National Geographic Wild’s Snakes in the City starts filming next season in Durban

It’s heating up and the rains are here... which means snakes are waking up from their winter slumber and are hungrily heading out to forage for food. No need to panic though. Snakes in the City stars, Simon Keys and Siouxsie Gillett are back in Durban and all set to respond to calls to rescue, remove and relocate snakes as they film the next season of National Geographic Wild’s internationally acclaimed reality series.

After ten months back in the UK, where the couple are based, Simon and Siouxsie are ready to get cracking on this season’s filming. “We love being in South Africa, and with our passion for snakes and reptiles, it is always a delight to be out and about helping to rescue and relocate them. Every day presents us with new adventures and challenges as we go about doing what we love and landing up in some unbelievably strange positions and in unlikely places to find our slithery friends. Most of all we love educating people and changing their attitudes about snakes, showing that they play an important role in the environment. We hope we are saving the reptile population one snake at a time,” they say.

Siouxsie Gillett loves being in SA to film Snakes in the City

“Snakes in the City continues to grow in popularity and we are thrilled that it has such a wide global reach. The diversity of the snake population, harmless, venomous and everything in between, along with the wide variety of locations in Durban, and  Simon and Siouxsie’s quirky, passionate and dedicated approach makes for compelling viewing,” says Graeme Duane, Creative Director: Earth Touch, the Umhlanga-based production house that produces the series. 

Simon Keyes ready for action and back in Durban to film the next season of Snakes in the City

The dynamic team is available to capture and remove snakes from properties in and around the greater Durban area, north to Tongaat, south to Illovo Beach, and inland to Botha’s Hill, subject to availability. The season will be filmed within strict South African government specified Covid-19 guidelines and regulations. There is no charge for a call-out, and the caller, with permission and depending on the conditions of the call-out, may end up on the television series.

If you spot a snake in your home, workplace or neighbourhood, call the Snakes in the City hotline on 063 234 6932.

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India-based Dance Company for JOMBA!

Media Release

JOMBA! Collaborates with India-based The Pickle Dance Foundation

Calcutta-based dance organisation, the Pickle Factory Dance Foundation, will showcase eight especially curated short dance films at this year’s online JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, which takes place online from 24 August to 5 September.

The Pickle Factory makes up the Indian Crossings Platform of the programme and come to JOMBA! thanks to support from the Durban Indian Consulate’s Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. These films, express an evocative interpretation of the festival’s theme ‘border crossings’, and speak to the zeitgeist of contemporary Indian dance making and its relationship to film and screen.

Their programme titled I m / Material curated, especially for JOMBA! 2021 presents a series of dialogues between the mediums of dance and cinema created by artists from / in India. The dancers and filmmakers negotiate various material and embodied spaces through movement, opening up tensions and textures between natural and man-made environments, elements and expectations. The relationships between the dancing body, the camera and the surrounding contexts are diverse, fluid, and complex - reflective of a country, like India, where socio-cultural borders are never static, and traditional and contemporary sensibilities often occupy the same time/space.

The work has been co-curated for JOMBA! by Vikram Iyengar and Kunal Chakraborty. Iyengar is the Founder and Director of Pickle Factory Dance Foundation and is an arts leader and connector based in Calcutta, India and working internationally. He is a dancer-choreographer-director, curator-presenter, and arts researcher-writer. Chakraborty is a filmmaker who is closely associated with People’s Film Collective, a cultural and socio-political group in Calcutta in various capacities ranging from organizing international film festivals to screening films for children amongst other organisational activities. He is currently the Project Manager for Pickle Factory Dance Foundation.

Dance films include works and collaborations from Lubdhak Chatterjee, Dr Pompi Paul, Hediyeh Azma, Sumedha Bhattacharyya, Preethi Athreya, Sharan Devkar Shankar, Gia Singh Arora and Mukta Nagpal, Bimbavati Devi, Kankana Singh, Suman Sarkar, Souvik Banerjee, Thiyam Maurice, Niharika Senapati, Pippa Samaya, Nikita Maheshwary, Frédéric Lombard and Surjit Nongmeikapam.

Subscribe to the JOMBA! Youtube channel and watch The Pickle Factory films free and online on 4 September at 7pm: https://www.youtube.com/Jomba_Dance

For more information and for the full programme go to: https://jomba.ukzn.ac.za/

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Another Generation Africa Film – The Last Shelter wins at Encounters and Heads for DIFF

Another Generation Africa Film – The Last Shelter wins at Encounters and Heads for Durban International Film Fest

A second film in the Generation Africa slate of 25 films on migration, being produced by STEPS, the Cape Town-based documentary production powerhouse, has won an award at the 2021 Encounters South Africa International Documentary Film Festival.

The Last Shelter directed by Ousmane Samassékou (France/ Mali/ South Africa) won the Best South African / African feature at the festival with a citation by the jury:  “We were moved by The Last Shelter, which gave us full access to the House of Migrants, in the Malian City of Gao, a haven for African travellers. Ousmane Samassékou’s great access to the  two young protagonists, the intimacy of the observational style filming against the vast melancholy landscape of the dessert made this a favourite with the programming team. Last Shelter was successful in achieving the purpose of documentary; to cast a lens on world issues through the experiences of its subjects. “

“For me this award is doubly important,” says director Ousmane Samassékou. “Firstly, because South Africa has been a great source of help in the development and production of this film through STEP’s Generation Africa programme. It was through a workshop organized by STEPS in Burkina Faso that I learned about the migrant's home and decided to make it the subject of my film. Secondly, this is the first award that the film has received in Africa and I am very happy that it happened in South Africa.”

Produced by Point du Jour - Les films du balibari (France) in co-production with DS Productions (Mali) and STEPS (South Africa) with broadcaster, Arte GEIE, South African audiences will have a chance to watch the film at the Durban International Film Festival, online from 22 July to 1 August.

The other film which was screened at Encounters and will also screen at DIFF is Zinder directed by Aicha Macky, which earlier won the Ladima Foundation’s  Adiaha Award for Best Documentary Film by an African woman.

“It is a huge honour to have two films recognised at Encounters for their excellence in telling these truly compelling and necessary stories from Mali and Niger,” says Don Edkins, producer at STEPS and Generation Africa. “Both films hold up mirrors to our uniquely African stories, which are important to the global narrative of migration and futures of youth on the continent, and enable us to begin authentic and vital conversations around this.”

Generation Africa is the latest collection being produced by STEPS with 25 films in co-production with 16 countries across Africa. Generation Africa brings together stories reflecting the lived experiences of Africa’s youth through the topic of migration.

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Mqeku Picnic Site – an Ideal Spot for Family Outings

Mqeku Picnic Site – an Ideal Spot for Family Outings

Head for the great outdoors, enjoy the early-winter crisp weather and discover somewhere new: visit the Mqeku Picnic Site - a magical unexplored playground only 20 minutes from Hillcrest in the heart of the Valley of 1000 Hills.

With Youth Day and Father’s Day both coming up in the next fortnight – families may be looking for interesting things to do together.   

Mqeku offers fabulous birding opportunities (including sightings of the rare African Finfoot); river tubing or “bum-sliding” on a natural rock slide, 4x4 trails; nature hikes and picturesque picnic and braai sites, with a toilet and water – all in a pristine indigenous vegetation. For those who want to make a full weekend of it, there are fully serviced Pop Up Camping options too.

Owned and managed by the gregarious nature-lover Sibusiso Shangase, with marketing and management, support from Green Corridors, a Durban based environmental non-profit organisation supported by the economic development unit of eThekwini Municipality. Sibusiso is a certified South African Tourist Guide, and his qualified team welcome guests to the site and offer a guiding service to visitors keen to know more about the area. The site is on his family’s ancestral land, which allows him to talk to visitors personally and authentically about the diverse fauna, flora and history of the area.

The area is environmentally pristine. Situated on the confluence of the uMngeni and Mqueku Rivers, Shangase and his family are proud to have kept the bush wholly indigenous, with distinctive fever trees framing the meandering rivers punctuated with enormous granite rocks – perfect for soaking up the winter sun!  The more adventurous can explore the river and natural water slide on tubes. 

Mqeku is accessible with a conventional car - but is especially fun for 4x4 fans – offering various trails throughout the reserve – self-drive or more formal 4x4 trails offered by Monteseel Adventures.

For those who prefer to savour nature in a more sedate way, scenic walking and hiking trails are available. Hikes are easy enough to follow unguided, or visitors can book Shangase for a guided walk. Visitors can take a slow stroll towards the old Mfula trading store, something of a landmark for Dusi canoe fans, and still has a small shop in operation. 

Mqeku is a perfect destination for family groups or meetings of friends – also for corporate outings and enviro-themed functions and events.

The site is part of the Green Corridors initiative: an eco-sustainability project which involves collaboration with local communities, creating multiple opportunities for members to participate in the health and welfare of their natural surroundings. Green Corridors partners with a variety of stakeholders, to create open spaces in key local destinations and plays a vital role in improving the quality of the environment within which communities live, work, play and thrive.

Good to Know:

Mqeku Picnic Site about 20 minutes from Hillcrest. 

There is a nominal entry charge which goes towards the upkeep of the site.

Activities include picnic sites, amazing bird watching (including a local African Finfoot), 4x4 trails, hiking trails, MTB rides, rive tubing and local cultural walks. 

River tubes, helmets and lifejackets can be hired from Green Corridors 

Info and map: https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/mqeku-adventures

To find out about these and other things to do in the area – visit The Valley of a 1000 Hills Community Tourism Organisation website at https://www.1000hillstourism.co.za/

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Award-winning film I Am Here for Encounters & DIFF

Joint South African Premiere of award-winning film

I Am Here for Encounters South African International Documentary Festival &

Durban International Film Festival

The award-winning documentary I Am Here, an evocative portrait of a feisty and spirited 98-year-old Capetonian Ella Blumenthal, one of the few remaining Holocaust survivors, will have its joint premiere at the Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival (10 - 20 June) and the Durban International Film Festival (22 July – 1 August).

Directed by South African filmmaker Jordy Sank, the film follows Ella at her 98th birthday celebration where she shares her story in a rare, honest and candid conversation with close friends and family.  These memories are depicted in 2D animation – typically an unusual medium for Holocaust flashbacks - which adds a nuanced innovation to the texture of Ella’s stories. 

While I Am Here recalls her astonishing endurance, weaved into her narrative of overcoming trauma, are uplifting stories of courage and light. Ella never lost hope, not even in the darkest of times. Some of Ella’s memories include surviving three concentration camps and avoiding death in seemingly serendipitous ways. She was a pillar of support to her niece, Roma, who survived alongside her. 

“Ella encompasses remarkable resilience, boundless energy and unwavering determination - her personality is remarkable not because of what she has been through but in spite of it.” says producer Gabriella Blumberg. “We hope that the film can be a catalyst for speaking about all forms of discrimination in a world that still defines itself by what is other.”

Jordy Sank describes meeting Ella for the first time “I had interacted with Holocaust survivors before, but none were quite like this. I knew that the world needed to learn from Ella Blumenthal’s stories and the awe-inspiring way she lives her life today.”

The film won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival and was also screened at the Miami Jewish Film Festival earlier this year.

This film was made possible with a grant from the Claims Conference and supported by the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre. Metro International acquired world-wide rights to I Am Here and launched it at the European Film Market in February 2021.

For Encounters the film will be available in a virtual screening at  https://encounters.co.za/

Bookings for the Durban International Film Festival screenings will open at a later date. For more info: https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za

Direct booking info:

Encounters -the film will be screened from 13 - 20 June (R60) https://virtual.encounters.co.za/film/i-am-here/

Virtual Q&A at Encounters : Jun 13, 2021 07:15 PM SAST (Free)

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jTD_-x1vQ4OtFDH09sBA-Q

Physical screening at Encounters at  Bioscope JHB with Q&A Mon. Jun 14, 2021 at 7:00pm SAST (R70)  https://tickets.tixsa.co.za/event/encounters-2021-i-am-here

Trailer link: https://vimeo.com/510401467

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FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY presents “PARK DANCES #2” @ Durban Botanic Gardens

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY

in association with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust

presents

“PARK DANCES #2”

with special guest Manesh Maharaj

Durban Botanic Gardens

11, 12 & 13 June @ 4.30pm

18, 19 & 20 June @ 4.30pm

COST: R100 per ticket

Following a highly enjoyable and sold-out season in the Botanic Gardens the Flatfoot Dance Company presents for “Park Dances #2” in the winter wonderland lush surroundings of Durban’s iconic Botanic Gardens for their next dance experience that allows audiences to safely watch this unique dance company in an outdoor sundowner dance experience from 11, 12, 13 June, and 18, 19 & 20 June at 4.30pm each evening.

After the PARK DANCES#1 saw local audiences loving being back in a “theatre” environment,  PARK DANCES #2 sees FLATFOOT collaborate with Durban’s Kathak maestro Manesh Maharaj in a dancing encounter with the haunting poetry of Jalaluddin Rumi, as they celebrate the seamless confluence of ancient and contemporary African and Indian rhythms.

The  hour-long explosion of dance has been collaboratively created by the full company: Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Lliane Loots, Zinhle Nzama, Mthoko Mkhwanazi, Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba, Ndumiso Dube, and special guest Manesh Maharaj.

“We are beyond delighted to continue with our Park DANCES in collaboration with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust and to have this opportunity to once again share this incredibly beautiful living space with audiences,” says Artistic Director Lliane Loots. “#2 is going to be a delight of the senses as we collaborate with the incredible Manesh Maharaj and his own virtuosity as one of South Africa’s most skilled Kathak dancers”.

This is a family-friendly performance and audiences may bring picnics and blankets to sit on. Entrance opens at 4pm for patrons to settle in, enjoy a picnic or a stroll around the gardens before the show begins at 4.30pm.

There is ample safe parking at the main Botanic Gardens Visitors Complex entrance. All COVID-19 safety protocols are in place, and masks must be worn. There is a maximum audience of 100 per show with demarcated areas to sit. Tickets are R100 and must be booked and paid for in advance – there are no door sales. To book contact Clare on flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com

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Results Durban Central Regionals - Durban Girls' College wins 16 May

Media Release

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge

Durban Girls’ High School: Sunday 16 May

Continuing their legendary record, Durban Girls’ College defended their tenth title in the Durban Central Regional of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge on Sunday 16 May at 3 Schools Trust.

College is the only team in the history of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge to have won this regional every year since the tournament’s inception in 2011. In this year’s final, they met age old opponents Durban Girls’ High School.

Manager for Durban Girls’ College, Bell Meek who has been part of every victory, stated simply after the win, “The girls played beautiful hockey today.”

In their first encounter during the Round Robin, Girls’ High held College for 18 and a half minutes, defending like trojans, before letting College get in the first goal. With the seconds counting down, College managed to knock in a shot from the top of the circle, beyond the valiant attempt from Girls’ High’s keeper. The dress rehearsal for the final ended on 2-0 to College.

In the main game of the day, 70 seconds into the final, College were awarded their first short corner. In their set piece, the ball travelled quickly from the top of the D to Julia Burnett, situated on the penalty spot. She tried to turn and flick but Akum Mkhwanazi, keeper for Girls’ High was savvy to her intentions and was right behind her not allowing her any room.  College continued to persevere, with their next attempt hitting the right post and in the flurry in the goals, Girls’ High calmly cleared the ball over the baseline, allowing for College to earn another short corner.

In their second set play, College tried the traditional, uncomplicated pass to the castle with the ball then being fired in. First wave, Cortney Whitfield from Girls High was bravely charging down the rocket, putting her body on the line and saving her team from the second attempt. 

With just under 5 minutes of play, College got into some free space, dashing into the circle with a beautifully timed reverse stick shot that went clanging into the right post and rebounding back into play. Erin Watson who was on hand in support, was gifted the rebound ball and neatly took her chance slotting in College’s tournament-winning goal. 

Girls’ High worked nobly at the back defending four more short corners. But the hosts also took the game right up into the visitor’s circle with several well-crafted attacks. Here they met a strong back line who quickly worked the ball out of their danger zone and returned the play up to the midfield. 

Three quarters of the way through the final, the small, dynamite package of Burnett ignited play as she bolted down the sideline, zipped along the baseline and balanced herself to let off a cracker but was met by Mkhwanazi who continued her sterling performance, and booted out the attempt. 

In the final short corner, College tried yet another creative set piece but were unable to pierce through solid defense of the home team who really put their hearts, and their bodies on the line. The game ended with only the one goal being netted, and a well-deserved victory to the visitors. 

College join four other teams who have been crowned regional winners in the Take Two of the milestone celebratory tenth year of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge. Danville Park Girls’ High won the Durban Central Regional, Wembley College took the title in the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, St Mary’s D.S.G. from the Highway Regional, and most recently Grantleigh College won the North Coast Regional. 

For more info, like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

Results

1 Durban Girls’ College, 2 Durban Girls’ High School, 3 Maris Stella, 4 St Henry’s Marist College, 5 INK Team, 6 Inanda Seminary 

Fixtures for the Durban Central Regional Durban Girls’ High School Sunday 16 May

Fixtures for the Durban Central Regional

Durban Girls’ High School Sunday 16 May

Coming up to midway in the fixtures of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge, Durban Girls’ High School host the Durban Central Regional at their 3 Schools Astro on Sunday 16 May.

Girls High welcomes five teams from in and around the CBD, including Inanda Seminary, the INK team, St Henry’s Marist College, Maris Stella and Durban Girls’ College.

Getting the day underway, St Henry’s will meet the INK team in the first game of the regional. All games will have a duration of 20 minutes, with play going only one way. A win notches up four points, a draw with goals earns two points and a goalless draw adding one point. 

Concluding the round robin tournament, the two top teams will meet each other in the regional final. If, by the end of the 20 minutes, the teams are all level, then the game will move to an exciting 8 second penalty shoot out to decide the overall winner.

One team has completely dominated this area, the only team to have a 100% record in the ten years of the SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Challenge. Durban Girls’ College is the solitary name to have been engraved on the trophy since the tournament’s inception in 2011. In the take two of the tournament’s milestone celebratory ‘tenth’ year, five schools will be keen to change this history, and see their name included. 

The winner of the Durban Central Regional joins Danville Park Girls’ High, winners of the Durban North Regional, Wembley College from the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional, and St Mary’s D.S.G. from the Highway Regional.

Please note, no supporters are allowed pitch-side under the current government regulations.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow on Instagram.

ENDS

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Take Two of the Tenth Year

SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge Take Two of the Tenth Year

The hugely popular SPAR KZN Schoolgirls’ Hockey Challenge is back on track this year, with a take two of their milestone tenth year. 

Having only progressed halfway through the fixtures last year, before CoViD paused play in the tournament’s celebratory year, it will be extremely exciting for the girls to get back onto the turf. It is full steam ahead for the annual girls’ hockey tournament with the ten regional tournaments rolling out in a quick-fire six weekends. 

The month of May is choc-a-block full of action with eight of the regionals taking place. Tipping off the season, Crawford La Lucia hosts the Durban North Regional on Sunday 2 May. The second tournament travels inland to Wembley College in Greytown for the uMvoti, uThukela and uMzinyathi Regional on Saturday 8 May. Curro Hillcrest will see teams from the Highway area taking to their turf on Sunday 9 May. 

The fourth tournament heads up to Richards Bay for the KZN Northern Coastal Regional with Grantleigh hosting on Saturday 15 May. Back in Durban, the fifth tournament heads to the newly laid turf at Durban Girls’ High School’s Three Schools Trust for the Durban Central Regional on Sunday 16 May.  The following weekend, the action moves inland again, this time to Newcastle to play on the brand new astro at Ferrum High School on Saturday 22 May. 

The last two tournaments in May are a double-header in Hilton on Saturday 29. St Anne’s College welcomes teams participating in both the Pietermaritzburg Northern Regional and Pietermaritzburg Central Regional.

Kingsway High School will host the ninth challenge at the Three Schools Trust for the Durban South Regional on Sunday 6 June. Rounding off the 2021 season, King Edward High School will host the tenth and final regional on Sunday 12 June hosting teams from the Southern KZN 

The only difference in this year’s fixtures is the absence of the much-loved and highly anticipated Grand Finals. It will be back in all its grandeur next year. 

Tournament Director, Les Galloway from Schoolgirl Sport said, “We have really missed the action. It has been just over a year since the curtain came down on us, and I cannot wait to see the girls back on the pitch enjoying these wonderful SPAR tournaments.”

Making a welcome return, Varsity College continues their phenomenal support of girls’ hockey. Varsity College Scouts will be on the lookout at all of the tournaments for any shining stars, in the hopes of offering them a bursary.

All CoViD protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of all participating. And due to current CoViD regulations and protocols, no spectators will be allowed.

For more info like the tournament’s Facebook page or follow the tournament on Instagram.

ENDS

Flatfoot to Dance in the Park - Botanic Gardens, Durban, 7 - 11 April at 5pm

FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY 

in association with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust, 

presents  “PARK DANCES #1” Durban Botanic Gardens

 7 – 11 April @ 5pm

COST: R100 per ticket 

Join Flatfoot Dance Company for its inaugural “Park Dances #1” in the lush surroundings of Durban’s exquisite Botanic Gardens for an outdoor sundowner dance experience from 7 to 11 April at 5pm each evening.

This short outdoor season, allows the audience to relax and safely watch Durban’s much-loved dance company in a celebration of joyous dance with good music in true Flatfoot style.

This hour-long explosion of dance has been collaboratively created by the full company: Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Lliane Loots, Zinhle Nzama, Mthoko Mkhwanazi, Sbonga Ndlovu, Siseko Duba and Ndumiso Dube. It offers a rich confluence of African rhythms, with classical and contemporary influence and execution.

This is the first Flatfoot’s “Park Dances” taking place during 2021 that will engage the natural environment of Durban’s parks as renewed and reimagined spaces to watch dance. 

“We are delighted to start off our Park season in collaboration with the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust and to have this opportunity to share this incredibly beautiful living space with audiences,” says Artistic Director Lliane Loots.

This is a family-friendly performance and audiences may bring picnics and blankets to sit on. Entrance opens at 4.15pm for patrons to settle in, enjoy a picnic or a stroll around the gardens before the show begins at 5pm. 

There is ample safe parking at the main Botanic Gardens Visitors Complex entrance. All COVID-19 safety protocols are in place, and masks must be worn. There is a maximum audience of 50 per show with demarcated areas to sit. Tickets are R100 and must be booked and paid for in advance – there are no door sales. To book contact Clare on flatfootdancecompany@gmail.com.

Coming 2 America - on Amazon Prime Video - March 5 - official trailer

Amazon Studios will exclusively release COMING 2 AMERICA globally on Prime Video March 5th, 2021

The official Coming 2 America trailer is here.
Take part in the Royal festivities on Prime Video March 5th!

Directed by Craig Brewer
Screenplay by Kenya Barris and Barry W. Blaustein & David Sheffield
Story by Barry W. Blaustein & David Sheffield and Justin Kanew
Based on characters created by Eddie Murphy
Produced by Kevin Misher and Eddie Murphy
Costumes by Ruth E. Carter
Executive Produced by Brian Oliver, Bradley Fischer, Valerii An, Kenya Barris, Charisse Hewitt-Webster, Michele Imperato Stabile and Andy Berman
Starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, KiKi Layne, Shari Headley, with Wesley Snipes and James Earl Jones. Also starring John Amos, Teyana Taylor, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Paul Bates, Nomzamo Mbatha, Bella Murphy

Set in the lush and royal country of Zamunda, newly-crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi(Arsenio Hall) embark on an all-new hilarious adventure that has them traversing the globe from their great African nation to the borough of Queens, New York – where it all began.

Rated PG-13 (USA)

#Coming2America

Durban FilmMart Institute – 2021 Project Submissions Call Out

Durban, South Africa: The Durban FilmMart Institute has opened the call for project submissions for the 2021 Durban FilmMart (DFM).

“Our vision is to stimulate the growth of the African film industry through the development of film projects, and to network African filmmakers within the continent, and the rest of the world,” says Magdalene Reddy, acting General Manager of the Durban FilmMart Institute. “The success of the DFM over the years can be seen in the many independent film projects that have reached festivals as well as big and small screens, and the connections and relationships that have been developed and forged over the years.”

 “In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the DFM took place as a virtual edition which attracted over 1000 online delegates from 64 countries. These delegates represented producers, directors, scriptwriters, distributors, broadcasters, sales agents, financiers, investors, festival programmes and other film industry representatives from around the world, and we are hoping to grow these numbers and attract more interest in our 12th edition.”

The DFMI independent adjudication committee will select ten feature-length documentaries and ten feature-length fiction film projects from the submissions. These projects will undergo a two-day packaging and mentorship programme during the DFM, followed by one-on-one meetings with a panel of film financiers, buyers, and distributors from across the globe.

Full-length fiction and documentary film projects with Africans in the major creative roles (writers, directors, and producers) seeking co-producers, financiers, sales agents, and funders are invited to submit. These are read and reviewed by an adjudication committee for consideration. A producer and director must be attached to the project. The deadline for submission is 21 February 2021.

For more about the Durban FilmMart Institute, project submission criteria, and how to submit your project, visit http://www.durbanfilmmart.co.za/ProjectSubmissions . The submission link is opened for applications.

For further enquiries contact: info@durbanfilmmart.com.

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Climate Action Activities during European Film Festival

Sharpening the spear for climate justice and building back better after Covid-19

One of the films in this year’s European Film Festival is I am Greta the new documentary on Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teenager whose quiet yet laser-sharp focus has generated massive public attention on climate change, and inspired a generation of young activists.  The film will be screened online in South Africa, from 12 to 22 November, and will be augmented by a number of climate action activities including a live discussion on Friday, 13 November at 18:00 (SA Time).

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the greatest crises humanity has ever faced. In 2015, 196 countries signed the Paris Climate Accord to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming. There are many who say the Paris Climate Agreement does not go nearly far enough to address the urgencies, or the imperative of climate justice. Another question is how effective the commitments are in practice. Signing a non-binding Agreement is one thing, but implementation is another – especially here in the world’s most unequal country, where an internal Global North way overproduces and overconsumes our fair share of the continent’s emissions. This hard-to-hear reality underscores the importance of both climate action and climate justice organisations and watchdogs. They monitor progress or shortcomings, and hold governments, corporations, the wealthy and multilateral transgressors accountable. 

Sharpening the spear

The festival’s climate programme includes screenings of the I am Greta documentary and awareness discussions in schools and community centres around the country and the live Zoom event Climate Justice South Africa: sharpening the spear.  This Zoom event brings pertinent experts together for a series of short presentations articulating the status of local climate change impacts, and outlining mitigation strategies, initiatives, and ways forward for South Africa.

In a presentation entitled From Climate (in)Action to Climate Justice, an author of numerous books and articles, Professor Patrick Bond of the University of the Western Cape School of Government, will offer an overview of climate politics and projects in South Africa. His critiques are razor sharp, and tackle the UN, national and municipal governments, corporations and activists, in turn. 

Ulrich Steenkamp of Earthlife Africa

From the renowned advocacy and activist group Earthlife Africa, Ulrich Steenkamp’s  presentation on Energy Democracy is framed against the democratic rights of the citizens of this country, the need for access to clean energy, and for participation in decision-making processes. 

Avena Jacklin of the Pietermaritzburg-based NGO groundWork/Friends of the Earth South Africa  addresses Environmental Protection Urgencies. She connects the dots from climate to the devastating water crises – droughts and periodic floods – and the importance of reshaping management of this basic resource. 

Ayakha Melithafa from the Africa Climate Alliance.

The younger generation is whose future is most at stake, as explained by Ayakha Melithafa from the Africa Climate Alliance. What innovative approaches do the youth bring to advocacy efforts and awareness campaigns, how does Youth Activism feed into policy and legislative processes so that South Africa is able to address the challenges with integrity, fairness and justice? What ecological and social rights do we need to recognise what must be ensured for future generations? 

All the member states participating in this European Film Festival are signatories to the Paris Agreement. South Africa is a signatory. Now that the United States is going to rejoin Paris, once Donald Trump vacates the White House next January 20, a global-to-national-to-local scan is vital. Greta Thunberg teaches us how to do this through the idealistic eyes of the youth, and we must turn a laser glare to addressing this greatest crisis humanity has ever faced, especially since the “Just Transition”, “decarbonisation” and “Build Back Better” refrains are still being heard from the South African presidency. This Live Zoom discussion is a reminder of the climate catastrophe and a call to action, to all of us. Access the event at 18.00 (SA time) on Friday 13 November through a link from the Special Events page on www.eurofilmfest.co.za.

Fikile Ntshangase, the anti-mining activist wy

This event is dedicated to the memory of Fikile Ntshangase, the anti-mining activist who was assassinated on 22 October. Ntshangase was the deputy chairperson of the Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organisation (Mcejo), which has stood steadfastly against the Tendele Coal Mine’s expansion in the Somkhele village area.

The European Film Festival 2020 is a partnership project of the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and 12 other European embassies and cultural agencies in South Africa:  the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and Wallonie-Bruxelles International, the French Institute in South Africa, the Goethe-Institut, the Italian Cultural Institute, and the British Council. The festival is organised in cooperation with CineEuropa and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

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