SCHOOLS POETRY WRITING COMPETITION

SCHOOLS POETRY WRITING COMPETITION

The Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), with principal funding from the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, calls out to students to submit poems as part of the 18th POETRY AFRICA Schools Competition.

With its long-standing commitment towards nurturing a culture of reading and writing poetry amongst the youth, Poetry Africa invites primary and high school learners to take up the exciting opportunity of in the festival’s School Poetry Competition. There is no particular topic for the poems and they can be written in English, Zulu or Afrikaans. Submission must be  no more than two poems per learner, with a maximum length of one A4 page per poem - illegible entries will not be considered.

Poems must either be submitted by hand to the Centre for Creative Arts (Howard College Campus, UKZN), by email to poetryafrica@cca-ukzn.co.za or by fax to (031) 260 3074 by 19 September 2014.

The POETRY AFRICA festival, now in its 18th edition, takes place from 13 to 18 October 2014.

Winners will read their poems on the main stage of the Poetry Africa festival on the evening of 17 October. Prizes will be awarded by Adams Booksellers and the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN).

For more details about this year’s Poetry Africa, visit www.cca.ukzn.ac.za or call (031) 260 2506.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), the 18th Poetry Africa is funded by the City of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture, Goethe Institut and the French Insitute of South Africa. The Centre for Creative Arts is housed in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and is a special project of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cheryl Potgieter.

Lebogang Phalula races to victory in 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km

Lebogang Phalula races to victory in 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km 

Durban at its best, Lebogang Phalula claimed a dramatic and sensational victory in the 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km race today (Sunday) in a time of 33.06.

Crossing the line in tears of joy, the Soweto-based runner collapsed on her knees after winning, completely overwhelmed by her victory.

On a picture perfect warm Spring morning, with a slight breeze, the elite runners started off in a pacey fashion, with race favourite Irvette Van Zyl blazing a trail in the lead and Phalula and Mapaseka Makhanya close behind with Phalula’s twin Diana hot on their heels. But in the end it was Lebogang Phalula taking the honours, and last year’s second place Rutendo Nyahora  shaving off 14 seconds from her time, and Rene Kalmer coming in third position.

Close to the 2km mark Irvette Van Zyl, last year’s winner Mapaseka Makhanya and twin sisters Lebogang and Diana-Lebo Phalula owned the early parts of the race.

Between the 2km and 3km mark, nearing the newly revamped Blue Lagoon, the twins broke away from Van Zyl and Mapaseka. As the duo neared 4km the sisters were still shoulder to shoulder as they approached the Indian Ocean.

The break happened at 6km where Lebogang made her move away from her sister. “I could see she was struggling and she gave me a nod that allowed me to leave her.” said the winning sister, Lebogang.

Coming under the M4 underpass around the 7km mark, running towards the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium, Lebogang had a 25m lead on second placed Diana with Kalmer and Nyahora 70m behind in second place.

Rutendo and Kalmer had a cracker of a final few kilometres coming up from their fifth and sixth place. “We worked together slowly reeling in runner after runner. My confidence grew when we overtook Irvette, I knew I could do this!” said a delighted Nyahora at the press conference. I left Rene with 800m to go.”

“It was a nice race, and I felt stronger coming into the finish” said Nyahora, who said she had worked well with Kalmer to ensure they overtook van Zyl .

Rene Kalmer, who conceded the wind especially on the promenade was a hindrance, ran a steady race in fifth position and worked her way up to third position. “My next big event is the Berlin Marathon in 5weeks time so I am in marathon mode. The pace today was fast with a fantastic field competing.”

“I knew there would be lots of pressure on Irvette and the twins,” continued Kalmer, “and I knew the race would really start in the last 5 kilometres, so once we caught up with Irvette my confidence really grew. I am over the moon in being on the podium, and as there was no pressure on me I could really enjoy the race.”

An elated Phalula said “I am thankful to Irvette, as she set the pace in the beginning which was really fast. But I did say to myself to run my own race – not someone else’s.  I needed to make a strong comeback, and I was only racing against time, no one else.”

Diana-Lebo, had unfortunately pulled a hamstring last night as the sisters were stretching, which meant she was unable to stay with the pace but still managed to come in fourth with a time of 34.02.

A total of 14,256 took part in the event with 6,054 running the 5km and 8,202 tackling the longer race.

“We are once again pleased with this fantastic event. The weather was perfect and the mood festive and fun.” says MD of SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson. “Thank you to all the women who participated and their families and friends who came out to support them for making this a memorable day.”

RESULTS OF SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM CHALLENGE RACE

 Durban, South Africa - Results of the SPAR Women’s 10km Challenge race run in Durban on Sunday

 Open: 1-Lebogang Phalula 33.06; 2-Rutendo Nyahora 33.41; 3-Rene Kalmer 33.49; 4-Diana-Lebo Phalula 34.02; 5-Irvette Van Zyl 34.29; 6-Mapaseka Makhanya 34.35; 7-Jenna Challenor 35.01; 8-Nicole Van Der Merwe 35.27; 9-Constance Nyasango 35.35; 10-Thozama April 35.56

 Junior (15-19 Age Group): 1-Mtshali Nomcebo 39.14; Thenjiwe Gumede 41.57; Nondumiso Khoza 42.43

 35-39 Age group: 1-Nonsikelelo Mbambo 41.55; 2-Debbie Perry 42.32; 3-Precious Duma 42.56

 Veteran (40-49 Age group): 1-Ronel Thomas 39.39; 2-Janene Carey 39.39; 3-Shani Silver 41.22 

 Master (50-59 Age Group): 1-Judy Bird 41.24; 2-Elmarie Coetzee 42.16; 3-Janine Engels 44.26

 Grandmaster (60+ Age Group): 1-Margie Saunders 43.27; 2-Sandra Fismer 49.02; 3-Judith Grove 49.45

 ends

 CAPTION TO PHOTO BY ROGAN WARD:

Lebogang Phalula claimed a dramatic and sensational victory in the 25th Durban SPAR Women’s 10km race today (Sunday) in a time of 33.06

SPAR KZN Women’s 10/5km Durban: Sunday 24 August

SPAR KZN Women’s 10/5km

Durban: Sunday 24 August

Celebrating women in August, the 25th running of South Africa’s most beautiful race returns to Durban with thousands of women gearing up to participate in the SPAR Women’s 10/5km race on Sunday 24 August.

The race takes place around the Kingsmead precinct with two distances on offer, the shorter 5km course or the longer 10km route. The start this year is in Masabala Yengwa Avenue with the route going north first, circling around the Blue Lagoon area and then a long straight along the scenic beachfront taking the ladies back to town. The finish is in Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead.

Race Director, Brad Glasspoole commented, “Simply putting it - This year’s race has a great route! The run on the promenade heading back towards Durban will be breath-taking, and surely will make it worthwhile for all the ladies.”

The start times will be staggered with the 10km race going off at 08:00am and the 5km race going off at 09:00am.

The race organisers have decided to limit the entries this year to a total of 17,500 enthusiastic runners - amazingly 25 years ago, in the first SPAR Women’s race in 1990 only 2,200 ladies lined up to participate.

“A quarter of a century, what a wonderful milestone we are passing this year,” MD for SPAR KZN, Rob Philipson said.

Continuing, he stated, “The 2014 race is a bit later on the Durban calendar, but I believe it is fantastic having it in women’s month. The weather is likely to be a bit warmer than the usual July winter start and it is uplifting to see how many people come from around KwaZulu-Natal to participate and I hope that you all will enjoy the day with us!”

The race registration will be at Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World from Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August from 10:00am to 05:00pm and on Saturday 23 August from 10:00am to 03:00pm. There are 2 entry options; online at www.sparwomensrace.co.za with payment by credit card of EFT, or manual entries which will only be accepted at the race registration on the 3 days prior to the event. Entry forms will be available from participating SPAR stores in KwaZulu-Natal. No entries will be taken on race day.

All online and bulk entries received stand a chance to win a 3 night getaway for 2 people to the award winning Fordoun Hotel & Spa in the KZN Midlands valued at over R11,000.

In the Grand Prix, top athletes will be racing to win the R10,000 that is up for grabs. Elite runners from around the country will be taking part in the hope of not only taking the top honours but earning points for the national SPAR Grand Prix.

In recent times Olympic athlete, Rene Kalmer has dominated the Durban race taking three victories in the last decade. In late June, she also ran to victory in the Pietermartizburg SPAR race, “I love the Durban SPAR race; the route is flat and fast, so you can truly test yourself and aim for a personal best time. You are guaranteed good weather and the support is amazing!”

Being mindful of the future generation of road runners, the official race charity for this year will be The Mercury Hibberdene Children’s Home. R2 from each entry will go towards the official charity and online entrants will have an option to make additional donations to this very worthy cause.

For more info go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban or like the Facebook page SPAR Women’s 10/5km. For a run through of the actual race route, you can go to YouTube and search for SPAR WOMEN’S 10/5KM RACE SIMULATION – DURBAN.

ENDS

VIP Gala Screening for DIFF World Première Documentary A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake

VIP Gala Screening for DIFF World Première Documentary

A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake: Suncoast: Sunday 20 July at 17h15

The gala screening of the world première of A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake, the much-anticipated documentary debut of celebrated television/film/theatre director Michael Lessac, promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s DIFF (Durban International Film Festival) with some of the country’s foremost peace mediators joining members of the cast and crew for the world première screening, followed by a Q&A session at the Suncoast Cinecentre on Sunday 20 July at 17h15. 

Dr Alex Boraine, deputy chairperson of the TRC, and multi-award-winning veteran political commentator / author Max du Preez will be attending the gala and leading the dialogue after the screening. They will be joined by actors Thembi Mtshali-Jones,  Nick Boraine, and Fana Mokoena who will share their experiences of the journey that led to A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake.

It is fitting that du Preez was announced as winner of the Alan Paton Award at the 2014 Sunday Times Literary Awards for his book A Rumour of Spring: South Africa after 20 Years of Democracy. The Alan Paton Award is given for a work of non-fiction that promotes “The Illumination of Truthfulness…” a theme which is particularly pertinent to this documentary.

The producers are thrilled that last weekend, the Standard Bank Standing Ovation Award was presented to Thembi Mtshali-Jones for her illustrious career at the National Arts Festival and in recognition of a lifetime of creative energy in South Africa’s cultural life spanning over four decades. 

The documentary A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake follows a diverse group of South African actors as they tour global war-torn regions to share South Africa’s experience of reconciliation. As they ignite dialogue among people with raw memories of atrocity, the actors find they must confront once again our country’s complicated and violent past – and question their own capacity for healing and forgiveness.

“The film highlights the valuable role arts played in peace and reconciliation, and the genuine contribution arts can play in the global reconciliation movement and ongoing nation-building,” considers actor Nick Boraine who appears in the movie and who was part of the A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake project since its inception.

 A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake was edited by Joel Plotch (In the Company of Men; Nurse Betty; Gone). It was produced by Michael Lessac, Jacqueline Bertrand Lessac and Emma Tammi and Executive Produced by Jonathan Gray, and Robert Lear.  It features never-before-heard original music by jazz legend Hugh Masekela, with lyrics taken from TRC personal testimonies. 

·          A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake premieres at the Durban International Film Festival taking place in venues in and around Durban from 17 - 27 July 2014. The gala screening is on 20 July at 17:15 in Suncoast (6) with a second screening on Friday 25 July  at 20:15 at Suncoast (7)

·         Public are warmly invited to attend a morning Tea and Conversation function at the Tugela Room in the Maharani Hotel from 10.30am until noon on Monday 21 July. The topic is Unmasking Reconciliation: 20 Years On....Moving Beyond the Cliché. Join Dr Alex Boraine - Vice Chair: Truth & Reconciliation Commission / Writer / Commentator; Max Du Preez – Commentator / Columnist / Award-winning Writer / Film-maker; Thembi Mtshali Jones –Distinguished stage, television and film Actress; Ela Gandhi - Gandhi Development Trust / Activist in conversation with Mary Papayya – Media Leader /Secretary-General of SA National Editors Forum. Entry is free and all welcome

 For more information about the Durban International Film Festival go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

Ends

AfriDocs Film Week at 35th Durban International Film Festival

AfriDocs Film Week 21-27 July 2014

Sub-Saharan Africa Broadcast

in association with channel ED and the 35th Durban International Film Festival

A world first will be taking place this month when a full week of African documentary films are broadcast across sub-Saharan Africa on DStv channel ED (channel 190) and GOtv (channel 65), from the Durban International Film Festival, the largest film festival in South Africa that takes place from 17 to 27July.

This unique film event will see a diverse and exciting range of films screened across 49 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The AfriDocs Film Week will connect the largest film festival in Africa through a ‘film festival on your screen’ featuring documentary films from thirteen countries in Africa – The D.R.C., Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda.

“So many documentary films have been shot in Africa, but very few have been seen by African audiences”, says AfriDocs Executive Producer Don Edkins from Steps in Cape Town, “this heralds a new era of distribution for the continent.”

Films by African filmmakers Sani Elhadj Magori, Licinio Azevedo, Rehad Desai, Judy Kibinge, Andrey Samoute Diarra, Annalet Steenkamp and Mandy Jacobson together with filmmakers Mika Karismäki, Thierry Michel, Roger Ross Williams, Abby Ginzberg and Göran Olsson amongst others, will be seen for the first time by a wide audience as a result of this collaboration. 

Seven of the films screening at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) will also be part of the programme, including the award-winning Miners Shot Down, Concerning Violence, I Afrikaner, The Irresistible Rise of Moïse Katumbi and Soft Vengeance.

These African documentaries tell a wide range of stories; from films about great African artists, such as singer and activist Miriam Makeba (Mama Africa) and the Malian photographer Malik Sibidé (Dolce Vita Africana), to political and historical films about leaders Patrice Lumumba and Liberian President Sirleaf Johnson, as well as films dealing with revolutionaries, farmers, gangsters, musicians and evangelists. 

This week-long film event is a special broadcast project from AfriDocs, the first weekly primetime documentary strand broadcasting across Africa. Every Tuesday night on ED (DStv channel 190) and GOtv (channel 65), AfriDocs broadcasts top African documentaries to 49 countries by satellite, and terrestrially to an additional 100 cities in 8 countries.

AfriDocs is an initiative of the multi-awarded South African documentary production and distribution company, Steps, in partnership with the Bertha Foundation.

 Rebecca Lichtenfeld, Director of Social Impact Media at Bertha Philanthropies, said that the Bertha Foundation is proud to partner with Steps to help bring great documentary films to audiences across Africa, “Connecting documentary film to African audiences is something we have been hoping to do for some time now, and this is an ideal platform for that.”

For the full programme schedule and synopses of the films, please go to www.afridocs.net or www.facebook.com/AfriDocs

You can also follow AfriDocs on twitter: @Afri_Docs

#FilmFestivalAtHome #DIFF2014 #FilmFestivalOnYourScreen #AfricaNotOneStory #AfriDocs   #AfricaRising

Weekly Broadcast Times sub-Saharan Africa: Weekly. Primetime. Real Stories.

Tuesday evenings:

6 p.m. Cape Verde Time

7 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time (Mauritania to Benin)

8 p.m. West African Time (Niger to Namibia)

9 p.m. Central African Time/South Africa Standard Time

10 p.m. East African Time (Sudan to Tanzania)

11 p.m. Seychelles Time

From 1st August, 2014, the slot changes to one hour earlier in order to allow feature length documentary films to be screened.

For more information about the Durban International Film festival go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.

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CONTACT

For media enquiries for DIFF :

Sharlene Versfeld/ Sipho Ngwenya

Versfeld & Associates

Mobile: +27 (0) 83 326 3235

Tel: +27 (0) 31 811 5628

Post: P O Box 30547, Mayville, 4058

Email: sharlene@versfeld.co.za

Twitter: sharlvers

Website: www.versfeld.co.za

for AFRI-DOCS

Social Media & Publicity: Patrice Carter
Email: patrice@steps.co.za

Programming: Theresa Hill
Email: theresa@steps.co.za

Phone: +27 21 4655805

 URL: www.steps.co.za

DIFF 2014 to feature a feast of African and South African Films

DIFF 2014 TO FEATURE A FEAST OF AFRICAN AND SOUTH AFRICAN FILMS

South African Focus

The ever-expanding African film industry will once more be represented at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) 2014 although South African film retains the festival’s key focus, with 40 feature-length films and 38 short films – most of them receiving their world premieres on Durban screens, and collectively representing by far the largest number of South African films in the festival’s 35 year history.

This year’s opening night film on July 17 see the world premiere of Hard To Get, the electrifying feature debut from South African filmmaker Zee Ntuli, who has already received critical acclaim for his short films. The story of the mercurial relationship between a handsome young womaniser and a beautiful, reckless petty criminal, Hard To Get is fuelled by a bewitching visual poetry. Other high-profile South African films being showcased include the engaging thriller Cold Harbour, Between Friends, which recounts a reunion between old varsity friends, Hear Me Move, a locally flavoured dance movie, and Love the One You Love, which explores a constellation of relationships between young South Africans.

Then there’s the Tyler Perry-flavoured Two Choices, as well as The Two of Us, which tells of a relationship between two siblings. Icehorse is a surreal mystery drama set in the Netherlands and directed by South African Elan Gamaker. Young Ones is a dystopian down-beat sci-fi flick directed by Jake Paltrow, produced by Spier Films and shot in South Africa, while the French/South African co-production Zulu explores the unhealed wounds of the new South Africa.  DIFF is very proud to present the 1978 film Joe Bullet, the first work to benefit from the Gravel Road legacy project, which aims to restore films lost in the dusty archives of apartheid.

This year’s programme also features an expanded South African documentary programme in response to the large number of high quality doccies currently being produced in the country. DIFF 2014 includes a rich slate of films which explore and interrogate 20 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa, including Khalo Matabane’s Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me, and Miners Shot Down, Rehad Desai’s devastating account of Marikana. They are joined by many other films that chronicle lesser known but no less significant stories behind the end of apartheid and the rebirth of South Africa into a new country.

African Focus

The rich programme of films from elsewhere on the continent includes a number of artistically and politically brave directorial voices that are unafraid to experiment with form or content. The bewitching and highly experimental Bloody Beans recounts the Algerian revolution using a band of young children as its medium of expression, while the utterly charming and super-low-budget Beti and Amare is an Ethiopian vampire film with a difference.

DIFF 2014 also acknowledges the political reality of contemporary Africa with films such as Timbuktu from Malian master Abderrahmane Sissako, whichs recounts Timbuktu’s brief occupation by militant Islamic rebels. The mockumentary hybrid They Are the Dogs is set in Morocco in the aftermath of the Arab Spring while the engagingly authentic, semi-autographical film Die Welt is set in Tunisia shortly after the recent Jasmine Revolution. Imbabazi: The Pardon explores the possibilities of reconciliation in the wake of the Rwandan genocide, and Difret examines the potentially destructive role of patriarchal traditions in contemporary Ethiopia.

Set in Tanzania, the disturbing but visually powerful White Shadow tells the story of a young albino boy named Alias who is targeted for body parts by muti traders. Veve, the latest film from the producers of the award-winning crime drama Nairobi Half Life, documents the double-crossing lives of those trading in khat or ‘veve’, a mildly narcotic local crop. From Moroccan director Abdellah Taia comes Salvation Army, an unflinchingly poetic study of a young Arab man grappling with notions of family and sexuality. Then there’s the highly anticipated film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, set against the difficulties of post-independence Nigeria.

Coz Ov Moni 2: FOKN Revenge, billed as ‘the world’s second first pidgin musical’ is a Ghanaian hop-hop opera from rap duo the FOKN Bois, while B for Boy tells the story of how a Nigerian woman’s life is corrupted by the forces of patriarchy and tradition.

The Durban International Film Festival takes place from 17 – 27 July 2014. The festival includes more than 200 theatrical screenings and a full seminar and workshop programme, as well as the Wavescape Film Festival, Wild Talk Africa Film Festival and various industry initiatives, including the 7th Talents Durban (in cooperation with the Berlinale Talents) and the 5th Durban FilmMart co-production market (in partnership with the Durban Film Office). For more information go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za

o The 35th Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (a special project of the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Humanities, Cheryl Potgieter) with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development & Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, City of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, Industrial Development Corporation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and a range of other valued partners.

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KALMER WINS PIETERMARITZBURG SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM

KALMER WINS PIETERMARITZBURG SPAR WOMEN’S 10KM

It was pretty much a solo run for Rene Kalmer as she took top honours in the Pietermaritzburg SPAR Women’s 10km today in a time of 34.13 on an icey winter’s morning in KZN’s Capital.

The field of 3800 participants braved the cold as the temperature plummeted to 2 degrees earlier this morning but had risen to about 5 degrees at the start of the race.

“This is the first time I have run this race in Pietermaritzburg, and I was happy with my performance. I felt very strong. The weather didn’t bother me – we are used to these temperatures in Johannesburg.” said Kalmer who sliced off 1 minute 11 seconds from last year’s winner Jenna Challenor’s time of 35.24.

Second and third place were owned by Nolene Conrad and Sithulisiwe Zhou both also running their debut Pietermaritzburg races.

Capetonian Nolene Conrad, who has been concentrating on her marathon running, sailed into the finish in second place in a time of 35.37. “I had a good race , but it was a bit of a difficult run with all the hills. My legs were really cold and only in the last three kilometres did I feel like I warmed up.” 

Zimbabwean Sithulisiwe Zhou was over the moon with her third position in a time of 36.16. “It was fantastic.” she enthused, “I am training for the Mandela Marathon, so I am really pleased to have been able to run with such elite runners like Rene and Nolene .”

Going through the halfway mark, Kalmer looked at complete ease as she took the palm-lined avenue up the hill through Alexandra Park a good 20 seconds ahead of Conrad.

KZN’s Tanith Maxwell, running in and winning in her category (35-39), came in fourth.

“Once again there was a great spirit amongst the participants at this year’s race.” said Rob Philipson, MD SPAR KZN. “Despite the bitter cold, the mood was festive and fun-filled, clearly dispelling all myths about this being Sleepy Hollow.”

“We are encouraged that this race is growing in stature and we are attracting elite runners such as Rene, Nolene, Tanith and Sithulisiwe.” Philipson continued.

A sum of R10 200 raised from a percentage of the entry fees was donated to the race charity CHOC.

The next SPAR Women’s 10/5km in KZN will take place on Sunday August 24 in Durban and is part of the SPAR Grand Prix.

Results

10KM

Open

1 Rene Kalmer (Modern Athlete) 34.13, 2 Nolene Conrad (Boxer AC) 35.37, 3 Sithulisiwe Zhou (Phantane) 36.16, 4 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer AC) 36.43, Keneilwe Sesing (Nedbank) 37.13

9-11

1 Thabelo Tshishonga 1.25.47, 2 Tasmiyah Essack 1.33.11, 3 Kendra Visagie 1.48.04

12-14

1 Kaydie Gouws 1.46.49, 2 Kate-Lyn Gouws 1.47.52, 3 Milan Comley 1.50.06

15 – 19

1 Nontlantla Gcinia 40.34, 2 Mbali Mtshali 40.37, 3 Nomusa Xaba 42.41

35 – 39

1 Tanith Maxwell (Boxer AC) 36.43, 2 Nonsikelelo Mbambo (Natal Carbineers) 41.37, 3 Michelle Ellis 44.05

40-49

1 Suzette Botha (Eskom) 38.36, 2 Janene Carey (Boxer AC) 39.21, 3 Marilise Vermaak 43.52

50 -59

1 Janine Engels (Westville Athletics) 44.23, 2 Jenny Taylor 54.27, 3 Trish Botton (Natal Carbineers) 1.00.09

60+

1 Judith Grove (Hilton Harriers) 49.53, 2 Jane Dickson 50.24, 3 Sandra Fismer (Hilton Harriers) 50.36

5KM

1 Londeka Mweli 20.20, 2 Nombuso Ndamane 20.21, 3 Sinenhlanhla Zondi 20.33, 4 Fezeka Mchunu 20.47, 5 Sthandile Dladla 21.16

-ENDS

Wild Talk Africa Showcases Best of Environmental and Wildlife Films at DIFF

Durban, South Africa: For the second year running, Durban Wild Talk Africa will showcase a selection of both local and international natural history films during nine slots at this year’s 35th Durban International Film Festival which runs from 17 – 27 July 2014.

Durban Wild Talk Africa Film Festival now in its 9th year, brings a world-class television market and natural history conference to South Africa every two years.  After the success of last year’s conference at DIFF, Durban Wild Talk Africa will again present a programme of nature films that are fast becoming a firm favourite in the festival’s diverse line up.  This year, the strand once again offers entertaining and enlightening viewing for nature enthusiasts, animal-lovers, adrenalin junkies and environmentalists alike. 

Some not-to-be-missed films include:

 “Unearthed” – a shocking insight into the world of hydraulic fracking through the journey of a young South African journalist who starts asking questions when the fracking industry arrives in her hometown in the Karoo. Her questions take her into the dark underbelly of America’s gas industry. 

“Black Mamba: Kiss of Death” - Spend an hour in the life of the most feared snake in Africa, witnessing the most intimate moments of its life and predatory attacks right here in Kwa-Zulu Natal. 

“Birdman Chronicles” - Launch into the adrenalin-charged world of wingsuit flying; revealing the beautiful freedom found in this sport, as well as the constant presence of potential tragedy. 

“DamNation” - With over 75,000 dams built in America after the Great Depression; this epic documentary odyssey explores the changing opinions towards dams, and witnesses the extent that some will go to answer the question , “Why have we damned up our rivers?’

“Expedition to the End of the World” On a three-mast schooner packed with artists, scientists and ambitions worthy of Noah or Columbus, we set off for the end of the world: the rapidly melting massifs of North-East Greenland.

Other films in this strand include the award-winning Iranian astronaut-inspired “Sepideh”, Liz Marshall’s photographic revelation into the commodification of animals in “The Ghosts in our Machines”, an artistic voyage into water in “Watermark” and the world premier of “Lady Baboon”- chronicling the life of a woman who single handedly started the controversial baboon conservation movement in South Africa and who is often described as “the unknown Jane Goodall.”

The partnership between Durban Wild Talk Africa and Durban International Film Festival is part of the City of Durban’s vision to position the city as Africa’s primary destination for film markets and festivals.

For more information about Wild Talk Africa contact shani@wildtalkafrica.com or call 021 422 0023, or visit www.durbanfilmfest.co.za for screening information and updates.

The 35th Durban International Film Festival is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (a special project of the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Humanities, Cheryl Potgieter) with support from the National Film and Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development & Tourism, KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, City of Durban, German Embassy, Goethe Institut, Industrial Development Corporation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture and a range of other valued partners.

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The Knit Wits of KZN to Knit, en masse at Nelson Mandela Capture Site

The Knit Wits of KZN to Knit, en masse at Nelson Mandela Capture Site 

On 15 June 2014, KZN ‘knit-wits’ from Zululand, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, the Midlands and the Drakensberg, will congregate at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick for a good cause. 

The cause is 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day – an initiative that aims to collect thousands of handmade blankets which will be distributed to those in need on Nelson Mandela Day (18 July).

According to Carolyn Steyn, Founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day: “This Father’s Day, we’ll be celebrating the father of our nation by hosting a concert organised by actress and our Midlands Ambassador, Annie Robinson, for our loyal ‘knit-wits’ who have been working so hard to create blankets for those less fortunate. Stitch by stitch we will be keeping people around our beautiful country – and around the world – warm this winter.”

The ‘knit-wits’ are in for a special treat with performances by acclaimed South African troubadour, Nibs Van der Spuy; passionate and versatile musician, Kaolin Thomson; one of South Africa's leading concert pianists, Christopher Duigan; Pietermaritzburg based musician and Idols finalist Erin Fourie, and Steyn’s goddaughter, Ella Grealy.  Even if you are not a ‘knit-wit’ – join us for a great day out - dads are invited to join in too ….it is after all Father’s Day!

“Hundreds of the handmade blankets will be on display at the foot of the famous statue of Madiba for an official photograph. This photograph will illustrate the goodwill of South Africans and show the world the impact the father of our nation, Nelson Mandela has had on all of us.  Already, we have collected over 670 blankets – we hope to collect hundreds more from our Kwa-Zulu Natal based ‘knit-wits’,” says Steyn.   

67 BLANKETS FOR NELSON MANDELA DAY CONCERT

DATE:                        15 June 2014

TIME:                          Concert starts at 12:00pm, Blanket handover to take place at 2:30pm

PARKING:                 There will be a designated 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day parking area

SPONSORS:             Sound equipment and stage has been kindly sponsored by Selbys.  The MC for the day will be Brendan Grealy who has been involved with the development of the Mandela Capture Site since its inception.

REFRESHMENTS:   Everyone is encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets and picnic blankets.   Food and drinks can also be purchased at the Capture Site.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day started as a challenge but has quickly grown into what some are calling a movement. It’s captured the attention of thousands of South Africans as well as corporates and hundreds of people in the UK, Australia, New Zealand. Canada, Germany, Cyprus, London, the US and India.

Joining the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day movement is easy.The only requirement is that the single bed sized blanket or baby blanket has to be handmade – no store bought blankets will be accepted. 

Blankets can be knitted or crocheted and should measure 150 cm x 200 cm.  Most importantly, those who pledge to make a blanket must please keep their promise and complete the blanket or blankets by 1 July 2014. 

Drop off points include Auto & General Insurance offices nationwide, the Auto & General Theatre on the Square, the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, The President's Award office in Grahamstown and Clifton Preparatory School in Nottingham Road in the Midlands Monday -  Friday or contact Annie (abgrealy@iafrica.com)

Charity beneficiaries will be announced closer to the time.

For more information, please visit: www.67blankets.com

Twitter - @67blankets

Facebook - 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day

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ISSUED ON BEHALF OF 67 BLANKETS FOR MADIBA DAY BY BUZ PR

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Christabel Zulu/ Bridget van Oerle

BUZ PUBLICITY

011 482 3467 /3489

083 706 2952/ 083 263 6991

christabel@buz.co.za / buz@buz.co.za

skype: buzpr

5th Durban FilmMart Project Selection Announcement

5th Durban FilmMart Project Selection Announcement

It’s that exciting time of the year again when the Durban FilmMart proudly reveal the names of the African filmmakers whose film and documentary projects have been officially selected to participate in the continent’s leading finance and coproduction film market.  The Durban FilmMart was pleased to receive applications from filmmakers from around the African continent intent on participating in the biggest edition of Durban FilmMart thus far.

Set to take place in Durban at the new venue of Tsogo Sun, Elangeni Hotel from 18-21 July 2014, during the 35th edition of the Durban International Film Festival (17-27 July 2014), the Durban FilmMart – a joint initiative between the Durban Film Office and the Durban International Film Festival - will serve as a meeting place for African filmmakers, financiers, broadcasters and top film experts.

“We are very pleased to note that the number, quality and geographical spread of project submissions are growing every year. Our evaluation committee had a tough job selecting the top twenty projects most suited to the Durban FilmMart programme and we thank everybody who submitted projects for their interest in Durban FilmMart.” said Durban Film Office Head Toni Monty.

The project selection process was undertaken by a Reader Panel consisting of African and international film professionals who were given the daunting task of moderating and scoring the 164 submissions, which consisted of 85 feature and 79 documentary projects.

Following the outcome, 10 fiction projects and 10 documentary projects have been selected for one-on-one meetings with potential investors and co-producers in the Finance Forum. This year’s programme will also include a full day pitch forum in which both documentary and fiction projects will be pitched to a panel of commissioning editors, funders and financiers.  Durban FilmMart participants will also have the opportunity to liaise with industry professionals during several scheduled networking sessions.

Many of the Durban FilmMart alumni have gone on to compete and premiere at festivals across the globe, including the Durban International Film festival, said festival manager Peter Machen.  “From Durban to Cannes, Toronto and Berlin, talented African filmmakers, including those selected to participate in DFM 2014, are making their mark in the global arena.  African filmmaking is on the rise.”

The following fiction film projects have been selected for DFM 2014:

 All Time Idlers (Egypt) - Directed by Khaled Hafez and produced by Hossam Elouan

The Boy in the Mask (South Africa) - Directed by Jan Lampen and produced by Jennifer Mostert              

Cold Stone Jug (South Africa) - Directed by William Collinson and Ashleigh Nash

Dances of Red (Namibia) - Directed by Oshosheni Hiveluah and produced by Tapiwa Mahaka     

Hawa Hawaii (Kenya) - Directed by Amirah Mohamed Tajdin and produced by Wafa Mohamed Tajdin

Nyanga Sky (South Africa) - Directed by Matthew Griffiths and produced by Rafeeqah Galant   

The Story Of A Kiss (Egypt) - Directed by Ahmed Amer and produced by Wael Sayed El Ahl          

The Train of Salt and Sugar (Portugal/Mozambique) - Directed by Licinio De Azevedo and produced by Pandora Cunha Telles   

Tree of Crows (South Africa) - Directed by Stephen Abbott and produced by Eduan van Jaarsveldt

The Wound (South Africa) - Directed by John Trengove and produced by Elias Ribeiro    

The following documentary film projects have been selected:

Afterglow (South Africa) - Directed and produced by Amber (Arya) Lalloo

Alex On Seventh (South Africa) - Directed by Engelbert Phiri and produced by Guy Bragge

Alison (South Africa) - Directed by Uga Carlini and produced by Amy Nelson       

Beyond the Barricades (South Africa) Directed by Zanele Muholi and produced by Joost Verheij               

The Colonel’s Stray Dogs (South Africa) - Directed by Khalid Shamis and produced by Steven Markovitz

Egyptian Jeanne d'Arc (Egypt) Directed by Iman Kamel and produced by Talal Al-Muhanna         

Home Expulsion (Rwanda) - Directed and produced by Kayambi Musafiri

In search of African Duende: The Uganda Flamenco Project (Uganda) - Directed by Caroline Kamya and produced by Keren Cogan

Kula: A Memory in Three Acts (Mozambique) - Directed and produced by Inadelso cossa

The Sound of Masks (South Africa) - Directed by Kofi  Zwana and produced by Sara Gouveia

The 5th Durban FilmMart takes place in Durban from 18-21 July 2014, during the 35th edition of the Durban International Film Festival (17-27 July 2014). Filmmakers who do not have projects as part of the official selection can still register as delegates for the event, and will have the opportunity to attend numerous cutting-edge masterclasses throughout the four-day event.  Registration is now open and early bird rates apply until 27 June.

For more information on the Durban FilmMart and how to register as a delegate please visit www.durbanfilmmart.com

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AFDA Durban Campus Launch Assist Programmes for their Students

The AFDA Durban Campus have launched a series of Assist Programmes for their first and second year students in the various schools of Live Performance, Film and Television Production with partners such as iKind Media and the iconic Catalina Theatre.

Students in the School of Live Performance which is headed by AFDA Lecturer Lloyd O’Connor have been working at the Catalina Theatre getting a firsthand experience on how to run a theatre from General Manager of the Catalina Theatre, Francis Bigara. Through her guidance the students have been put through administrative paper work, ticket sales, equipment maintenance, ushering, networking and so much more.  “The aim is to help bridge the gap, step by step over the years, between 'student', 'amateur', 'semi-professional' and 'professional', to equip the students with the current active skills and knowledge required to realistically make a living in their chosen careers” says Donna Steel, a Discipline Champion for First Year Stage Acting.

AFDA students in the School of Film will be working in collaboration with iKind Media, a Durban based Broadcasting and Media Production Agency, on a thriller feature film trailer called ‘Intruders’.  “We have already began constructing the set for the shooting of the next scene within the trailer of the film on campus, students have been able to gain firsthand experience in building a professional set and from next week we will start shooting” says head of the School of Film and Filmmaker, Richard Green. 

The AFDA TV Department is working on a SABC 1 program called Hosanna with AFDA Lecturer and Executive Producer at Dynamic Vision Productions, Ailsa Kaminski. Hosanna reflects the different textures and forms of Christianity in communities around the country. The format includes music, prayer, ministry, personal testimony and insight into the impact of faith on people’s lives. “For the purpose of providing assist training for the first year AFDA students certain elements were designed to be filmed in the AFDA studio, namely interviews, presenter links to camera, inspirational messages by ministers and music items shot on green screen….the students were great, it was a pleasure working with them, wonderful to see their enthusiasm and energy, and their eagerness to learn” says Ailsa Kaminski.

AFDA Durban Campus will be hosting an Open Day on Saturday, 03 May from 09:00 to 13:00, for more information on the event or about AFDA you can contact Milena Gevers on (031) 569-2252 or e-mail her on milenag@afda.co.za.

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AFDA Open Day May 3

AFDA Durban (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and live Performance) to host Open Day May 3

AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban is hosting an Open Day for prospective students on Saturday, 3 May from 10am to 12noon at the Campus in Glen Anil, Durban North
The new campus, which opened in 2013 year, has also recently invested over R 1, 2 million in additional technical equipment and campus facilities. This includes a new Surround Sound Suite has been kitted with the latest sound equipment which enables filmmakers to reproduce everyday sound effects which are added to film, video and other mediums in post-production to enhance audio quality.

An Editing & Visual Effects Suite has been installed, which has the latest equipment for the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery to create environments that look realistic, but would be dangerous, expensive, impractical, or simply impossible to capture on film. The Actor’s Studio that has also seen an extension with a new fully equipped stage and additional equipment.

Plus the cinematography department has acquired the latest camera equipment - some of the exciting gadgets include pocket sized cinema cameras, a steadicam and a helicam for overhead filming.  

Exciting times for prospective students as this Open Day will provide them, (and their parents) and guests insights into the AFDA programme, a tour around the facilities, meetings with current students and introductions to the courses given by various AFDA staff. 

AFDA has a heavy-weight academic staff complement who have worked in the film and live performance industries. Franco Human, an experienced producer and film maker, is Dean, with film-maker Richard Green Head of the Film School, director and academic Lloyd O’Connor, Head of the Live Performance School, scriptwriter and film-maker Janet van Eeden (whose short film A Shot at the Big Time has just been selected for the Cannes Film Festival), as production course administrator and script writing lecturer and Laszlo Bene, a producer and director who has worked on a number of national and international productions as Head of Television.
 
Prospective students can contact Durban-based Marketing Officer, Milena Gevers for more information or to book an interview for on the day: milenag@afda.co.za or call 031 569 2252. For more info about the school go to www.afda.co.za or on twitter @AFDADurban.

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MUVO Bus Driver Winner

Durban bus driver Deena Dayalan Naidoo was awarded as Durban’s best bus driver for the month of April as part of the Move to Muvo Campaign.

Deena Naidoo was previously employed by the Airports Company of South Africa as a courier of flight documentation and through sterling work was promoted to shuttle driver, transporting passengers from platforms to their destined flights. A resident from Hilary in Durban, Mr Deena Naidoo has been driving one of the  People Mover Buses in the city for over 5 years. Often found doing his daily commuter route passing the famous Indian Spice Market, Warwick Junction, the Botanical Garden, West Street and South Beach, Naidoo says that he really enjoys his job. “I love my job, interacting with the different people of our beautiful, sunny city brings great joy to me. I believe that as a driver to respect and help all of my passengers at all the time is part of my job and I always look forward to that”

He was awarded the Best Bus Driver of the month award voted for by the commuters for being a good ambassador and assisting commuters with their Muvo cards.

From April 1, bus coupons have been discontinued, and replaced with the new MUVO Smartcard, which will provide a safer, more efficient way of paying for public transport. The card is part of GO!Durban, the massive Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network, that will eventually be used on all the public transport within the network which sees the integration of  public transport with dedicated lanes for busses and upgraded transport corridors for rail.

The card is being issued free of charge until further notice.

“Muvo has been running a competition for Best Bus Driver for this Move to Muvo campaign. The objective of the competition was to help improve the service provided to the commuters and encourage bus drivers to become ambassadors of the Muvo brand. Commuters had to vote for their favourite bus driver in order for their favourite driver to win the competition” says MUVO Project Manager Michelle Pearton.

For enquiries about the MUVO Card call 080 000 6886 or visit the website on www.muvo.co.za

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AFDA Dean, Franco Human introduces Four Corners Film

Franco Human, AFDA Durban Campus Dean and Chief Operating Officer introduced the preview screening of South Africa’s latest highly anticipated film, Four Corners at the Spiga D’oro restaurant on Florida Road on Saturday evening.

Based and fully shot in Cape Town, Four Corners (Die Vier Hoeke) tells the story of a young chess prodigy who must defy the odds and stay one move ahead of the gangs—in a game where winning or losing can mean the difference between life and death. The film plays out aspects of the war fought and reported daily on the streets of the Cape Flats, home to the Number Gang factions of the Western Cape.

The film which was directed by Ian Gabriel, and produced by Cindy Gabriel and Genevieve Hofmeyer had the involvement of a number of AFDA alumni including, Karien Murray (Sound Editor, Tattoo Artist and general behind the scenes work), Jaco Loots (Set Director), Bianca Prinsloo (Props Assistant) and current student at AFDA Cape Town Campus, Aldine Bronkhorst (2nd Assistant to the editor).

“A few AFDA Alumni and a student were involved in the production of the film and we are very proud of the sterling work that they have achieved with this film.” said Franco Human at the preview ‘Four Corners is a welcome addition to our South African production slate of films. Its raw essence of township life with a number of stories makes for an engaging watch.  It has been beautifully shot with great styling and phenomenal tattoos! I would encourage as many as possible to go watch the film in cinemas from the 28th March 2014. I would like to congratulate the crew and cast…what a great job’

FOUR CORNERS launches in cinemas nationally on Friday 28 March. The film was South Africa's Official Selection for Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards © and International Press Academy 2014 Satellite Award © Nominee for Best International Film.

For more information on the event or about AFDA you can contact Milena Gevers on (031) 569-2252 or e-mail her on milenag@afda.co.za.

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AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) hosts Holiday Workshop on March 29

Following numerous requests by prospective students, AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) Durban will host another Holiday Workshop, on March 29 from 08:30 to 16:30. Prospective students who are in Grade 11 or 12 or have already matriculated and are keen to experience a day in the life of a career in entertainment, whether in film, television or acting, are encouraged to attend.

The Holiday Workshop will provide prospective students with a taste to key information and skills that are important in creating a good entertainment product, whether this is about performance or making films or TV productions.  A series of masterclasses will be given and  participants will be have an opportunity to experience how to conceptualise a scene from a movie or TV show, and then go about shooting it in the afternoon.

The AFDA Campus is situated in Glen Anil, Durban North and boasts a strong line up academic staff drawn from the film and live performance industries who will host the workshop.

The workshop costs R60 per person and includes a light lunch. Space is limited and attendance is on a first come first served basis – so booking is essential. 

Prospective students can contact Milena or Purity at the Durban campus for more information and making a booking. (dbncampus@afda.co.za / 031 569 2252). For more info about the school go to www.afda.co.za

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Westville Girls High School presents THE WIZ with help from some of Durban’s top theatre personalities

As part of its celebration of 50 years of excellence, Westville Girls’ High School presents the groovy, soulful and feisty version of the classic tale of Dorothy’s journey to Emerald City, The Wiz from Friday, March 21 to March 27.

The Wiz, the urbanized retelling of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which is present by kind permission of DALRO, promises great entertainment for the whole family as the audience is taken down the yellow brick road with ever-earnest but resolute Dorothy, scaredy-cat Lion who seeks some courage, a rusty Tinman who seeks a heart and the adorable Scarecrow who joins this motley crew in the hopes that he will get some brains from the Wiz.

“We are thrilled to present this delightful musical production as part of our 50th celebrations,” says Catherine Raw, Principal of WGHS. “We chose a musical to give our pupils the opportunity to showcase the huge variety of talent they possess and to involve as many girls as possible.”

Over 100 girls from the school are performing in the musical with some male contrinbutions  from Westville Boys High. The show is directed by drama teacher Claire Spinelli assisted by Roxanne Fuller, with costume co-ordination by Chelsea-Rae Martin.

The show boasts involvement of top Durban theatre professionals with Evan Roberts as musical director,  set by well-known Durban theatre personality Bryan Hiles and graphics by MC, poet and artist Ewok Robinson.  Award-winning lighting designer Michael Broderick adds his ambient-magic to the show and the technical stage management is being run by Jane Cross and Megan Levy of Darkhorse Productions.  Some impressive choreography by Lyn Tottem and Chantal Laubscher of ‘The Studio’ allows the talented cast of learners to shine in a variety of dance forms including ballet, tap and hip hop.

This updated and vibrant musical of the timeless tale of determination againast all odds, will be presented in the WGHS new Mary Johnstone Centre, which will be transformed into a unique performance space.

Shows are at 7pm on March 21, 24, 26 (special Gala/VIP performance) and 27 with matinees on March 22 at 2pm, March 25 at 3.30pm and a special performance for primary schools on March 27 at 10am. 

Tickets are R50 for adults and R30 for scholars with a special price of R20 for the primary schools’ production and can be booked through the school on 031-2661258 or emailed to  tickets@wghs.co.za.

For more information go to the Facebook site Westville Girls’ High School High – Alma Mater

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FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY presents “fragile”

Durban’s inimitable FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY begins its 11th year in 2014 with a full blown performance season of new dance works to lure, cajole, amuse and sheer-out entertain audiences. Entitled ‘fragile’, this dance season, which takes place from 12 to 15 March at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, features the pairing up of long time choreographic partners David Gouldie and Lliane Loots. Both of them have enjoyed, with FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY, two previous joint seasons together, the first of which (“Premonitions”) saw them being awarded the prestigious KZN DanceLink award for choreography.

While Gouldie and Loots have divergent choreographic styles and roots, the two have found a working synergy that speaks of mutual respect and a deep understanding of the need to truly honour the power of the South African dancing body to tell stories. ‘fragile’ offers a contemplative and highly charged season of new dance theatre. With 20 years of democracy being celebrated, Gouldie and Loots, and the incomparable talent of the 6 resident FLATFOOT dancers (Sifiso Khumlo, Tshediso Kabulu, Sifiso Majola, Jabu Siphika, Julia Wilson and Zinhle Nzama), begin to pick apart any grand images of rainbows and dive fearlessly into the personal and political waters of our 20 years of good dreams and painful nightmares. 

Gouldie’s history is one flowing with a career in ballet and with a reputation for being the “naughty boy of South African Ballet”, Gouldie has never been shy of taking the form – so deeply loved – and twisting and tweaking it; sometimes violently and sometimes with such humour that audiences have laughed their way out of the auditorium. His theatrical flair has seen him recently choreograph some of South Africa’s national biggest musical successes, from Evita to High School Musical. He comes to this season with FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY with a dance theatre work unabashedly entitled “dusting off my history”. In a flourish of ironic and, at times, self-depreciating humour, Gouldie looks back to his own South African ballet and dance history - written on and with his body – in a dance work that appears quirky and humorous but which shifts like dark and faded images trapped in a broken antique mirror; a mirror Gouldie has never been afraid to turn on himself. Gouldie has the FLATFOOT dancers embellishing all of his classical ballet history to the point of intense comedy, and then it takes a turn and we, the audience, are left breathless as we glimpse a fragile and wounded heart trying so hard to find home.

Lliane Loots, artistic director and resident choreographer to FLATFOOT, is no stranger to Durban audiences and has a reputation for offering slightly risky political dance theatre that has caused no end of ruckus these past 11 years of FLATFOOT professional history. Her work has toured the world where her bold choreographic voice and vision for FLATFOOT, has seen her and the company receive numerous international and local awards and commissions. Never shy to “tell it like it is”, Loots has recently started working on more personal and intimate dance journeys.

For the season ‘fragile’, Loots has created a work called “the inheritance of loss” and is a profound reflection of her own, and FLATFOOT’s, history. Rather than a single narrative or story, “the inheritance of loss”, offers small fragmented moments of personal and political history and memory, that, when weaved together on the stage, offer a ruminating internal monologue. Edging close to sadness, fragility and loss, this dance work is, ultimately, like all art, an act of love that asks if more is possible? While this is a brooding work, Loots reminds us that the ability to use our art to go to difficult places and ask hard questions is – in the end – the triumph of 20 years of democracy.

Exulting the 6 resident FLATFOOT dancers Loots says, “my dance work would not be possible without the in-put of the FLATFOOT dancers. Not only is it their bodies that get on stage and defend my choreographic visions and dreams, but working with them is a profound negotiation of the histories we wish to tell, those forgotten and those unspoken. I rely on them to be my internal compass when we make work together; they are quick to remind me to question and to ask me why – what a glorious gift for an artist”.

“the inheritance of loss” also features Loots in collaboration once again with local Durban filmmaker Karen Logan. Logan has worked alongside Loots for over 6 years on various dance theatre works and brings with her a filmic sensitivity that layers Loots’s dance visions.

“fragile’ (supported by project funding from the National Arts Council of South Africa) runs from the 12 to 16 March with shows at 7.30pm each evening and a 3pm matinee on Sunday 16 March. Booking is open at COMPUTICKET and tickets cost between R60 – R85.

Thursday’s performance (13 March @ 7.30pm) features a special after show “DANCE TALKS BACK” hosted by awarding winning arts journalist Adrienne Sichel in conversations with Loots, Gouldie and the dancers. This is a unique opportunity to listen to the dancers and choreographers unpack and answer questions about their work. Sichel comes to Durban as a guest from The Ar(t)chive at the  Wits School of Arts.

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AFDA Durban Campus Invests in new Facilities and Technical Gear

Investing heavily in the quality of its educational programme and students’ creative output, the AFDA Durban Campus has recently spent over R 1, 2 Million to add to their technical equipment and campus facilities.

All post-production facilities have been furnished with new workstations, the library has couches, and the entire campus sees 150 new chairs and new signage on all venues along with the inclusion of a new 5.1 surround sound studio.   Editing, sound and visual effects studios see a number of new iMac machines installed with the latest industry software.   A new 5.1 Mix Surround Sound Suite has been kitted with the latest sound equipment ranging from perception 220 microphones, cross-faders, 20 channel sound-card to the new Avid Control software as well as a sound-proofed voice-over / Foley recording studio which enables filmmakers to reproduce everyday sound effects and quality voice over dialogue which are added to film, video and other mediums in post-production to enhance audio quality.

The Actor’s Studio has also seen an extension with a new fully equipped stage being installed and is fitted with high powered Par Can LED lights, Axial spot lights, Fresnel lanterns with barn doors and a control desk for all electrical equipment.

The most exciting, high tech equipment has been acquired for the Film School with the cinematography department receiving the latest camera equipment - some of the exciting gadgets include pocket sized Black Magic cinema cameras which record 1080HD ProRes 422 (HQ) direct to fast SD cards for quick editing or colour correcting on a laptop or pc, along with a steadicam and a DJI Phantom helicam with a GoPRo for overhead filming. 

AFDA Durban Campus Dean and Chief Operating Officer, Franco Human said “The new additions to an already successful learning program, are a clear indication that our campus is on a par with our Johannesburg and Cape Town Campuses who are considered to be above international standards when it comes to educational content and the production of film content”.

The AFDA Durban Campus will also be hosting an Open Day on Saturday, 08 March for students interested in enrolling into either their first, second or 3rd year programme. For more information on the event or about AFDA you can contact Milena Gevers on (031) 569-2252 or e-mail her on milenag@afda.co.za.

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AFDA Durban Campus’ New Faces

New faces join the AFDA Durban Campus this year to bolster the already impressive lecturing line up with a mixture of experience and youth.

Respected and well-known television personality Carmen Langston Mitchell joins the Durban team with a wealth of experience and will be lecturing and mentoring first and second year television students. Langston Mitchell has an impressive career in the media industry, having worked locally and internationally as a producer, director, scriptwriter and presenter for programmes including “Top Billing” on SABC 3, “The Cosmo Show” and “Carte Blanche” on M-Net, “60 minutes”, BBC’s “Changing Rooms”, BBC’s “Newsround” and “BBC World News”. She also worked as a social editor and features writer for Style Magazine and was the celebrity lifestyle columnist for Media 24’s YOU Magazine.

Former AFDA Cape Town Campus student, Ashleigh Hart who obtained an AFDA Bachelor of Arts Honours in Motion Picture Medium joins the Screen Design Department in the school of film as Costume, Make Up and Styling & Production Design Lecturer. Ashleigh recently won Gold at the AFDA 2013 Awards for Costume, Make-up and Styling for the film The Other Woman (an Honours Graduation Film) directed by former AFDA Cape Town Campus student Thea Small as well as Best Postgraduate Film and the Critics Choice Award. During postgraduate year at AFDA she also worked on the feature film Die Windpomp, as well as a Ster-Kinekor Vision Mission commercial.

New Marketing Assistant, Purity Shezi-Magaya joins the Marketing Department headed by Milena Gevers at the AFDA Durban Campus. Having graduated with a National Diploma in Marketing Management, Purity comes with a bag of experience having worked with the Vodacom KZN Regional offices and working with various brands at The Creative Council promotions agency.

Franco Human, Dean of the AFDA Durban Campus commented “We welcome the new staff to the Durban Campus. I am sure that they will add much value to their respective departments. It’s our second year since our opening of this campus and we look forward to adding to the benchmark set by our first intake of students.”

Registration for AFDA Durban is open till Friday, 07 February. For registration details and general information call (031) 569-2252 or e-mail milenag@afda.co.za.

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GO!Durban starts moving towards its delivery of the IRPTN.

The GO!Durban project which will provide a fully integrated rapid public transport network for the people of eThekwini has started to roll-out ahead of major milestones in the first quarter of 2014. The City’s future vision to be one of Africa's leading metropolitan areas by 2030 will soon revolutionize and modernize the way of life for all citizens, tourists and business people travelling through our City.

The award of 6 construction contracts to the value of R 3 billion for the C3 (Pinetown to Bridge City) corridor will take place shortly. The 7th contractor is already on site. Tenders for construction on corridors C1 (Bridge City to CBD) and C9 (Bridge City to Umhlanga) are scheduled to be advertized before the end of the financial year. Tenders for the Integrated Fare Management Services (IFMS) and (Intelligent Transport System (ITS) have already been advertised, and should be awarded by May 2014. The commencement of construction, consolidation of the ”Muvo” card (the cashless card system), engaging with community stakeholders, businesses and the eThekwini citizens, as well as the launch of a mobile marketing bus will drive the project in early 2014.

The roll-out of GO!Durban is based on a “wall to wall” plan, which details a network of 9 trunk corridors supported by feeder and complimentary services covering the whole City, with different modes of public transport (rail, bus and taxi) integrated to provide seamless, efficient and affordable service. Phase 1, which consists of C1, C2 (Bridge City to Umlazi – rail), C3 and C9 corridors, is planned for completion by 2018.

The Phase 1 network will accommodate approximately 25% of the City’s public transport demand on corridors C1, C3 & C9, with a further 40% being accommodated on the C2 rail corridor, as part of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) implementation plans. This approach ensures a recognisable benefit to the maximum number of users in the shortest period of time.

Construction on the C3 corridor will see construction of dedicated median bus lanes, as well as platforms for transfer stations, which will be built under a separate contract. On some sections of the corridor, like through the Pinetown CBD, the road will be rehabilitated, strengthened and widened, as necessary, and current traffic problems in the area addressed.

The commencement of construction activities will also mark the start of the implementation of the GO!Durban Empowerment Charter, which promotes participation of priority business entities in all contracts, subcontracting to local contractors , and sourcing of materials from local suppliers. The Charter also promotes the utilization of local unskilled labour, skills development, employment of unemployed graduates, and corporate social investment.

Negotiations with existing minibus taxi and bus operators with regard to their participation in the GO!Durban system will be crucial for the success of the system. Consultation between the ETA and operators has been ongoing for quite some time. The primary aim of this consultation has been to achieve in principle support for the new system, as well as set out the framework and principles to guide the negotiations around service delivery contracts to be signed with operators. Memoranda of Agreement between the City and the operators are planned for signing in the near future.

PRASA (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) continues to drive the improvements along the C2 Corridor, with approximately R1bn being earmarked for upgrade of their stations as part of the National Modernization Programme. Additional investments will go toward upgrading the signalling system and infrastructure on the corridor, as well as the acquisition of new rolling stock, with delivery of new train sets expected to start toward the end of 2015.

The GO!Durban activation bus has been launched which provides a mobile promotional and information platform to engage with communities, schools and public forums from meetings to events to disseminate information about the project. The bus was launched at the ETA by His Worship The Mayor Cllr James Nxumalo and Head of ETA Mr Thami Manyathi.

“As GO!Durban will have a significant impact on every single one of our citizens,  we  wish to extend our communication into the heart of as many communities as we can.” said Cllr Nxumalo, “While we will have an information centre at our project office in Morningside, and we have numerous engagements planned with stakeholders, we want to be able to speak to as many people as we can, to inform them about  the project, to help them understand the benefits of the new system, and to get them excited about their future, living in the city. This activation bus will mean that we are mobile, and accessible to an optimum number of the people in the city.”

The vehicle was used for transport between the Airport and Moses Mabhida Stadium for the World Cup and has been customised to provide information screens, a Muvo card machine and mobile PA system for interactive and experiential promotions in all environments. The Bus will activate information days to communities and schools prior to the roll out of the GO!Durban system.

Access to more information on Tender Applications, Construction, Information Days, Community engagement and other public forums or engagements can be found on the GO!Durban website www.godurban.co.za

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