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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Unlocking Leadership Excellence as Creative Producer Indaba Gathers Global Talent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FLATFOOT Downie Company

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

FLATFOOT Access Panthers

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

Julia Pitt with FLATFOOT Dance Company

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

WACO’s Dance Movember

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

Jurg Koch

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

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

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

FLATFOOT Dance Company

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cinematography Workshop

Goodbye Julia

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

Workshop dates:

Johannesburg

Date: Friday, 13 October 2023

Time: 9:30 – 11:30

Venue: Wits Film School Theatre

Cape Town

Date: Monday, 23 October 2023

Time: 10:00 – 12:00

Venue: Baxter Theatre

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

Eswatini and Lesotho

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

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

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

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

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

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

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European Film Festival comes to Durban 12 - 22 October 2023

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

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

More about the Films:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goodbye Julia directed by Mohamed Kordofani

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

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

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

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

African stories

Mother directed by Bulgarian Zornitsa Sophia

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

Nayola irected by José Miguel Ribeiro

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

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

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10th European Film Festival Programme 12-22 October 2023

Film Line-up for 10th European Film Festival

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

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

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

Transition

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

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

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

The Films

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

From Italy

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

From Poland

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

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

 From France

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

From the United Kingdom

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

African-European collaboration in Sudan

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

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

From Spain

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

From Belgium

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

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

 From the Netherlands

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

From Germany

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

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

 From Denmark

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

From Switzerland

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

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

From Romania

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

From Bulgaria

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

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

From Ukraine

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

From Portugal

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

Finally, from the Czech Republic

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

 The Screenings

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

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

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

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

-ends

An Inspiring Weekend Workshop For Writers in Cape Town and Johannesburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Ends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 -ends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-ends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Results 

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

Junior

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

Senior

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

40 – 49

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

50 – 59

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

60 - 69

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

70 + 

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

ENDS

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

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

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

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

Mozambique’s award-winning dancer/choreographer Pak Ndjamena

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

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

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

Virva Talonen (Finland)

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

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

ACE dance and music (UK)

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

Ramanenjana (Romania/Madagascar)

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

Unmute Dance Theatre (SA)

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

Joseph Tebandeke (Uganda)

Introdans (Netherlands)

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

Switzerland’s Joshua Monten’s GAME THEORY 

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

FLYING COW choreographed by Jack Timmermans (Netherlands)

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

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

Booking through COMPUTICKET

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

-Ends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-ends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eleventh Appearance

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

Tenth Appearance

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

 Seventh Appearance

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

 Fifth Appearance

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

 Third Appearance

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

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

 Second Appearance

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

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

 First Appearance

Suid Natal Hoërskool - Sisonke and uGu Regional Winner

St Dominics Newcastle – Northern KZN Regional Winner 

 ENDS

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

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

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

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

The participants are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ENDS.

I heart Market with Artisan Market for Kids Saturday, 1 July: 08:30 to 2pm Sugar Rush Park , Ballito

Just in time for the July holidays, the  I heart Market introduces an exciting addition to their fare  - it’s I heart Artisan Market for Kids - Homegrown and Handmade on Saturday, 1 July from 08:30 to 14:00 at Sugar Rush Park , Ballito, North Coast

“We are excited to be introducing this new addition to the I heart Market,” enthuses Anna Savage, owner of the Market. “This is a chance to give our children the opportunity to be creative - come up with a product to sell and then make, bake, create or grow their own items and sell them to the public. No store-bought items will be on sales. Here is an opportunity for youngsters to learn the art of making, selling and budgeting.”

“There are some fun and innovative creations for sale in the Kids Market. Of course, there are a lot of sweet treats (cookies, vegan confection, baked goods, pancakes, candy floss) and homemade Lemonade. We have bags, clay creations, 3D toys, various beaded creations, painted rocks, playdough, messy crafts, and watercolour paints. Our usual monthly market fare will be there too. We urge folk to come support these youngsters and enjoy a fun day out.”

This is the holidays, so take advantage of the great kids activities on offer at Sugar Rush Park with its big play area, Jump Park, Putt Putt, Scratch Patch, Ndlondlo Snake Park, adrenaline-driving Tree Tails and the obstacle course in the tree canopy plus a craft area from We Paint Africa. There are plenty of food and refreshment stalls with delicious offerings.

The Market is situated at Sugar Rush, next to Collisheen Estate in Ballito. The I heart Artisan Market for Kids - Homegrown and Handmade will close at 12noon while the main market will continue until it usual 2pm. 

For more information, or to enquire about possible trading contact info@iheartmkt.com 

Going Wild With Hope – Kingsley Holgate Sets Off On Legendary 41st Expedition.

Africa’s renowned explorer Kingsley Holgate and his expedition team set off on a challenging new humanitarian and geographic odyssey on Wednesday 21 June, this time to reach some of the wildest and most isolated regions on the African continent.

Less than a year after completing the gruelling 35,000-kilometre, 30-country ‘Hot Cape – Cold Cape’ transcontinental journey from Cape Agulhas on the southern tip of Africa to Nordkapp in Norway’s Arctic Circle, the 77-year-old explorer is stil not ready to hang up his expedition boots. Instead, he and his team are on a quest to highlight the importance of conserving Africa’s iconic wildlife and remaining natural landscapes and draw attention to the needs of local communities living alongside these remote protected areas.

“During 40 expeditions to all 55 countries in Africa over the past 30 years, we’ve grown to deeply appreciate Africa’s unique biodiversity and iconic wildlife, which are now under immense threat,” said Kingsley. “The continent-wide decimation of endangered animals such as elephant and rhino and the destruction of vast tracts of pristine forests, wetlands and grasslands that are home to thousands of other wildlife species don’t make the headlines anymore; it’s become too much doom and gloom.”

“For many years, we’ve been asking the question: where can one find hope for Africa’s critically needed wild spaces and irreplaceable fauna and flora, as well as the communities that depend on them? Thankfully, there are powerful and positive stories emerging from across the African continent – uplifting narratives that need to be told. Through this new expedition, we hope to draw attention to the incredible work that’s being done.”

In a unique collaboration with the conservation NGO African Parks, Afrika Odyssey – the 41st Kingsley Holgate geographic and humanitarian expedition – is a legacy journey-of-purpose with a ‘conservation, culture and community’ theme. Estimated to take 18 months, the expedition will follow an adventure-filled, chapter-by-chapter route on a challenging journey into the wild heart of 12 diverse African countries.  

Departing from South Africa on 21 June after a vibrant African send-off from the Lesedi Cultural Village in the Cradle of Humankind, the Afrika Odyssey expedition aims to showcase the inspiring revival of 22 national parks under the management of African Parks and encompassing 20million hectares under protected area status, which form the backbone of the continent’s biodiversity and benefits many thousands of people. 

It will also be the first, real-life test on African soil for Land Rover’s new Defender 130. The expedition’s two long-wheel-base expedition Defender 130s will be tackling an estimated 30,000 kilometres over some of the harshest terrain and off-road routes on the African continent. 

“This expedition is going to be one of our most challenging journeys ever attempted,” said Ross Holgate, Kingsley’s son and the expedition’s leader, who has also explored every country in Africa and beyond, including a round-the-world expedition to track the Tropic of Capricorn and a world-first journey from Cape Town to Kathmandu in Nepal across the deserts and high Himalayan mountain ranges of Asia.”

“It’s not just the long distances we’ll be travelling on dirt roads, goat tracks and probably no tracks to reach all of the Parks that are, understandably, in very isolated regions and in difficult-to-reach terrain,” Ross explained. “We’ll also be tackling dense Congo forests, heart-in-mouth, seat-of-your-pants river crossings, vast desert and rocky mountain terrain where water and fuel will be hard to come by, and wetlands that are near-impassable, especially in rainy seasons. The logistical issues of this expedition are extreme, to say the least.”

Starting in the ancient Namib desert of Iona National Park in the south-west corner of Angola, the journey will encompass Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, Rwanda, DRC, the Republic of Congo and Central African Republic, South Sudan and Chad in north Africa, and conclude in Benin, west Africa. 

The Afrika Odyssey expedition will document ancient indigenous cultures, traditions and historic places of interest on its continent-wide journey. And, in the words of often unheard indigenous communities who depend on the survival of Africa’s natural landscapes, the expedition will record authentic and powerful stories of hope to create an enduring archive of positive, grassroots narratives in support of conservation from across Africa.

The expedition team will also provide humanitarian support to communities alongside all 22 African Parks through malaria prevention and education for pregnant women and mothers with young children in high-risk malaria areas; eye-tests and reading glasses for poor-sighted, mostly elderly people; and conservation-focussed education for school children to instill a passion for protecting Africa’s iconic wildlife.

Carrying a Scroll of Peace and Goodwill for Conservation to all 22 parks in 12 countries, the team will collect messages of support from traditional leaders, local community beneficiaries, park rangers, conservation partners, government envoys, VIPs and other supporters met all along the way. 

“Thriving and dynamic wild spaces have always been the genesis of life-giving water, clean air, food, health and income for humanity. Without them, millions of people are destined to lives of poverty, malnutrition, sickness and inequality,” said Kingsley. “But it doesn’t have to be this way and this expedition aims to showcase the inspirational potential of Africa’s wild places and people.” 

The expedition’s name ‘Afrika Odyssey’ and logo has special significance, as it is a revival of the very first big expedition undertaken by the Kingsley Holgate family in 1993, when they became the first South African expedition team to travel from Cape Agulhas to Alexandria in Egypt along the wild waterways of Africa. 30 years later, they’ve been revived to celebrate this 41st geographic and humanitarian journey for Kingsley Holgate, Africa’s renowned and much-loved modern-day explorer. 

To keep abreast of the expedition’s journey, follow the Kingsley Holgate Foundation Facebook page, as well as updates and stories published by Africa Geographic and African Parks.  

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KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre performs at Green Corridors’ Green Hub as part of the Global Water Dance Festival 10 June

KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre will perform at the Green Corridors’ Green Hub near Durban’s Blue Lagoon on Saturday 10 June at 2pm as part of the Global Water Dance Festival, during World Oceans Week.

The 150 children from Durban and surrounding areas will perform a work called Waiting for Water as part of a global experience with other communities worldwide who will be participating in the Global Water Dance Festival.

The event is free and audiences are invited to bring their camp chairs or blankets and enjoy a picnic while joining communities in 180 worldwide locations in this international initiative to promote water and environment protection. 

Director of the KwaMashu School of Dance Theatre, Vusi Makhanya elaborates on the event: “The community of Durban is suffering from water cut-offs from time to time due to water loss, we wait for water for hours in long queues. Our work is called “Waiting for water” and is a Site-Specific Performance that highlights water conversation, safe water, and clean water for all.”

“We would love to see Durbanites out in full force,” says Makhanya. “Participants and audiences of all ages are invited to learn some dance choreography that’s being taught around the globe and will feature as our grand finale of the day.”

Green Corridors will have representatives at the event to talk about environmental issues Durban citizens face and how this relates to water, and the urgent need to put interventions in place to preserve and conserve our water resources.

The Dance Theatre is funded by Tänzer ohne Grenzen e.V. (Dancers Without Boarders) in German with partners and collaborators are Global Water Dance Creatives, LABAN/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, LIMS in New York, with endorsements from the Green Corridors and it’s Green Hub and the eThekwini Municipality’s Parks, Recreation & Cemeteries, Arts and Living Cultures and associates are ASSITEJ Theatre for Youth's Social Empowerment Fund Project (SEF).

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Realness Institute announces participants for the 2023 Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship in partnership with Netflix

Realness Institute has announced 12 participants from five African countries for the 2023 Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET) programmes in partnership with Netflix, which began on Sunday, 30 April, and runs for three months.

The two cohorts each comprise six participants who hail from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.  Episodic Lab participants include Amanda Gicharu and Juma Adero (Kenya), Emil Garuba (Nigeria), Gabe Gabriel, Jason Staggie and Vanishia Kisten (South Africa). 

These participants will work towards refining their skills as episodic screenwriters and develop their story ideas. At the end of the programme they will have the opportunity to pitch their stories to Netflix Content executives.

The DET cohort includes Damilola Aleje and Mimi Bartels (Nigeria), Sphe Dlulu and Tshenolo Mabale (South Africa), Sue-Ellen Chitunya (Zimbabwe), and Tricia L. Sello (Botswana).

In the DET Traineeship, participants will obtain a more profound comprehension of the process of story development and be guided through a holistic approach to supporting writers in their creative process. Working in teams to support the creative development of the Episodic Lab Participants' projects, they will ultimately help them transfer their story concept into polished pitch decks to be able to pitch their projects to Netflix for a first look deal.

This cohort will be mentored by Elias Ribeiro (Executive Director of Realness and Founder and Creative Producer at Urucu Media), Mehret Mandefro (Director of Development and Partnerships at Realness and Founder and Creative Producer at Truth Aid (USA) and A51 (Ethiopia)), Selina Ukwuoma (an independent Story Expert) and Thandeka Zwana (Development Executive at Indigenous Film Distribution. Twelve international guest speakers will present to the participants including Anna Winger, Showrunner of Unorthodox and Creator of Transatlantic, and Christopher Mack, Director, Grow Creative at Netflix. Content executives from Netflix will also engage with the participants in the 12-week programme.

“Now in its third edition the Episodic Lab and DET Traineeship has not only empowered screenwriters and creative producers by gaining profound experience in the creative process but has also produced some exciting outcomes,” says Elias Ribeiro. “It is very rewarding to see that each year of the incubator has led to a green light for alumni Kudi Maradzika (South Africa) and Voline Ogutu (Kenya) whose projects are currently in different stages of development following their pitches.

“This year’s selection of writers and development trainees once again shows the caliber of talent we have in our African creatives,” says Thandeka Zwana. “We are thrilled to welcome them to the third iteration of the Episodic Lab and DET.”

For more information on Realness Institute programmes go to https://www.realness.institute

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