A film made for South Africans
GO BEYOND: AN INSPIRING MOVIE PLAYING OUT ON A RIVER
Beyond the river and love by chance.
Torn between his true destiny and the reality in which he lives, young Duma, played by newcomer Lemogang Tsipa, finds himself at crossroads, caught between becoming a cable thief or train as a professional canoer – all to “become a somebody”.
Having grown up in the informal settlements on the outskirts of Soweto with his sister and father, Duma finds comfort in his childhood friend Zama, played by upand-coming actor Kgosi Mongake. From the first scene of Beyond
the River, it is clear just how much of an influence Zama has on Duma – but this is soon put to the test by coach Oupa, played by Israel Sipho Matseke Zulu. Oupa, a reformed gangster, mentors Duma to follow his passion of canoeing.
With his help, Duma picks up the paddles .
It is at this time that moviegoers get introduced to the second lead, Steve, played by TV and film legend Grant Swanby.
Steve, who is a eight-time gold Dusi canoe winner, is determined to compete for his ninth gold med-
al – but his determination puts his rocky marriage at risk.
Beyond the River is a story of hope, restoration and reconciliation.
It is a documented narrative of how great a people we are if we only learn to look beyond the difference, which life has put in place to separate us.
If anything, this movie, directed by Craig Freimond, has taught me to always look Beyond the River.