Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Blazing a trail to a win at film festival
The selection is about more than adventure
South African outdoor culture.
“With this initiative, we wish to provide aspirational South African film- makers with a platform to celebrate their love for the outdoors, as celebrating the outdoors is what we’re all about.”
On the selection of Solomon’s film, she added: “This film not only celebrates trail running and the beautiful locations it takes you to, but speaks to the much more relevant social challenge of unhealthy lifestyles and more importantly, making the decision to get off the couch, get fit and explore.”
Mowbray to Mowbray Ridge follows trail- runner Fareed Behardien on a run from the bustling suburb of Mowbray to the lofty spot of Mowbray Ridge, overlooking the city.
In the film, Behardien speaks about his motivation to leave his couch and to run, as the scenery shows the unique landscape of Cape Town.
It is the sort of film that makes you ask: “What am I doing with my life?”
Solomon said his sister had given him the idea of a film about Behardien, as she felt his story captured the possibility of adventure in Cape Town.
“Adventure is right on our doorstep. Mowbray is an urban space with people buying gatsbies and catching public transport, then 20 or 30 minutes later you are on a mountain.”
Since completing the project, Solomon still works with Behardien on videos for the his running website leavethecouch. com
Solomon, 23, is a runner himself, and has had similar experiences on his adventures.
“I go running with my dad and suddenly we are running in the mountains.”
Solomon studied film and public relations at CPUT and is now a production assistant for international advertising shoots in Cape Town.
He hopes to have his own production company to make videos for brands.
For now though, he’d like to spend his cash prize and vouchers on filming equipment and outdoor gear.
Caitlin Doney, spokesperson for Cape Union Mart, said they had a panel who went through more than 100 films to choose the 11 for the South African screening.
“We look for things that are entertaining and thought-provoking. We target both active people and armchair adventurers.”
As in past years, human interest stories were important. She singles out the film Denali, a story about dog Denali who sees his owner, Ben Moon, through cancer. The film is Moon’s homage to his best friend, who he takes to their favourite beach spots in the canine’s old age. Doney said: “The selection is about more than adventure, the films speak to all our senses.” The 2016 Banff Moun- tain Film Festival World Tour screens at Ster-Kinekor Cavendish and Tyger Valley until next Saturday. Screenings are at 8pm and include all the films in the selection, including Solomon’s winning film. Tickets are available via Ster-Kinekor and charged at standard prices.
wendyl.martin@inl.co.za