Kasrils has blast promoting film on anti-apartheid Struggle
BEFORE the era of social media, the bucket bomb – an explosive device – was used to spread information, especially during the apartheid years.
The use of this device was shown yesterday when a Struggle activist and a group of film producers gathered in Durban ahead of a private screening of a new feature film, London Recruits.
Barefoot Rascals, a Welsh production company, together with Durban’s Arclight Productions, produced the feature documentary with leading protagonist Ronnie Kasrils. The promotional event was staged to coincide with the Durban Filmmart this weekend.
Kastrils, 84, former minister of intelligence, said the bucket bomb method was used to disseminate information and messages of hope. It was strategically placed by freedom fighters in various areas, and showered leaflets when it was burst.
Kasrils, who is featured in the documentary, was with executive producer Robyn Slovo, South African producer Jacintha de Nobrega, producer/director Gordon Main and UK producer Colin Charles.
D Nobrega said the production featured the story of how Struggle hero Oliver Tambo hatched a plan to infiltrate young British activists in the country, posing as tourists. Their mission, in the face of a brutal lockdown by the apartheid regime, was to help inspire ordinary South Africans to join the liberation movement that was being fought outside South Africa.
Filming took place at Inanda, Durban Central, the Durban High Court, Tinley Manor, Ballito, the Durban shipyard, and Shongweni Nature Reserve.
De Nobrega said: “Sharing our experiences of growing up in apartheid is crucial as it helps us remember the sacrifices made for our freedom.
“Unfortunately, many young people today are unfamiliar with people who bravely fought for their rights. However, this film will provide them with valuable context and understanding.”
Main said he enjoyed shooting in Durban and that it was a different but fun experience.
The film would be released next year and they had been informed by a Carlifornian company, XYZ Films, that they would be representing the film in North America. In an interview with the Sunday Tribune, Kastrils said the power to alter the current state of the country rested with us.
Asked for his views on the state of the country, with particular reference to intelligence, Kasrils said the Struggle was undertaken with the aim of overthrowing the apartheid government and that this was achieved. The veteran Struggle activists created a country where people had political freedom, and that while in the past it had been difficult to access some areas, it was different now.
He said although there were challenges, people had the means to make a change through the Constitution.
Kasrils spends his time these days writing books that reflect on his journey during apartheid, and participates in films and interviews which target the lessons of the past. He was also involved in the ANC and the Communist Party.
Kasrils said that it was important to keep going and never give in.
"Whatever the problem, it is through the actions of people and not just in Parliament, our communities, the trade unions and the faith groups to demand a better service from the government and to solve the problems by being involved and being active.
THE 44TH Durban International Film Festival has kicked off in Kwazulu-natal with hundreds of filmmakers, directors, actors, producers and movie buffs showing up for the experience.
Dubbed one of the biggest film events on the continent, it opened on July 20 and runs until July 30.
As always, the festival is accompanied by the Durban Filmmart (DFM), an institution that highlights the pillars of Africa’s film industry, bringing African talent to the fore in one film landscape.
DFM 2023 celebrates the work of African film professionals and industry initiatives, contemplating a vision of a future-forward African star system for current and future stars.
DFM has collaborated with NEFTI, which is a collaboration between Vodka and the International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA), as well as African Bank, to celebrate and recognise young African filmmakers.
Currently in its fourth year, the NEFTI competition aims to challenge aspiring filmmakers across the continent to showcase their innovative and creative skills while embracing their uniqueness and love for Africa.
Ten emerging filmmakers were selected to present a Zoom pitch of the concept for their film to a panel of judges consisting of leading film industry professionals, award-winning actress Vivica A Fox, Academy award-winning producer Bruce Cohen, president of post-production for 21st Century Fox/disney, Ted Gagliano, and Nahom Abraham, NEFTI Berlinale 2023 winner.
Botswana-born star Moreetsi Gabang was crowned NEFTI Africa 2023 winner at the Maharani Hotel in Durban yesterday.
Gabang, the two-time recipient of the Bessie Head Literature Award, was up against two South African filmmakers: Lwazi Duma and Emma Tollman.
He walked away with $5 000 (approximately R89 000) for his film titled Zombie Date Night in Tlokweng.
Speaking to Lifestyle after his big win, the young creative said winning this award grants him an opportunity to represent Botswana on the international stage and tell his unique stories of Africa.
“Winning this award means the world to me and the incredible team behind the project,” said Gabang.
“This proves that stories from Botswana can compete on the world stage and demonstrates that the true diamonds in Botswana are its people and their stories.”
Zombie Date Night in Tlokweng is an intriguing horror-comedy with a fascinating premise. It revolves around a young couple whose date night takes an unexpected turn when a roommate returns home possessed by a demonic spirit after attending a religious event.
“The story is about being courageous in spite of our fears in order to protect the people we care about from danger,” offered Gabang.
“The inspiration for the story is twofold. I love ‘fire churches’ led by prophets famed for exorcisms and raising people from the dead. And Batlokwa, a tribe of people who bury their loved ones within their residential plots, which is foolish, because imagine what would happen in the case of a zombie apocalypse.
“It’s a perfect storm of carnage and revealing the very best and worst in human nature. I’d save myself and leave everyone I love behind to be eaten, but that’s just me. What would other people do?
“I believe it was the story’s fun and compelling premise that stood out for the judges, as not many horror-comedy films come from this part of the world. This definitely ties into my approach to storytelling – don’t be boring.”
Kudos to Lwazi Duma and Emma Tollman, too, the two finalists who chatted to us about their exciting projects.
On why he chose to participate in the NEFTI Africa competition, Duma elaborated: “I wanted to show that I am the best filmmaker of my generation, and believe that NEFTI is a good platform to showcase my skills and compete with other great filmmakers from the continent.”
His film, Forbidden Tastes, shines the spotlight on the history of apartheid South Africa where interracial relations are forbidden.
“The film explores the themes of forbidden love and other forms of restrictions on choices as to how to live their lives,” said Duma.
“I wanted to tell a story that was true to our cultural and historical experience in this country while offering a commentary on how people overcame the oppressive structures that they were forced to contend with.”
Speaking of his approach, Duma said: I like to use high-concept storytelling that will demonstrate a unique African and South African touch.
“I’m influenced by stories that have well-developed internal story arcs. I spend a lot of time cooking at the internal journey of characters and so I am naturally drawn to stories that have a well-crafted internal logic.”
Tollman also shared her vision of her project, Rage, which was shortlisted in the NEFTI Africa competition.
“Rage is not a documentary but a documenting of our lives,” explained Tollman.
“The film is set to challenge societal norms and expectations imposed on women, encouraging them to break free from conditioned behaviours that limit their potential and individuality.
“It advocates for embracing emotions, passion, drive and creativity without fear of judgement or criticism. The idea of rebelling against social intolerance towards women who dare to be themselves resonates with themes of empowerment and self-liberation.
“Rage is an exploration of feminine friendship A celebration of our wildest expression. Our cry of pure indignation at an injustice done to our sister. A howl in the night sky. The balm of our collective love to cradle our sister’s deeply broken heart. A lens into resilience, strength and solidarity. This film is a love letter to my friends that delves into the transformative depths of our bonds, and the ability for community to hold space for loss and change.
“To explore the specific grief, fear, and pain held in the bodies of so many women and what lies on the other side. To explore authentically femininity and disrupt what society constitutes as palatable expressions of women’s lived heartaches and joys.”
The duo expressed their gratitude to NEFTI Africa and DFM for providing an excellent platform for aspiring filmmakers like themselves to demonstrate their skills and make their mark in the industry.