Film Reviews from DIFF 2014

Here are some more reviews from the movies I saw at The Durban International Film Festival 2014

Film: The Last Boers Of Patagonia
Director: Richard Gregory

What a breath of fresh air this was.  Showing Afrikaans families that boarded ships between 1902 to 1908 and set sail for Argentina.  Quite amazing to see how they integrated themselves into this new world.  Some still long to see South Africa and some seem happy where they are.  Wonderful characters in this short documentary.

Rating: Recommended.

Film: I, Afrikaner
Director: Annalet Steenkamp

Another of the documentaries at DIFF.  This one takes us on the journey of what it means to be an Afrikaner.  It took Annalet Steenkamp 9 years to make this film.  She shows us a wide variety of her family that live mostly in rural, farm communities.  Some are stuck in their ways, some fearful.  She also shows us the new generation that is a totally different type of Afrikaner.  One that is born in to the New South Africa.
There are plenty of wonderful characters in this well made documentary.

Rating: Well directed and a good movie.
Annalet Steenkamp won the award for Best Direction in a South African Documentary at DIFF 2014. 

Film: Black Coal, Thin Ice
Director: Diao Yinan
China.

This is a Chinese film noir.  We join a former detective as he falls under the spell of a widow with a past. He is busy investigating a murder where pieces of the body pop up all over.  At moments compelling, sometimes shocking and often strange.  Features some wonderful imagery.  There are many twists and turns in this one.

Rating: Give it a viewing.


Film: 20 000 Days on Earth
Directors: Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard

A really good documentary this one.  All about the life and times of musician Nick Cave.  The title refers to his 20 000th day alive.  We see where he is now, glimpses of him recording with his band.  You will also see the people he has worked with in the past including Kylie Minogue.  A superb insight into the mind of a creative musician.  Very well made.

Rating: Must See.


Reviews by +Fred Felton