The international jury this year was led by former Manager of the DIFF and current Director of the Sydney Film Festival, Nashen Moodley and included prolific and award-winning South African filmmaker Robbie Thorpe, South African producer of numerous award-winning films who sits on the advisory panel for NFVF, Moroba Nkawe and award-winning Nigerian filmmaker, Newton Aduaka.
The South African feature film jury consisted of film-makers Lizelle Bischoff, Thandeka Zwana and Jenna Cato Bass while the documentary jurors were film-makers Annalet Steenkamp and Sylvia Vollenhoven and the short film jurors were film-makers Darryl Els, Zandi Tisani and Terrence Dalisu Ngobese.
Best Feature Film - Sunrise directed by Partho Sen-Gupta.
Best South African Feature Film - Necktie Youth directed by Sibs Shongwe-La Mer,
Best Documentary and Best SA Documentary - Beats of the Antonov directed by Hajooj Kuka and The Dream of the Shahrazad directed by Francois Verster, respectively.
Best Actor - Didier Michon for his performance in Fevers directed by Hicham Ayouch
Best Actress - Anissa Daoud for Tunisian Spring directed by Raja Amari.
Best African Short Film award went to The Aftermath of the Inauguration of the Public Toilet at Kilometre 375 directed by Omar el Zohairy.
Best South African Short Film - Unomalanga and The Witch
Production Merit Award, - Rights of Passage
Best Screenplay Award - Sabrina Compeyron and David Constantin forSugar Cane Shadows directed by David Constantin.
Jean-Marc Ferriere, took the honours for Best Cinematography “for creating a distinctive, atmospheric, highly-crafted and visually dynamic world depicted almost entirely in the dark”, inSunrise directed by Partho Sen-Gupta.
Special Mention for Direction was made of Kivu Ruhorahoza for Things Of The Aimless Wanderer, “for a courageous and single-minded attempt by a director harnessing all means at his disposal to tell a personal, intricate and political story.”
A Special Mention for Best Film was given to Tunisian Spring by Raja Amari, “for it’s powerful depiction of an event that has, and continues to have, resonance in the world.”
Democratsdirected by Camilla Nielsson, got aSpecial Mention for a Documentary, which is “commended for putting a human face on a story that is complex and sometimes almost opaque.”
The Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award for the film that best reflects human rights issues which comes with a cash prize of R10 000 donated by the Artists for the Human Rights Trust went to The Shore Break, directed by Ryley Grunenwald. The jury citation reads “The film powerfully portrays a struggle within a local community regarding foreign mining rights in a pristine environment…(and) concisely and movingly uncovers this complex and urgent matter, which is still under investigation and in need of public support.”
A further Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Honorary Award was given toThe Look of Silencedirected by Joshua Oppenheimer, a film that “bravely uncovers the genocide in Indonesia in the 1960’s.”
The jurors for these awards were Nonhlanhla Mkhize, Betty Rawheath, Professor Lindy Stiebel and Coral Vinsen, convener of the jury panel.
Arterial Network’s Artwatch Africa Award, for an African film that meaningfully engages with the issues of freedom of expression, went to Beats of the Antonov, directed by Hajooj Kuka, who was presented a cash prize of R15 000. The jury citation said “This compelling film shows how the power of music, dancing and culture sustains the displaced people living in the remote war-ravaged areas of Southern Sudan.”
Restless Talent Management to Reprise The Restless Pitch at DIFF 2015
Restless Talent Management, the first global management company to focus on African talent, will be hosting its Restless Pitch event for the second time at this year’s 6th edition of the Durban FilmMart (DFM), a Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) and the Durban Film Office (DFO) developmental initiative for African filmmakers which is funded by the City of Durban. Since its inaugural edition at DFM 2014, The Restless Pitch has been held successfully around the world (Film Africa London, Zimbabwe International Film Festival, AFRIFF, New York Africa Film Festival, Nollywood Week Paris), providing African filmmakers with the opportunity to put their best projects forward.
The Restless Pitch will take place Monday July 20st from 2pm to 4pm at Southern Sun Elangeni hotel, the festival precinct for both the DFM and DIFF. As a new feature for DFM 2015, Restless Talent Management will also be hosting a “How To Pitch” workshop on Friday July 17 from 2pm to 3pm as a lead up to The Restless Pitch on Monday.
Candidates will be randomly selected among the filmmakers willing to pitch, and each will have 3 minutes to present their best idea for a feature film or TV show in front of a panel of experts that will include Restless Talent Management’s Tendeka Matatu and Thandeka Zwana, Producer of DIFF’s opening film AYANDA Terry Pheto, Award-winning Nigerian actor and lead in AYANDA OC Ukeje, Head of Production and Development at the National Film and Video Foundation Vuyo Sokupa, Head of International Acquisitions at XYZ Films Todd Brown, Award-winning producer Elias Ribeiro, Acquisitions Content Coordinator at MNet Mbalenhle Ntuli and Berlinale Festival Programmer Dorothee Wenner.
The filmmaker with the most promising, interesting and ultimately best idea put forward will win a one-on-one coaching session with Restless Talent Management at DFM, potentially leading to a representation deal for his or her project.
“Since its inception at DFM 2014, The Restless Pitch has become the leading platform for African filmmakers to engage with industry influencers. Over the past year we have successfully hosted the pitch at a number of established festivals around the world. We are excited to be back at DFM and look forward to hosting a lively and rewarding event” says Tendeka Matatu, co-founder and CCO of Restless Global.
The 6th DFM is set to take place on 17 – 20 July 2015 at Durban’s Elangeni Tsogo Sun Hotel, alongside the Durban International Film Festival which is set for 16 – 26 July.
The documentary 'The Shore Break' by Riley Grunenwald just won the prestigious Backsberg Audience Choice Award at Encounters South African International Documentary Festival for best South African Film.
This documentary follows the dilemma faced by a rural community on South Africa's Wild Coast as to whether to support or resist a proposed titanium mining project and a national tolled highway.
Nonhle Mbuthuma - Where the river meets the sea - a still from 'The Shore Break'
Director Grunenwald says she is thrilled with the award.
Director of 'The Shore Break' Ryley Grunenwald
'The Shore Break' which was a project in the 2013 Durban FilmMart will have its co-premiere at the 36th Durban International Film Festival on July 18, 2015 with four screenings during the festival which runs from July 16 to 26.
The highly anticipated South African film Ayanda, directed by Sara Blecher and produced by Real Eyes in association with Leading Lady Productions, has been announced as the opening night film of the 36th The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which takes place from 16 to 26 July this year.
Set in the vibrant, Afropolitan community of Johannesburg’s Yeoville, Ayanda is a coming-of-age story of a twenty-one year old Afro-hipster, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she has to fight to save her late father’s legacy – a motor repair shop - when it is threatened with closure. She’s thrown into a world of greasy overalls, gender stereotypes and abandoned vintage cars once loved, now in need of a young woman’s re-inventive touch to bring them back to life again.
The film stars Fulu Mugovhani (of Scandal fame) and Nigerian actor OC Ukeje, with a star South African cast including Ntathi Moshesh, Kenneth Nkosi, Jafta Mamabola, Thomas Gumede, Sihle Xaba and veteran star of stage and screen Vanessa Cooke.
“We are pleased that this feel-good film will open this year’s festival,” says Pedro Pimenta, Director of the DIFF. “The opening film of this, the most prestigious international film event in SA, needs to reflect a clear priority established by the festival to reach and develop local audiences.”
“The recently published NFVF report on audiences in this country, is very informative and revealing in that while the industry has been successfully structured and supported from all quarters to allow a regular flow of SA content, much still needs to be done for this content to reach local audiences. By once again opening the DIFF with a strong SA film, we endorse this objective.”
This is the second opening night film at DIFF for director Sara Blecher. Her film Otelo Burning opened the 2011 edition of DIFF to critical acclaim. “We are very proud of Ayanda and are thrilled to have it selected as the opening film at this year’s festival.The film had a very successful screening in Cannes last month and we look forward to screening it to festival-goers in Durban,” says Blecher.
“Ayanda offers an interesting and positive convergence of talents style , resources and distribution potential for the film market.” says Pimenta. “There is a real sense that reaching an audience has been the most important motivation equally shared by the filmmakers and their financiers in its creation.”
“Ayanda celebrates the diversity of our country and revels in the fact that we are a multi-cultural, colourful and exciting melting pot of Africa,” says co-producer Terry Pheto.“With this film we have tried to capture the Afropolitan nature of our country and the energy of its people.”
“What is also particularly encouraging in terms of the South African film industry is that the film, originally titled, Andani and the Mechanic, was a project in the 2013 Durban FilmMart, the co-production and finance forum of the DIFF and the Durban Film Office.”says Pimenta. “The film is one of five titles that have been part of the DFM process over the years that will be screened this year at DIFF.”
The festival includes more than 200 theatrical screenings and a full seminar and workshop programme, as well as the Wavescapes Film Festival, and various industry initiatives, including the 8th Talents Durban (presented in cooperation with the Berlinale Talents) and the 6thDurban FilmMart co-production market (presented in partnership with the Durban Film Office). For more information go to www.durbanfilmfest.co.za.
Call for Applications for the Cannes South African film factory 2016
Cannes 2015 saw the launch of the South Africa Film Factory 2016. This move marks a great opportunity for South African film Directors and the industry as whole.
Cannes South African Film Factory will provide an opportunity for four (4) SA directors and four (4) international directors to collectively produce four (4) short films that would have a greater opportunity of screening at the official Cannes program next year. “This is the fourth programme we’re running since our launch. We’ve produced successful projects that have received rave reviews internationally, as well as being screened at the Cannes official programme, says Dominique Welinski from the Cannes Film Factory.
Local directors have five weeks to apply for this life changing opportunity. “Our selection process comprises a short list to ten directors, which will be followed by in-depth interviews at the Durban international Film Festival. This is where we will select the four qualifying directors, says Jeremy Nathan of Zidaka. Carol Coetzee KZN Film Commission CEO adds that “the programme is indeed a great platform to showcase not only what South African directors can do, but also what the country has to offer, particularly Durban as all the four films will be shot in KwaZulu Natal.
“We are proud to be associated with such a massive opportunity that will up skill our youth. The NFVF strives for an industry that is constantly growing, and this programme provides exactly that as it will uplift our talent, showcase the country as well as create collaboration,” says NFVF CEO Zama Mkosi.
In conclusion, Edouard Waintrop says that “the filmmaker, as an artist is a lonely person and often very individualistic. Dominique and I therefore came up with an idea to pair directors to work together, an idea that has resulted in great productions from Taiwan, Nordic Countries and Chile. We look forward to working with South Africans.”
Directors who wish to participate in this programme have five weeks to apply, and need to have a strong feature concept attached to their motivation, a producer must be attached, and need to have directed one short film, a first feature film, or a documentary. They can be between the ages of 23 and 35 years old. They need to be available to participate in a workshop during the Durban International Film Festival in July, and be available to film in October and November, 2015. The films will premier at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016.
AFDA Durban has offered its edit facilities for postproduction. Media Film Services and Sound Surfers, Hollard Film Guarantors and Cote Ouest Audiovisual and Instit Francais are all official partners.
The selection of the 4 directors will take place at the beginning of the Durban International Film Festival by the partners. More information on how to apply and criteria can be downloaded on the Film Factory website.
A really stylish film this one. Expertly directed by James Gray. We join a young lady Ewa
(Marion Cotillard) who arrives in the USA with her sister. They are seperated by authorities due to the ill health of her sister. She finds herself stuck in America, a strange lady in a strange land. She meets
Bruno (Joaquin Phoenix) the ever polite young man who helps her find a place and shelters her. There is of course a price she has to pay. Along the way she meets a young talented magician (Jeremy Renner) who shows her a world of possibilities. Look out for some brilliant performances, very well written and stylish direction.
A movie of many shades. Set in a gloomy Cape Town. Not the one that tourists know. This one is full of gangsters and corrupt cops and abalone smugglers. We join a veteran cop Sizwe (Tony Kgoroge) who fights the good fight to solve his case. Along the way side stepping martial arts assassins and looking out for gangsters.
Well directed, good script and some very good performances.
Rating: 7/10
Tony Kgoroge won the Best Actor Award (Shared) at Durban International Film Festival 2014 for his performance and you can see why.
Million Dollar Arm
Director: Craig Gillespie
Cast: Jon Hamm, Suraj Sharma, Alan Arkin
Enter the world of the sports agent. We join a struggling sports agent J.B. Bernstein (Jon Hamm) who is fighting to secure a big deal. He comes up with an idea of exporting Indian cricketers in a talent competition as a way to find the next big baseball pitcher. One of those inspiring feel good movies. Well acted and full of funny moments.
IDC and NFVF will now provide funding for Emerging Black Filmmakers
The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) have announced a new initiative targeting local filmmakers and producers.
The Emerging Black Filmmakers Fund (EBFF), which the two institutions have set up, will provide financial and other support to emerging black filmmakers and is aimed at assisting filmmakers in creating feature films that are directed and produced by black South Africans.
EBFF, according to IDC, will strengthen the local film industry, ensuring that filmmakers and producers create compelling content for South African consumption.
Basil Ford, Head of Media and Motion Pictures at the IDC says, “We have identified a growing need to support the production of South African films and documentaries, particularly by black filmmakers and producers.”
Zama Mkosi, CEO of the NFVF, says this partnership addresses one of the organisation’s key objectives to ensure that past imbalances in the film industry are addressed. “Creating this opportunity will benefit our industry immensely as content is key in elevating our industry, and as we take the sector to another level of attracting new markets and investments.”
Funding will be limited to six qualifying and viable feature films per annum over three years. The fund amount per film is R4.5m for development and production, and R500 000 for marketing.
Visit the NFVF website for more information. (Source - ScreenAfrica)
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.
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.
This is one of the documentaries showing at The Durban International Film Festival 2014.
The documentary joins a group of actors who are taking this play around the world to various war-torn regions from Rwanda to Northern Ireland and even Yugoslavia. The play comes out of a workshop from various South African actors and it deals with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. After the performances the actors hold workshops and discussions with the people of these war-torn lands. It makes for some surprising dialogue. Just like with a snake there are many twists and turns.
Seasoned journalist Max du Preez joins them on their tour and look out for some of the stars of the stage including Nick Boraine, Andrew Buckland, Fana Mokoena, Quanita Adams and many more.
Director Michael Lessac shoots this well and we get a glimpse into the life of a travelling troupe of actors as well as glimpses of the play and he takes us inside the workshops and discussions.
I watched this movie in a packed cinema, not one seat empty. Afterwards we were treated to a very interesting discussion with Max du Preez, Dr Alex Boraine, Peter Machen, and Nick Boraine amongst others.
The main point that came out of that discussion is that this documentary has to be seen by the youth of South Africa. I would have to agree.
Rating: A Must See!
A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake is showing at The Durban International Film Festival. Next Showing: Friday 25 July - 20:15 - Suncoast http://www.durbanfilmfest.co.za/
This from the man that brought us 'Hoop Dreams.' Martin Scorsese is one of the executive producers on this and it shows. A wonderful insight into the life and times of the famous film criticRoger Ebert. A wonderful look into his life as a editor, writer and even a blogger. You get to find out all about the great show 'Siskel & Ebert' and how it started.
Steve James gives us a inside view of Ebert how and he lived the final part of his life. We find Ebert at a time where he has lost his voice and he now uses a computer to digitally speak. He uses a blog to write now. As Ebert says, 'My blog became my voice.'
At his side is his loving wife Chaz. They form a powerful unit and she supports him all the way. This documentary is a fascinating glimpse of what it takes to be a writer and especially a film critic.
In some parts funny, some parts serious, others difficult to watch and at times emotional. A wonderful tribute to one of the greatest writers of our time.
His website http://www.rogerebert.com/ is what he has left us. He has evolved film criticism with it Contributors write reviews on his behalf as they continue the reviews on his behalf.
As I left the cinema one lady who watched the movie whispered to me 'How was that movie?'
Rating: A Must See!
Next Showing at DIFF: Thursday 24 July, Ster-Kinekor, Musgrave Centre, 10pm
Film - My Hood Directors - Karin Slater, Thabo Bruno Mokoena, Asivhanzhi Mathaba, Zandile Tisani, Nadine Cloete and Riaan Hendricks.
These are six documentaries that came out of the Close Encounters Laboratory. A development from the Encounters Film Festival.
'Knox Man' directed by Asi Mathaba shows us a paroled man in Diepsloot who likes to gamble with dice, shot on the streets it gives us a close view of what township life is like.
'The Bridge' directed by Riaan Hendricks shows us the various characters that intersect on Nelson Mandela bridge. Shot from a window above almost voyeuristic like we see life from the strange to the scary.
'To Kill a Man's Pride' directed by Thabo Mokoena shows us life in a Soweto hostel. We see what it takes to live in such circumstances.
'Highlands' directed by Zandile Tisani shows us how the displaced live in Yeoville. We see a writer and also an entrepreneur and the lot they have been given. Well shot and a great ending.
'Elim' directed by Nadine Cloete shows us inside a Moravian village and the various characters that live there. We see how names mean something to these people.
'Roundabout' directed by Karin Slater gives us a glimpse into Hout Bay and a ghost story. Full of some wonderful characters, look out for the flower sellers. Well shot as it shows us both the past and present.
Had a look at this movie last night. Set in a futuristic Vietnam in a world where there is no more land. All you see is water and some floating wastelands. We get to know Sao and her husband Thi. They live a simple life on a floating house of sorts. Thi goes out in search of food and Sao tends to the home. Water is at a premium in this world. Even such things as washing or cleaning fish prove hard.
The Director shows us quite a deal about their relationship and all is not as it may seem.
All is not well at sea.
One of the filmmakers from NUOC 2030 joined us for the viewing and he gave us some added insight into the making of this film.
In case you were wondering 'NUOC' means Water in Vietnamese.
Next showing at DIFF - Tuesday, 22 July 8pm Musgrave
Film - The Kill Team
Director - Dan Krauss United States, 2012.
One of the documentaries showing at The Durban International Film Festival 2014.
This is quite the eye opener and sitting in the packed viewing room at The Elangeni Hotel one gets quickly drawn into the world of war. Director Dan Krauss gives us deep insight into a group of rogue US soldiers in Afghanistan. They were known as 'The Kill Team'. Krauss focuses on one soldier in particular, Adam Winfield. We discover what he has to go through and the dilemma he faces. Does he rat on his team or does he just keep his mouth shut and survive his tour of duty?
Featuring riveting interviews with the team members, graphic images, some quite shocking and for me the documentary certainly gives one a deeper insight into war and why they say 'War is Hell'.
Next Viewing: Thursday 24 July, Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre 9pm
You are kindly requested to make your bookings as early as possible as there are limited screening slots available. Bookings will be made on a first come, first served basis.
Due to time constraints please take note that the maximum time for screenings is 90 minutes per project.
Please also note that the Durban FilmMart is not responsible for inviting your guests. Applicants (projects) will be required to invite their own guests. Interested delegates should use our website to view and contact registered attendees, which can be accessed on:
One of the gala highlights at DIFF (Durban International
Film Festival) is the world première of A
Snake Gives Birth to a Snake, the much-anticipated
documentary debut of celebrated television/film/theatre director Michael
Lessac.
The gala screening promises
to be one of the highlights of this year’s festival – with some of the
country’s foremost peace mediators joining the director, special guests, and
members of the cast and crew for the world première screening, followed by a Q&A session.
A Snake
Gives Birth to a Snakefollows a diverse group of South African actors as they tour global war-torn
regions to share their country's experience of reconciliation. As they ignite
dialogue among people with raw memories of atrocity, the actors find they must
confront once again their homeland's complicated and violent past – and
question their own capacity for healing and forgiveness.
A Snake
Gives Birth to a Snake was edited by
Joel Plotch (In the Company of Men; Nurse Betty; Gone). It was produced by
Jacqueline Bertrand Lessac and Emma Tammi and Executive Produced by Jonathan
Gray, and Robert Lear. It features never-before-heard original
music by jazz legend Hugh Masekela, with lyrics taken from TRC personal
testimonies.
“Can we forgive the past, to survive the future?” This
profound question, posed by Nelson Mandela, become a mandate by which other
nations could live. Lessac wanted to
better understand the subtleties of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation
Commission, and in so doing, bring the story of the TRC to a wider audience
while exploring the possibility of the TRC
as a concept which could successfully be exported to other post-conflict zones.
In 2001, Lessac returned
to the Colonnades Theatre Laboratory, which he had founded 25 years before in
New York City, to find a way of telling the story of the South African TRC as
theatre’s way of prompting others to drop their masks and tell the truth.
He wanted to look beyond
the presentations of victim and perpetrator and instead examine the role of the
interpreters who translated the TRC proceedings into SA’s 11 official
languages. Lessac was intrigued by the fact
that the interpreters, simultaneously translating in the first person, could
never turn away from atrocity. He was fascinated with what the TRC looked like
through the eyes of people who, for two and a half years, verbalised every
moment of the hearings. He met with
actual TRC interpreters as they relived their stories and memories for the
first time. Their experiences became the starting point for the journey ahead.
In 2003, after
interviewing over 350 actors in SA, Lessac held a three-week workshop with the
core of chosen actors who developed script material out of their own
life-experiences intertwined with the lives of the interpreters.
The theatrical vehicle for these conversations was a
production entitled Truth in Translation,
a hard-edged, multi-award winning theatrical production, with accompanying
workshops, created between 2003 and 2006. It opened in Rwanda and toured to
three continents; 11 countries and 26 cities. It has played to more than
55 000 people and facilitated conflict transformation workshops for more
than 10 000 participants.
The documentary A
Snake Gives Birth to a Snake is the result of this journey – a glimpse
into the lives and minds of a group of South African performers who shared and
listened; facilitated and responded to the heartbreaking real-life personal
stories of the human casualties of global conflict. As South Africans
representing various facets of South African society, they were forced to
look at whether they themselves had even successfully "reconciled"
their own individual pasts, and realised just how complex and challenging it is
to engage with the multifaceted concept of forgiveness.
"For me, this film
pays homage to a very special group of South African actors and interpreters
who were warriors of the most special kind. They allowed themselves to
travel through worlds that were often more painful than their own worst
nightmares,” considers
Lessac.
The documentary’s intriguing
title refers
to a question which often appears in conflict situations when asked why
perpetrators killed young babies. The answer, irrespective of culture is
always, one way or another, “A
Snake Gives Birth to a Snake.”
“The film was originally titled Truth in Translation, just like the play. We changed it to A Snake
Gives Birth to a Snake because no matter how true that might be, when revenge
is celebrated as heroism, it is a poor excuse for killing.”
A Snake Gives Birth to a Snake premieres at the Durban
International Film Festival taking place in venues in and around Durban from 17 - 27 July 2014. The gala screening
is on 20 July at 17:15 in
Suncoast (6)
The original company of actors were: Quanita Adams,
Nick Boraine, Andrew Buckland, Sibulele Gcilitshana, Bongani Gumede, Robert
Koen, Jeroen Kranenburg, Sandile Matsheni, Fana Mokoena, Thembi Mtshali-Jones
and Jenny Stead along with earlier contributors Lionel Newton, Helen Iskander,
Hugh Masebenza, Mmabatho Mogomotsi, Lerato Moloi, Celest Mathews and Paul
Savage.
300: Rise of an
Empire is a powerful film that certainly does justice to its
release in IMAX® 3D, and audiences will leave the theatre feeling as if they
too had been part of the war.
If you see it with the Dolby Atmos Sound System at Ster Kinekor Gateway the powerful digital audio creates a unique
environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie – and
part of the non-stop action of the warring Greeks taking on the might of the
Persian army.
The film is based on Frank Miller's
latest graphic novel, Xerxes, and told in the breathtaking
visual style of the blockbuster 300(released in 2006). This new
chapter of the epic saga is a companion piece to the first film and takes the
action to a fresh battlefield – on the sea, as Greek general, Themistokles
(Sullivan Stapleton), attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge
that will change the course of the war.
300: Rise of an Empire pits Themistokles against the
massive invading Persian forces, led by the mortal-turned-god, Xerxes (Rodrigo
Santoro), and Artemesia (Eva Green), his vengeful commander of the Persian
navy.
After its victory over King Leonidas
of Sparta’s army of just 300, the Persian Army under Xerxes’ command marches
towards the major Greek city-states. The Democratic city of Athens, first in
the path of Xerxes' army, bases its strength on its fleet led by the fearless
Themistocles. However, Themistocles is forced into an unwilling alliance with
the traditional rival of Athens, the oligarchic Sparta led by Queen Gorgo (Lena
Headey), whose might lies with its superior infantry troops. Together, they
take on Xerxes and the powerful Persian army that still reigns supreme in
numbers over sea and land.
The visuals really are amazing. It is almost as if you have been transported to that time and you will feel like you are in the middle of an adventure. Some great acting, writing and direction makes for a wonderful film.
Rating 9/10
View the trailer here:
For more information on Ster-Kinekor
and IMAX®, visit www.sterkinekor.com. Avoid the queues by booking online
or by calling Ticketline on 082 16789, or you can book at the box office.
You can also download the Ster-Kinekor App on your Nokia, Samsung Android,
iPhone or Blackberry phone for updates and to book from your mobile. To
find out what other exciting promotions Ster-Kinekor has on offer, follow
@SKTheatres on Twitter or Facebook at
Ster-Kinekor Theatres.
DURBAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CALLS FOR FILMMAKERS
The largest of Southern Africa's film festivals and the most important film festival in Africa, DIFF hosts a film competition component and also presents screenings in township areas where cinemas are non-existent.
The festival will consider films completed in 2013 and 2014, and there is no charge for entry. All submissions must be entered via the Eventival online system. In order to submit a film you will need to create a visitor account if you have not already done so in past years. The deadline for all entries, including delivery of screeners, is 28 March 2014 for short films, documentaries and feature fiction films.
The extensive seminar and workshop programme featuring local and international filmmakers and industry professionals includes the 7th Talent Campus Durban (19-23 July) in cooperation with Berlinale Talent Campus, and the 5th Durban FilmMart (19-22 July) in partnership with Durban Film Office, as well as various other streams of programming including Durban Wild Talk Africa and Wavescape.
Specific streams of programming for 2014 will include a focus on 20 years of democracy in South Africa, as well as films that explore architecture in various ways. This latter stream of programming acknowledges the World Congress of Architects which will take place in Durban in 2014, the week after DIFF.
"We look forward to once again receiving a wealth of top quality films from around the globe," says festival manager, Peter Machen. "We also welcome input from and engagement with current and potential partners who support the development of the film industry on the continent. It is through collaboration that we can offer film-makers and the public a festival of brilliant film and a worthwhile industry development programme."
The festival is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the City of Durban and other valued funders and partners.
EFC AFRICA HITS CINEMAS Ster-Kinekor & EFC AFRICA announce exclusive broadcast partnership
Johannesburg (South Africa) – EFC AFRICA 28, taking place on Thursday, 27 March, will be screened at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas around the country for the first time, with an eruption of high-definition (HD), larger-than-life MMA action on the big screen.
In a partnership that has been in development for months, EFC AFRICA and Ster-Kinekor announced today (12 March) that fight fans throughout South Africa will be able to watch all 13 bouts from every upcoming EFC AFRICA event, live.
The partnership is launched on the back of Ster-Kinekor having completed the digital conversion in each of its cinemas. Substantial investment in the highest quality, live satellite broadcast equipment and a continuously tested and monitored signal will ensure a stable live broadcast of all the fight action, in crystal clear high definition.
The new format promises fans a big screen, live cinema experience, using the most advanced cinema broadcast platform available worldwide.
"We're excited to be offering fight fans the chance to see our events in such an awesome, larger than life setting," said EFC AFRICA president Cairo Howarth. "Ster-Kinekor's state of the art, digital HD setup makes it an incredible experience, from the first fight to the last. From 01 May, fans in Bloemfontein will be able to attend the cinema too, which we've been trying to organise for some time. Ster-Kinekor is leading the way with HD broadcast technology, and we're incredibly proud to be associated with this exciting project."
Doug Place, Marketing Executive of Ster-Kinekor Theatres, is equally delighted with the announcement of this new partnership. “Cinema is an evolving sector and we are in an exciting place right now. Resulting from our massive investment in technology and the digital upgrade, doors are opening for us to consider more alternative partnerships such as this one with EFC AFRICA.
“The digital conversion also means that the EFC fights on the big screen will be an awesome viewing experience for the fans. Watching all the live action in larger-than-life high definition is better than it has ever been seen before, and makes for a fantastic night out at the cinema!
“We are focused on continually improving the consumer experience and introducing fresh new offerings and alternative content that tap into new markets and what appeals to those audiences. It is these new initiatives that will ensure that the path to ongoing and future growth in the cinema industry is sustained,” comments Place.
The live Ster-Kinekor EFC AFRICA experience is to be made available in stages, with additional cinemas coming online for future events.
Fans can enjoy the EFC AFRICA 28 HD, big screen experience at the following Ster-Kinekor cinemas:
·Ster-Kinekor Fourways (Johannesburg)
·Ster-Kinekor East Rand Mall (Johannesburg)
·Ster-Kinekor Gateway (Durban)
·Ster-Kinekor Cavendish (Cape Town)
EFC AFRICA 29, taking place on 01 May, will see the addition of cinemas at:
·Ster-Kinekor Brooklyn (Pretoria)
·Ster-Kinekor The Zone (Johannesburg)
·Ster-Kinekor Cradlestone (West Rand)
·Ster-Kinekor Maponya (Soweto)
·Ster-Kinekor Cape Gate (Cape Town)
·Ster-Kinekor Tyger Valley (Cape Town)
·Ster-Kinekor Mimosa (Bloemfontein)
·Ster-Kinekor Greenstone (Edenvale)
Bookings for EFC AFRICA 28 at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas open on Friday, 14 March. Tickets cost R120, Ster-Kinekor SKCLUB, Discovery Vitality or Edgars club movie card benefits will apply. To find out more, visitwww.sterkinekor.com.
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