South African funny man, actor and movie producer, Leon Schuster (Mr. Bones) has secured a deal with the Walt Disney Company. The Hollywood company has agreed to partly finance his new venture that is still unnamed and was apparently inspired by a Jamie Uys movie.
Disney has indicated, through its publicity company in South Africa, that the support for Schuster is a firm indication of its commitment to the local entertainment industry.
The movie will have the full support of Disney's marketing and distribution infrastructure.
Disney has not guaranteed sales of the movie in overseas markets but has given the assurance that it will work hard to secure various international deals once the movie is completed.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Blitz Patrollie a South African buddy cop movie
Famous South African comedian Kagiso Lediga has written a buddy cop comedy set in Johannesburg. The film, produced by Diprente Films and directed by Andrew Wessels started shooting in Johannesburg on Friday 09th of September 2011.
The film chronicles the adventures of Rummy Augustine (Joey Rasdien) and his partner, Ace Dikolobe (David Kau), police officers who have had the misfortune of being stationed in a little known depot in the belly of the Johannesburg CBD. Rummy is bogged down with trying to start a family and an overbearing mother-in-law who just won't move out. The overzealous Ace, on the other hand, can think of nothing better to do in the morning than to put on his "lucky" bulletproof vest and head out to kick some bad guy ass.
The script was conceived out of the writer's passion for stories that resonate with a young and vibrant South Africa with a penchant for comedy - an audience Lediga is familiar with both on stage and on the small screen.
Blitz Patrollie pays homage to Johannesburg, an African economic and cultural giant, and is shot on location in the lush Northern Suburbs, the gritty streets of the CBD, the familiar township landscape and everywhere in between. The city and its many contradictions are at the very core of the film’s narrative.
Blitz Patrollie is the first feature film to come out of Diprente Films. The producers are excited about the quality of talent both in front of and behind the camera and envision that the film will be an impressive and memorable contribution to the growing South African film landscape.
The movie will be distributed by the National Film and Video Foundation and is scheduled for release in South Africa in 2012.
The film chronicles the adventures of Rummy Augustine (Joey Rasdien) and his partner, Ace Dikolobe (David Kau), police officers who have had the misfortune of being stationed in a little known depot in the belly of the Johannesburg CBD. Rummy is bogged down with trying to start a family and an overbearing mother-in-law who just won't move out. The overzealous Ace, on the other hand, can think of nothing better to do in the morning than to put on his "lucky" bulletproof vest and head out to kick some bad guy ass.
The script was conceived out of the writer's passion for stories that resonate with a young and vibrant South Africa with a penchant for comedy - an audience Lediga is familiar with both on stage and on the small screen.
Blitz Patrollie pays homage to Johannesburg, an African economic and cultural giant, and is shot on location in the lush Northern Suburbs, the gritty streets of the CBD, the familiar township landscape and everywhere in between. The city and its many contradictions are at the very core of the film’s narrative.
Blitz Patrollie is the first feature film to come out of Diprente Films. The producers are excited about the quality of talent both in front of and behind the camera and envision that the film will be an impressive and memorable contribution to the growing South African film landscape.
The movie will be distributed by the National Film and Video Foundation and is scheduled for release in South Africa in 2012.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Kenyan criminal's bestseller made into blockbuster
Kenyadian Productions a Kenya/Canada production company has confirmed that they have begun penning a screenplay adaptation of Kenyan author John Kirimati’s bestselling novels- My Life In Crime, My life With A Criminal and My Life in Prison. The production company, which was in talks with East Africa Publishers for 2 years for the film rights, recently secured the film rights for 7 years.
My Life In Crime (working title) is slated to begin filming at the end of 2011 with the release due in 2012. “We are still not sure of the title of the movie yet,” said Neil Schell Director and producer of the film. “We thought we would use the most popular book’s title- My Life In Crime, because it easily translates to Kenyans and it also gives anyone unfamiliar with the books a clue as to what the film is about.”
The treatment for My Life in Crime, which will combine all three books, has recently been completed. “I was very particular about how the story was to be laid out which is what is done during the treatment stage,” said Schell. “There are so many story events in the three books that one has to decide what to leave in and what to leave out and then appropriately build the story so that the audience enjoys the movie the entire way.”
Schell explained that they have commissioned gifted Kenyan writer Serah Mwihaki to pen the screenplay adaptation of the book based on her quality. “We decided to go with Serah after many interviews with many writers here in Kenya,” Schell stated. “Out of all the applications Serah’s work was the most exciting and interesting. She captured the essence of the story and that is crucial.”
As the title suggests the My Life In Crime book series is an autobiographical tale of John Kiriamiti a Kenyan criminal who featured on the country’s most wanted list in the 1960s and 1970s. In the books Kiriamiti re-counts how he got into the life of criminality as a petty thief, his rise into the Kenyan most wanted list and his subsequent incarceration. It was during his stay in prison that Kiriamiti wrote My Life in Crime, the first book in the series. The book has since been chronicled as Kenya’s best‐selling novel of the early 1980s.
Schell, who has appeared in films such as A-Team, Watchmen, Dr. Dolittle and directed several TV series’, stated that the film will be a period piece. “My Life In Crime will be true to the time period- Kenya in the late 60’s through to the mid 80’s,” he said. “The film will be gritty, hard and be filled with all the action a highly sought after gangster can muster up.”
My Life In Crime (working title) is slated to begin filming at the end of 2011 with the release due in 2012. “We are still not sure of the title of the movie yet,” said Neil Schell Director and producer of the film. “We thought we would use the most popular book’s title- My Life In Crime, because it easily translates to Kenyans and it also gives anyone unfamiliar with the books a clue as to what the film is about.”
The treatment for My Life in Crime, which will combine all three books, has recently been completed. “I was very particular about how the story was to be laid out which is what is done during the treatment stage,” said Schell. “There are so many story events in the three books that one has to decide what to leave in and what to leave out and then appropriately build the story so that the audience enjoys the movie the entire way.”
Schell explained that they have commissioned gifted Kenyan writer Serah Mwihaki to pen the screenplay adaptation of the book based on her quality. “We decided to go with Serah after many interviews with many writers here in Kenya,” Schell stated. “Out of all the applications Serah’s work was the most exciting and interesting. She captured the essence of the story and that is crucial.”
As the title suggests the My Life In Crime book series is an autobiographical tale of John Kiriamiti a Kenyan criminal who featured on the country’s most wanted list in the 1960s and 1970s. In the books Kiriamiti re-counts how he got into the life of criminality as a petty thief, his rise into the Kenyan most wanted list and his subsequent incarceration. It was during his stay in prison that Kiriamiti wrote My Life in Crime, the first book in the series. The book has since been chronicled as Kenya’s best‐selling novel of the early 1980s.
Schell, who has appeared in films such as A-Team, Watchmen, Dr. Dolittle and directed several TV series’, stated that the film will be a period piece. “My Life In Crime will be true to the time period- Kenya in the late 60’s through to the mid 80’s,” he said. “The film will be gritty, hard and be filled with all the action a highly sought after gangster can muster up.”
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Impressive Numbers in SA Cinema
I have been doing a bit of reading and have discovered some have interesting figures in the realm of Cinema in Africa specifically South Africa. Apparently the South African film industry is currently worth an estimated R2.65 Billion in the Western Cape alone. The Gauteng province follows in second place with an estimated value of an impressive R1.1 billion with Kwazulu Natal commanding a strong R236 million cinema value.
By 20 14 it is envisioned that south Africa will be one of the leading producers of film and TV content from Africa and middle east. This growth has been attributed to the SA government thru their department of Trade and Industry (DTI). DTI has actively invested in this sector to create the necessary conducive environment for growth.
More African governments should take a page out of South Africa’s book and invest heavily in the cinema sector.
By 20 14 it is envisioned that south Africa will be one of the leading producers of film and TV content from Africa and middle east. This growth has been attributed to the SA government thru their department of Trade and Industry (DTI). DTI has actively invested in this sector to create the necessary conducive environment for growth.
More African governments should take a page out of South Africa’s book and invest heavily in the cinema sector.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Mediatech Africa will be showcasing the latest filmmaking technology
There is no denying that in that past the business of making motion pictures was exclusively for the rich and famous. However, major advancements in the field of technology have resulted in the affordability of recording equipment. This development has led to a massive boost in the number of movies coming out of Africa. Nowadays any ‘Simba, Jamal and Hakeem’ can now grab a camcorder and shoot a film of some sort.
Because of this directly proportional relationship between media technological advancements and the number of films produced I have come to appreciate important trends in media technology. MEDIATECH AFRICA, the continent ‘s largest advanced media technology trade exhibition, is a perfect stop to see all the latest film recording gadgets and trends in film production. Following the success of the previous years, the biennial trade exhibition, will again showcase cutting edge technologies and services from industry leaders in:
• Broadcast, Film, Production & Post Production
• Pro AV, Sound, Lighting, Staging and Rigging
• AV & Broadcast System Integration
• Animation, New Media, Mobile & On-line
• Satellite and Signal
• Musical Instruments & DJ Equipment
• Computer Music and Production Tools
Filmmakers in the continent should diarise July 20, 2011 because the Screen Africa Technology and Production will taking place at this year’s Mediatech Africa trade exhibition. Among the topics that will be discussed is ‘3D PRODUCTION FLOW’.
This is a practical workshop which demonstrates to delegates what it takes to shoot 3D in the field. The workshop will bring delegates up to speed on the latest 3D techniques and the possible future of 3D. The critical variables and pitfalls of shooting 3D will be discussed. The workshop is pitched at an introductory level.
Friday, June 24, 2011
African Cinemas on wheels
MobiCINE is basically cinema on motor cycles. It operates in a safe and easy manner. Each MobiCINE carried on a motor cycle in a ‘black box’ (a flight-case lodging a 1.300 lumens beamer plus a laptop). Also included in the Mobile cinema set are self-amplified loudspeakers, a 2,40m screen and a power generator plus 50 buckets used as theatre seats.
The film files that are loaded on the laptop are encrypted, and can be unlocked only by a digital ‘token’, which is prepaid by the exhibitor. Allcables and plugs of the PC and beamer are sealed, so as to prevent any unauthorized show.
Since Monday, May 9, 2011 seven mobiCINE units have cruised on the roads in Dakar with seven more to go in Bamako in June. This new development is a path breaking screening system in Africa. It is certainly offering a new way of watching films in places where all legal movie theatres have shut down.
The project has received funding from ACP Films, the Jan Vrijman Fund, and the French embassies in Dakar and Bamako.Organizers say the initiative is giving African filmmakers a chance to reach local audiences and develop a legitimate B.O. model they now lack.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Man On Ground
The scourge of African on African violence is a stupidity this continent knows too well.The South African xenophobic attacks of 2008, which resulted in the death of over 60 people, made headlines the world over. This unfortunate slaughter of foreign nationals was the inspiration of Akin Omotoso’s (2007 Standard Bank Young Artist Of The Year For Film Directing) follow up film Man on Ground. The feature film, which is produced by T.O.M Pictures, 1 Take Media and Rosie Motene Productions, explores the complex themes of xenophobia, identity, fear and reconciliation.
“The xenophobia attacks generated profound national and continental shock and soul searching,” says Akin Omotoso Man On Ground’s Director, Writer and Producer. “This film is part of this continual soul searching and it is also a strong appeal for healing to ensure that such killings do not happen again.”
The feature film is about Ade, a Nigerian-British doctor based in the UK who visits South Africa to see his estranged half-brother Femi. Upon his arrival in South Africa, Ade discovers his brother has been missing for a week. With the help of Femi’s fiancée, Zodwa, Ade investigates his brother’s disappearance. It is soon realised that Femi’s disappearance coincides with a recent period of xenophobic violence. As the truth starts to emerge Ade discovers that Femi is dead but no one can account for the body. The search for the body leads Ade to the discovery of the horrific truth about his brother’s death.
Man on Ground, a self and crowd funded feature film, is being produced on an undefined meagre budget. “It’s difficult to put a figure on our budget because we are relying on the generosity of Crowd Funding,” said Rosie Motene one of the producers of the film. “We will have to keep appealing for donations until the project is completed.”
Motene is very positive about Crowd Funding and hopes to raise enough funds to complete the project. “This form of funding works especially for films with a social message. It has been working for years in Europe and the US,” she stated. “We are appealing to individuals and companies to contribute anything from R1 000 and in return they will get an associate producer credit or product placement opportunities.”
Crowd Funding has become very popular in the South African film industry in recent time with many directors opting for this kind funding to finance their productions. “We believe that rather than always waiting for external funding for making art on this continent, we can draw on our collective resources and networks to make films and art works that will both entertain and educate our people,” said Omotoso.
Man On Ground stars Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Hotel Rwanda, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End), Fana Mokoena (Yizo Yizo, Generations, The Lab), Fabian Olojode (Jacob’s Cross) and Bubu Mazibuko (Gaz’lam, Catch A Fire). The film, which has completed principal photography, is hoping to create a buzz at the local and International film festival circuit, starting with a premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and the Dubai Film Festival.
“The xenophobia attacks generated profound national and continental shock and soul searching,” says Akin Omotoso Man On Ground’s Director, Writer and Producer. “This film is part of this continual soul searching and it is also a strong appeal for healing to ensure that such killings do not happen again.”
The feature film is about Ade, a Nigerian-British doctor based in the UK who visits South Africa to see his estranged half-brother Femi. Upon his arrival in South Africa, Ade discovers his brother has been missing for a week. With the help of Femi’s fiancée, Zodwa, Ade investigates his brother’s disappearance. It is soon realised that Femi’s disappearance coincides with a recent period of xenophobic violence. As the truth starts to emerge Ade discovers that Femi is dead but no one can account for the body. The search for the body leads Ade to the discovery of the horrific truth about his brother’s death.
Man on Ground, a self and crowd funded feature film, is being produced on an undefined meagre budget. “It’s difficult to put a figure on our budget because we are relying on the generosity of Crowd Funding,” said Rosie Motene one of the producers of the film. “We will have to keep appealing for donations until the project is completed.”
Motene is very positive about Crowd Funding and hopes to raise enough funds to complete the project. “This form of funding works especially for films with a social message. It has been working for years in Europe and the US,” she stated. “We are appealing to individuals and companies to contribute anything from R1 000 and in return they will get an associate producer credit or product placement opportunities.”
Crowd Funding has become very popular in the South African film industry in recent time with many directors opting for this kind funding to finance their productions. “We believe that rather than always waiting for external funding for making art on this continent, we can draw on our collective resources and networks to make films and art works that will both entertain and educate our people,” said Omotoso.
Man On Ground stars Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Hotel Rwanda, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End), Fana Mokoena (Yizo Yizo, Generations, The Lab), Fabian Olojode (Jacob’s Cross) and Bubu Mazibuko (Gaz’lam, Catch A Fire). The film, which has completed principal photography, is hoping to create a buzz at the local and International film festival circuit, starting with a premiere at the Toronto Film Festival and the Dubai Film Festival.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Winnie vs. Winnie
The biographic film Winnie is no stranger to controversy. During its casting phase there was much hullabaloo about the casting of African Americans Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson and Oscar Nominee Terrence Howard. The two Americans play Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Nelson Mandela respectively. This, however, did not go down with many South Africans who felt that such iconic roles should be given to South African actors.
Fast forward a year or so later- Winnie is now in post-production and yet another fracas has erupted. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela herself has openly
scorned the production by calling it an insult. Her resentment towards a movie about her life stems out of the fact that the apartheid veteran was not consulted in the making of the film.
South African director James Roodt is responsible for production of Winnie and he has described the motion picture as the ultimate women’s movie and an amazing love story. Madikizela-Mandela, however, told CNN that it was disrespectful to make a movie about her struggle a romantic feature.
Madikizela-Mandela's lawyers wrote to the filmmakers last year threatening action to stop production but they went ahead. They in turn took the decision not to show Madikizela-Mandela the script.
Fast forward a year or so later- Winnie is now in post-production and yet another fracas has erupted. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela herself has openly
scorned the production by calling it an insult. Her resentment towards a movie about her life stems out of the fact that the apartheid veteran was not consulted in the making of the film.
South African director James Roodt is responsible for production of Winnie and he has described the motion picture as the ultimate women’s movie and an amazing love story. Madikizela-Mandela, however, told CNN that it was disrespectful to make a movie about her struggle a romantic feature.
Madikizela-Mandela's lawyers wrote to the filmmakers last year threatening action to stop production but they went ahead. They in turn took the decision not to show Madikizela-Mandela the script.
Friday, June 17, 2011
FREEDOM fighting in Cinema
35 years later the events 16th of June 1976 are salient in the south African psyche. The Soweto Uprising, AKA "June 16", was a series of student-led protests in South Africa that began on the morning of June 16, 1976. Students from numerous Sowetan schools began to protest in the streets of Soweto, in response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools. An estimated 20 000 students took part in the protests, and roughly 176 people were killed. The 16th of June is now a public holiday named Youth Day. It is remembrance of the events in 1976.
As I sat home and enjoyed the holiday I began thinking about how the world of cinema has chronicled Africa's fight for freedom. Mapantsula, Battle for Algiers, Flame immediately come to mind. I would have appreciated watching these types of movies on national TV to celebrate the sacrifice made by our freedom fighters but it seems national broadcaster’s don’t share my sentiments.
As I sat home and enjoyed the holiday I began thinking about how the world of cinema has chronicled Africa's fight for freedom. Mapantsula, Battle for Algiers, Flame immediately come to mind. I would have appreciated watching these types of movies on national TV to celebrate the sacrifice made by our freedom fighters but it seems national broadcaster’s don’t share my sentiments.
FAVOURITE AFRICAN FILM
A while ago a posted the question- "What is your FAVOURITE AFRICAN FILM of all time?" on LinkedIn. Many responses were posted on this LinkedIn discussion and I am very impressed with the diversity of answers in terms of genre, country of origin and era of production. Taking a glimpse at what different people consider their favourite film is a testament that African cinema has come a long way and has now firmly established itself as market to be reckoned with. This was an education on the vastness of African Cinema. I am making it my personal mission to watch all these African gems of cinema i have not watched yet.
The following movies made it to the list (A DROP IN THE OCEAN)
Yesterday
District 9
Tsotsi
Neria
Yellow Card (My Choice)
White Wedding
Jerusalema
Jump the Gun
Moolaade
Chickn Buziness
Elolipop
Zeinabu Rudi Nyumbani
Otto the bloodbath
Heritage Africa
The flyers
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Afro documentary making
Documentaries are part of cinema too and so rightly deserve a blog post too. Organisers of Toronto's Hot Docs will administer a $1 Million documentary fund geared toward nurturing emerging African film filmmakers.
Monday, June 13, 2011
the fright is in the air
Is it me or has there been a sudden influx of horror movies from the African continent? If it’s not about vampire it’s zombies or cannibals from the Kalahari.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Taharuki
Kenya and the US have teamed up to produce a fascinating short film named Taharuki aka Suspense. Taharuki is a 12 minute Kiswahili film set in the post-election violence of Kenya 2008. It is a fictional account of a man and a woman from different tribes working for an underground movement seeking to expose a child trafficking cartel.
The interesting thing about this film is that though set in Kenya it was entirely shot in Brooklyn, New York. Due to the very tight budget everyone volunteered their labour free of
charge. The location,a nursery, was donated for 24 hours.
The movie was written, directed and produced by Musangi-Omari and Co-produced Kia Barbee. The three roles in the movie are played by US-based Kenyan actors.
The interesting thing about this film is that though set in Kenya it was entirely shot in Brooklyn, New York. Due to the very tight budget everyone volunteered their labour free of
charge. The location,a nursery, was donated for 24 hours.
The movie was written, directed and produced by Musangi-Omari and Co-produced Kia Barbee. The three roles in the movie are played by US-based Kenyan actors.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Durban International Film Festival
The Durban International Film festival is on the horizon and I very excited about it. DIFF is South Africa’s longest-running film festival, the Durban International Film Festival runs across 12 days at the end of July, presenting over 250 screenings of current films from around the world, with strong focus on South African and African cinema. Screenings take place throughout Durban including township areas where cinemas are non-existent. The festival also runs extensive seminar and workshop programmes to stimulate industry capacity. This Includes the participation of 40 filmmakers from Africa in Talent Campus Durban, a cooperation with the Berlin Film Festival, and the Durban FilmMart, a film financing initiative in partnership with Durban Film Office. DIFF is organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN).
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Democratic Republic of the Congo often referred to as DR Congo, DROC, DRC, or RDC (from its French abbreviation), or Congo-Kinshasa after the capital of Kinshasa (in contrast to Congo-Brazzaville for its neighbour) conjures up many images some beautiful but while others are eerie. Think the beautiful Congo River System, diamonds and many other natural resources. On the flipside think the horrible civil war and poverty.
In terms of cinematic productions, however, Congo is breaking ground. Viva Riva, a new film coming out of this part of our continent is an excellent example of this. The film is the FIRST feature film brain child of documentary Filmmaker Djo Tunda. It is also the FIRST contemporary drama to be made by a Congolese director.Viva Riva! won the inaugural prize for Best African Movie at MTV’s 2011 Movie Awards presented at the Gibson Amphitheatre in California on 5 June.
The story revolves around Riva, a thief after the heart of a gangster’s lover (this should be interesting). Throw in some bad choices, an Angolan gangster, precious oils, violence, sex and some social commentary and what we have is a riveting crime tale. The film is set in the beautiful Kinshasa and has the makings of where African Cinema should be going.
In terms of cinematic productions, however, Congo is breaking ground. Viva Riva, a new film coming out of this part of our continent is an excellent example of this. The film is the FIRST feature film brain child of documentary Filmmaker Djo Tunda. It is also the FIRST contemporary drama to be made by a Congolese director.Viva Riva! won the inaugural prize for Best African Movie at MTV’s 2011 Movie Awards presented at the Gibson Amphitheatre in California on 5 June.
The story revolves around Riva, a thief after the heart of a gangster’s lover (this should be interesting). Throw in some bad choices, an Angolan gangster, precious oils, violence, sex and some social commentary and what we have is a riveting crime tale. The film is set in the beautiful Kinshasa and has the makings of where African Cinema should be going.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Choice - New Zim Movie
I have not yet had the pleasure to scribble something about, Zimbabwe's film industry. The reason I must confess was because of ignorance. A lot has been happening in Zollywood which is my country’s equivalent to Nollywood which is Nigeria’s answer to Bollywood who adopted that name from Hollywood. Zollywood or whoever came up with that title get a 1 out of 10 for their creative effort. ZOLLYWOOD! C'mon. It’s so uncreative that if I type Zollywood or Nollywood my computer automatically corrects it to Hollywood or Bollywood.
Now that is out of the way I will get back to talking about cinema.
According to entertainment journos The Zimbabwean movie industry is reported to be booming. The country has seen a number of motion pictures released in the past year. The much talked about ‘Lobola’ and the recently released ‘Choice’ instantly come to mind. But having watched neither film I am in no position to critic them. As soon as I buy copies at a corner in Marabastaad I will post something immediately... just kidding. Piracy is ILLEGAL!
I must say though, Choice seems to be a step in the right direction for Zimbabwean movie making. The film is about a young married woman, Choice Tembo, played by Rudo Chigogo, who is caught between two lovers. She loves her husband Morrison Tembo (Sylvester Hwema) but he is not meeting her conjugal rights satisfactorily. As a result, she finds a sensual touch from a young, handsome man, James Tigere, played by Tinashe Maisva. She then carefully juggles the two relationships but Morrison later discovers the game. I like the premise it departs from those sombre story lines associated with Zim movies.
Now that is out of the way I will get back to talking about cinema.
According to entertainment journos The Zimbabwean movie industry is reported to be booming. The country has seen a number of motion pictures released in the past year. The much talked about ‘Lobola’ and the recently released ‘Choice’ instantly come to mind. But having watched neither film I am in no position to critic them. As soon as I buy copies at a corner in Marabastaad I will post something immediately... just kidding. Piracy is ILLEGAL!
I must say though, Choice seems to be a step in the right direction for Zimbabwean movie making. The film is about a young married woman, Choice Tembo, played by Rudo Chigogo, who is caught between two lovers. She loves her husband Morrison Tembo (Sylvester Hwema) but he is not meeting her conjugal rights satisfactorily. As a result, she finds a sensual touch from a young, handsome man, James Tigere, played by Tinashe Maisva. She then carefully juggles the two relationships but Morrison later discovers the game. I like the premise it departs from those sombre story lines associated with Zim movies.
Friday, June 3, 2011
deadline for entries
Submission of entries for the 2011 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) will close on July 30. A statement from Chioma Ude, the chief executive officer of AFRIFF, highlighted guidelines for filmmakers wishing to enter works for the festival. She disclosed that categories available include feature, documentary, animation and short film and that each entry must be accompanied by a completed form.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Sisters in Africa are doing Big Things in Cinema
I have recently found a very interesting and well put together blog. This interesting weblog is birthed by WFOZ aka Women Filmmakers of Zimbabwe. These filmmakers mean business and are abreast on all developments in the realm of cinema.
According to these mothers, sisters and daughters of cinema "The purpose of the African Women in Cinema Blog is to provide a space to discuss diverse topics relating to African women in cinema--filmmakers, actors, producers, and all film professionals. The blog is a public forum of the Center for the Study and Research of African Women in Cinema."
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
NOLLYWOOD IN KENYA
Is it me or is Kenya making some serious inroads in the film industry. Frst it was Kenya's French connection at this year's Cannes (pronounced 'CAN'. As some pedantic people are at pains to mention every time I pronounce it 'Cainnes')and now Kenya is involved in a deal with Nollywood. these are exciting times for my brothers and sisters up north.
Kenyan press has stated that The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in partnership with Nollywood and the Nigeria High Commission in Kenya, has embarked on a road show to promote the Nigeria Movies Industry in the East African country.
The road show featured participants from Kenya Film Commission, Censorship Board, Actors Guild of Kenya, Media, scholars, workshop at US International University which has about 100 Nigerian students.
Kenyan press has stated that The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in partnership with Nollywood and the Nigeria High Commission in Kenya, has embarked on a road show to promote the Nigeria Movies Industry in the East African country.
The road show featured participants from Kenya Film Commission, Censorship Board, Actors Guild of Kenya, Media, scholars, workshop at US International University which has about 100 Nigerian students.
Monday, May 30, 2011
New Movies from ZIM
I have not yet had the pleasure to scribble something about, Zimbabwe's film industry. The reason I must confess was because of ignorance. A lot has been happening in Zollywood which is my country’s equivalent to Nollywood which is Nigeria’s answer to Bollywood who adopted that name from Hollywood. Zollywood or whoever came up with that title get a 1 out of 10 for their creative effort. ZOLLYWOOD! C'mon. It’s so uncreative that if I type Zollywood or Nollywood my computer automatically corrects it to Hollywood or Bollywood.
Now that is out of the way I will get back to talking about cinema.
According to entertainment journos The Zimbabwean movie industry is reported to be booming. The country has seen a number of motion pictures released in the past year. The much talked about ‘Lobola’ and the recently released ‘Choice’ instantly come to mind. But having watched neither film I am in no position to critic them. As soon as I buy copies at a corner in Marabastaad I will post something immediately... just kidding. Piracy is ILLEGAL!
I must say though, Choice seems to be a step in the right direction for Zimbabwean movie making. The film is about a young married woman, Choice Tembo, played by Rudo Chigogo, who is caught between two lovers. She loves her husband Morrison Tembo (Sylvester Hwema) but he is not meeting her conjugal rights satisfactorily. As a result, she finds a sensual touch from a young, handsome man, James Tigere, played by Tinashe Maisva. She then carefully juggles the two relationships but Morrison later discovers the game. I like the premise it departs from those sombre story lines associated with Zim movies.
Now that is out of the way I will get back to talking about cinema.
According to entertainment journos The Zimbabwean movie industry is reported to be booming. The country has seen a number of motion pictures released in the past year. The much talked about ‘Lobola’ and the recently released ‘Choice’ instantly come to mind. But having watched neither film I am in no position to critic them. As soon as I buy copies at a corner in Marabastaad I will post something immediately... just kidding. Piracy is ILLEGAL!
I must say though, Choice seems to be a step in the right direction for Zimbabwean movie making. The film is about a young married woman, Choice Tembo, played by Rudo Chigogo, who is caught between two lovers. She loves her husband Morrison Tembo (Sylvester Hwema) but he is not meeting her conjugal rights satisfactorily. As a result, she finds a sensual touch from a young, handsome man, James Tigere, played by Tinashe Maisva. She then carefully juggles the two relationships but Morrison later discovers the game. I like the premise it departs from those sombre story lines associated with Zim movies.
Friday, May 27, 2011
What is your favourite AFRICAN film of all time?
I recently posted this question on the Screen Africa group page and I must confess that I am looking forward to seeing people's responses. This simple yet difficult question got me thinking about what my favourite AFRICAN movie is.
There is such a plethora of motion pictures produced from this magnificent continent of ours that I am still racking my brain. I have watched so many lovely films and in retrospect most of them can take the number 1 spot.
I am talking about movies as old as XALA, as futuristic as District 9, as compelling as NERIA, as interesting as Yellow Card and as funny as Jit. The list is endless and includes but not limited to: Lemumba, Battle of Algiers, Everybody's Child, Tsotsi, Yesterday, Jerusalema, Mapantsula, White Wedding, Osofiya In London, Blood Diamond, Drum, Getroud Met Rugby and and Invictus.
There is such a plethora of motion pictures produced from this magnificent continent of ours that I am still racking my brain. I have watched so many lovely films and in retrospect most of them can take the number 1 spot.
I am talking about movies as old as XALA, as futuristic as District 9, as compelling as NERIA, as interesting as Yellow Card and as funny as Jit. The list is endless and includes but not limited to: Lemumba, Battle of Algiers, Everybody's Child, Tsotsi, Yesterday, Jerusalema, Mapantsula, White Wedding, Osofiya In London, Blood Diamond, Drum, Getroud Met Rugby and and Invictus.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Kenya-Franco Film Treaty
The Kenyan government and the Government of France signed a Co-production Treaty at this year’s Cannes International Film Festival. The cooperation agreement between the Kenya Film Commission (KFC) and the Centre National de la Cinematographie et de l’image animee (CNC) was signed by Peter Mutie (KFC) and Eric Garandeau of (CNC).
The pact seeks to enhance cooperation between Kenya and France in the area of Film production, marketing and distribution as well as preservation of film heritage of both countries. During last year’s edition of the Cannes International festival France entered into a similar agreement with South Africa.
The treaty ties the countries to broaden the scope the exchange of information and experience in cinema polices. Special attention will be directed towards training experts and educators. Seminars and workshops related to this sector are also on the cards.
The pact seeks to enhance cooperation between Kenya and France in the area of Film production, marketing and distribution as well as preservation of film heritage of both countries. During last year’s edition of the Cannes International festival France entered into a similar agreement with South Africa.
The treaty ties the countries to broaden the scope the exchange of information and experience in cinema polices. Special attention will be directed towards training experts and educators. Seminars and workshops related to this sector are also on the cards.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Stand By Me
There are many movies that i watched in my childhood that have left a lasting impression. Stand By Me is somewhere on top of that list. I managed to catch the film on E.tv late last night. The movie finished a little before midnight but it was worth staying up for. Though i must admit i did not share the same sentiments when my alarm clock went if off early this morning.
Back to the matter at hand - Stand by Me. This film is a coming of age adventure-drama story of 4 tween age boys. The first time I watched the movie I was tween myself and I fell in love with the camaraderie the four main characters shared. Watching now I cannot help but fall in love with the story itself. As much as it is about camaraderie it is also about how four little boys from very dysfunctional families and how they negotiate their situations.
Back to the matter at hand - Stand by Me. This film is a coming of age adventure-drama story of 4 tween age boys. The first time I watched the movie I was tween myself and I fell in love with the camaraderie the four main characters shared. Watching now I cannot help but fall in love with the story itself. As much as it is about camaraderie it is also about how four little boys from very dysfunctional families and how they negotiate their situations.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Above The Rim
I recently watched the remarkable Above The Rim. I must confess that watching the charismatic, handsome, talented and imposing Tupac Shakur was a bitter sweet experience. Bitter in that such talent was short lived and yet sweet because one cannot help but appreciate the screen presence of young Shakur. I could watch such brilliance over and over again.
Above the Rim is a story about a jock who is caught between the seductive life of thuggery and a straight forward life of College Basketball. It stars Duane Martin, Leon, Tupac Shakur and a young Bennie Mac. This is one of those movies is often left out of the must-watch list but I recommend that you rent it and enjoy it.
Above the Rim is a story about a jock who is caught between the seductive life of thuggery and a straight forward life of College Basketball. It stars Duane Martin, Leon, Tupac Shakur and a young Bennie Mac. This is one of those movies is often left out of the must-watch list but I recommend that you rent it and enjoy it.
Friday, March 25, 2011
For Coloured Girls is definitely not for 'Sissy Girls'
I am writing this post with a mixed bag of emotions. But such is the state that Tyler Perry's latest movie will leave in as soon as the credits start rolling.
I kinda knew that For Coloured Girls was going to be one of those movies that was going to leave emotionally drained and with a negative view of the African American male. This film goes out of its way to incorporate all the harshest cruelties that a black woman can endure in one narrative(rape, back alley abortions, abuse, STIs... I could go on). This is a heart wrenching film that left me cold for the most part.
Perry departs from his Madeaesque story telling style to tell a chilling yet poetic tale of a number of Coloured Girls in modern day America. I take my hat off to Perry for getting out of his comfort zone as a Director. For Coloured girls are a good movie but I am not sure I could bare another screening.
The All-star cast includes Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Anika Noni Rose, Thandie Newton, Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Devine, Macy Gray and Whoopi Goldberg. These ladies are all champions in their challenging roles.
I kinda knew that For Coloured Girls was going to be one of those movies that was going to leave emotionally drained and with a negative view of the African American male. This film goes out of its way to incorporate all the harshest cruelties that a black woman can endure in one narrative(rape, back alley abortions, abuse, STIs... I could go on). This is a heart wrenching film that left me cold for the most part.
Perry departs from his Madeaesque story telling style to tell a chilling yet poetic tale of a number of Coloured Girls in modern day America. I take my hat off to Perry for getting out of his comfort zone as a Director. For Coloured girls are a good movie but I am not sure I could bare another screening.
The All-star cast includes Janet Jackson, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Anika Noni Rose, Thandie Newton, Phylicia Rashad, Loretta Devine, Macy Gray and Whoopi Goldberg. These ladies are all champions in their challenging roles.
Friday, March 11, 2011
The guerrillas strike again
The Uganda/South Africa film production collective, ’Yes! That’s Us’ is perfecting the art of collaborative-guerrilla film making. Donald Mugisha and James Tayler the primary members of the group are proving that the African idiom “two heads are better than one” still holds true. The two recently completed their second guerrilla feature film, ‘Yogera: Silence Speaks’, shot in the backstreets of Kampala, Uganda. The collaborative effort in Yogera’s production cannot be understated. The pair thought up the story, found the cast and crew and did the filming. Because of this the director is credited as ‘Yes! That’s Us’ with the names of Tayler and Mugisha appearing on the producers, editors, writers and photography credits. Yogera recently got a screening at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Goteborg International Film Festival.
The film is tale of a deaf mute (Hope) who runs away from the countryside to live in the big city with her twin sister, who is not ready for the responsibility of a deaf mute the modern city. After a fight with her sister, Hope disappears and wanders around the city experiencing the challenges and cruelty that Kampala holds for a person like her.
The film is tale of a deaf mute (Hope) who runs away from the countryside to live in the big city with her twin sister, who is not ready for the responsibility of a deaf mute the modern city. After a fight with her sister, Hope disappears and wanders around the city experiencing the challenges and cruelty that Kampala holds for a person like her.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Guess who...(is back)?
It has been a while since I last put pen to paper. For this I am sorry. The reason for my hiatus is well …life. But I must confess that the long break from spewing out my thoughts about movies gave me a chance to advance as person, movie critic and writer. My come back, if can call it that, could not have come at a more fitting time. I now find myself in an encouraging environment for such a blog. I don’t want to bore you with all the dull details of my new work station but all I can say is that it in the heart of the broadcast, film, commercial, new media and technology field. Ooowee! I am so excited.
The world of cinema is so much greater than just movies. Cinema is a business, a process, a science, an art… I could go on but I think you get my point. Because of the multifaceted nature of cinema this blog will deal with so many more interesting topics that deal with motion pictures.
I also realised that there is a gap in the blogosphere for a writer that understands and is passionate about African cinema. I am going to fill this opening with CinematalkwithSimba. So you can look forward to a more Africa oriented stories.
The world of cinema is so much greater than just movies. Cinema is a business, a process, a science, an art… I could go on but I think you get my point. Because of the multifaceted nature of cinema this blog will deal with so many more interesting topics that deal with motion pictures.
I also realised that there is a gap in the blogosphere for a writer that understands and is passionate about African cinema. I am going to fill this opening with CinematalkwithSimba. So you can look forward to a more Africa oriented stories.
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