South African films at Cannes
A South African delegation will present a number of South African films at the Cannes Film Festival which opened this week.
THE Cannes Film Festival is in full swing, the official kick-off took place on 13May.The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the KwaZulu Natal Film Commission (KZN Film Commission) is leading a South African delegation to the festival.
While in Cannes the NFVF together with KZN Film Commission will screen two South African films selected for Cannes market screening. The screening schedule comprise a South African Showcase, which highlights all the films; and market screening of two local films Ayandaand Stone Cold Jane Austen.
Directed by Sara Blecher and produced by Terry Pheto (Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom, The Bold and The Beautiful, Oscar-winner Tsotsi, How to Steal 2 Million), Busi Sizani and Robbie Thorpe, Ayanda is a coming of age story of a twenty one year old Afro hipster, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Trying to keep the memory of her father alive, she is thrown into a world of greasy overalls, gender stereotypes and abandoned vintage cars in need of a young woman’s re-inventive touch, she tries to reclaim what would’ve been, what could’ve been.
Stone Cold Jane Austen is the untold story of one of the greatest bands that ever lived, who inspired a revolution, yet failed to break through to the mainstream. All this changes when they decide – against all odds – to try and conquer the Afrikaans music market, despite not speaking the language and taking a last shot at making a name for themselves. Stone Cold Jane Austen is directed and produced by Jon Savage who stars in the movie alongside Rob Van Vuuren. The film also features big name musical acts; Fokofpolisiekar, Jack Parow and Die Heuwels Fantasties.
The producers and directors of these films will also be attending the festival to engage with key international film executives.
Other South African films scheduled for market screening at the festival include Necktie Youth, The Windmill, Dias Santana, Bordering on Bad Behaviour, The Man with the Heavy Leg, and Assignment. The Beginning, directed by Tumisho Masha, who’s acting as the lead role, is screening at the Cannes Short Film Corner.
Visit www.nfvf.co.za and www.kwazulunatalfilm.co.zafor detailed South Africa Cannes schedule.
