SA movie wows Cannes

A South African film has made waves at the Cannes Film Festival where it premiered and has already received invitations to screen at other international film festivals.

Homeland: A Song for Refugees was made by SA filmmakers Firdoze Bulbulia and Faith Isiakpere, with respected songwriter and composer Neil Solomon writing the theme song.

It also saw a panel discussion convened at the festival to talk about it and the plight of refugees in the world.

The film focuses on the escalating global refugee crisis and rallies for a shift in the pervasive negative perceptions associated with displaced individuals.

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The Turquoise Harmony Institute in Johannesburg was elated at the news of the film’s success.

“We are immensely proud that the showing of the transformative documentary film featured at the illustrious 72nd Cannes Film Festival on 22 May. This poignant film is a clarion call to the world, shining a spotlight on the escalating global refugee crisis and rallying for a shift in the pervasive negative perceptions associated with displaced individuals,” it said.

“Bulbulia and Isiakpere, along with Solomon, have woven together a tapestry of profound narratives and evocative music to create a film that stands as a potent weapon in the battle against xenophobia.

“By showcasing the resilience, strength and shared humanity of refugees, Homeland: A Song for Refugees seeks to replace fear and misunderstanding with empathy and acceptance,” it added.

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Having received high praise at its Cannes screening, the film has been invited to be shown at several film festivals in California, Toronto and Cameroon, thus broadening its reach and amplifying Rugby star on violence charge its vital message.

Turquoise Harmony Institute director Ayhan Çetin said the film’s screening spoke to the heart of the institute’s aim to reach out to the suffering.

“At Turquoise, we’re doing everything in our power to spotlight this issue and narrate the challenges faced by refugees, particularly as the refugee crisis intensifies and families are torn apart.

“We believe in the power of music and art and envision this documentary to serve not only as a piece of art, but also as an educational platform. We express our gratitude to everyone involved in the project, each played a significant role in amplifying the voice of refugees and highlighting their experiences.

“We are grateful for all the support we’ve received, and take pride in collaborating on this project. We believe it’s incumbent on all of us to contribute to the solution of the refugee crisis,” Cetin said.

The institute is a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering peace, understanding and tolerance among diverse cultures and faiths.