12 Years a Slave – Opens 17 January
The film, based on true events, won best film at the Golden Globes on 13 January. In pre-Civil War America, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) – a free black man from upstate New York – is abducted and sold into slavery. Northup is shipped to New Orleans and purchased by a plantation owner, William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch). Northup must battle tremendous cruelty at the hands of various individuals, including one who believes his right to beat slaves is religiously sanctioned. In the twelve year of his enslavement, Northup meets a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) and his life will be forever changed. Starring Chiwetel Ejifor, Lupita Nyong’o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt and Michael Fassbender.
Showing at all good cinemas.
Dooie Diere at Amuse Café – 18 January
If experimental music is your kind of thing, then head over to Amuse Café in Linden. Afrikaans band Dooie Diere will produce an array of weird and wonderful sounds, including some originating from a broken piano having its strings plucked.
WHERE: Amuse Café, corner 4th Avenue and 5th Street, Linden
WHEN: Saturday 18 December at 8pm
COST: R40
DETAILS: Amuse Café 084 555 5252
Indian International Film Festival – 18 January
The Indian International Film Festival of South Africa is an annual festival focusing on African films, short films and documentaries.
WHERE: The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City Casino
WHEN: Saturday 18 January at 5pm
COST: R110
DETAILS: Book at Computicket