A FILM produced in Zululand’s heartland about the hardships of rural community life, won this year’s Best South African Feature Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) and now qualifies for an Oscar award consideration.
Shot in Somkhele on the boundary of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP), Sisters of the Wilderness uses the metaphor of mining to underscore the violence and abuse inflicted by society on girls and women, as well as on wildlife species such as rhino.
‘The painful stories of abuse and neglect shared in the documentary are a timely reminder of the importance of respecting and honouring women and girls for the vital roles they play in upholding the heritage of this country,’ said the film’s London-based producer, Ronit Shapiro.
Shapiro feels strongly drawn to Africa and iMfolozi in particular.
She was inspired by legendary conservationist Dr Ian Player and his close friend Magqubu Ntombela.
The backdrop of mining activities alongside community living sets the scene for film-maker Karin Slater’s sensitive portrayal of the heart rending stories of five young women who journey through the iMfolozi Wilderness, and in the process, form strong bonds to become Sisters of the Wilderness.
The support they give each other allows them to release some of the heavy burdens they carry and they emerge from the wilderness lighter and hopeful that the transforming journeys to improve their lives have begun.
The film features Lihle Mbokazi, the first Zulu woman to become a wilderness trail guide, who plays an important role by providing motherly comfort and support for the five anguished sisters.
The film was screened on Heritage Day at the Isolesizwe Film Festival in Somkhele.
It launched the community outreach impact project that Shapiro said was the driving force behind the making of the film.
Film-maker Karin Slater lives in Cape Town but is a frequent visitor to her native KwaZulu-Natal.
She grew up on a sugar farm close to the iMfolozi Game Reserve, which was later incorporated into HiP.
Shapiro dedicated the film to the memory of Dr Ian Player and Magqubu Ntombela, as Player was instrumental in establishing the iMfolozi Wilderness Area in 1958 as well as encouraging women conservationists.
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