(Pic: Sobahle Mkhabase as Thembi)Vuleka Productions latest movie reaps critical acclaim.
Shot in Durban and rural KwaZulu-Natal, Izulu Lami / My Secret Sky is directed by Madoda Ncayiyana, co-written by Julie Frederikse and Ncayiyana, and co-produced by Jeremy Nathan of Dv8 Films and Frederikse of Vuleka Productions, with music by Sazi Dlamini.
The film has won several international prizes: the Dikalo Award for Best Feature Film at the Pan African International Film Festival in Cannes, the Audience Award for Best Feature Film at Spain’s Cinema Africano de Tarifa Film Festival and the Best Actress Award for Sobahle Mkhabase, who was 10 years old when the film was shot, as well as the SIGNIS Award for Best Film at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
The film has received considerable media acclaim: “An extraordinary work of great power but also of deep simplicity…” (Barry Ronge, Sunday Times); “Beautifully lensed, this is a small film that will warm your heart... after scaring the heck out of you and making you wonder how you'd react in a similar situation …” (Theresa Smith, Star); ”This is a story that will make you laugh, will make you hold your breath and at times make you sad. The images on screen will stay with you while you digest everything that you have just witnessed. If you only watch one year this year, let it be “Izulu Lami”.” (Amanda de Lange, Beeld).
Added accolade includes: “The film is as real as the situation gets (thanks to the believable characters) and pinpoints the difficulties that these children face. It’s an innocent story of hope, ethics, beliefs and human bonds…” (Mandla Motau, City Press); A beautifully filmed movie with an uplifting, inspiring story...” (Terri Dunbar-Curran, Cape Times); ”Izulu Lami” will touch your heart and inspire you like few South African films have ever done. So see it at all costs. It is a precious local jewel.” (Leon van Nierop, Radio Sonder Grense/Leon se Fliekrubriek (translated from Afrikaans)
The lead actress Sobahle Mkhabase has received high praise for her performance: “Sobahle Mkhabase is a riveting presence. Her determination, fear, courage and grief when she reaches a point of crisis, leap off the screen. She is spellbinding, and although the other kids do excellent work, she is the backbone, the dramatic and moral focus of the film, and she carries the whole enterprise on her frail shoulders.” (Barry Ronge, Sunday Times). “A new star is born in Sobahle Mkhabase …….. What an amazing talent, what a tear-jerking performance from a novice actress.” (Xolani Shezi, Sowetan)
Support local cinema and see Izulu Lami / My Secret Sky at Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas throughout South Africa!
Posts
