MY LIFE IN COLOUR: ROY STARKE

(Above: “African Refractions”, mixed media by Roy Starke)

The Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg will host the exhibition My Life in Colour by Roy Starke in its Main Gallery.  

Starke was born in 1954 and died in 2018 leaving behind a wealth of art quilts - powerful and rich in meaning.

His art works reflect his perspective of reality or conception of what he regarded as reality. He developed his own personal visual language in colour and composition, and placed the emphasis on design, emotional impact and content. Needle and thread became instruments for the power of ideas.

(Left: “Highlands Canyon”, mixed media by Roy Starke)

Starke drew from the tradition of embroidery, but then painted the surfaces to provide additional texture. To him there was no right or wrong in art. It had to be authentic and the vision had to be clear.

 

Workshop

Annette McMaster will be conducting a three day Workshop on Wednesdays August 4, 11 and 18, 2021, in support of this exhibition. The class will explore the use of a domestic sewing machine as a creative tool. Participants will be led through a variety of either freestyle machine embroidery techniques or utilising the sewing machine to build samples for decorating a pre-made paper built vessel.

Lockdown permitting, the exhibition will be open on July 18, 2021, at 11h00 and will close on October 31, 2021, at 14h00.

The Tatham Art Gallery is situated opposite the Town Hall in Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg. It is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10h00 to 17h00. Café Tatham is open on Saturdays. Safe parking with a car guard available. More information on 033 392 2801 or visit www.tatham.org.za

 

NEW TKZN WEBSITE

Like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, Tourism KZN’s new website offers a treasure trove of special deals for beach vacations, romantic getaways, luxury experiences, safari escapes, adventure expeditions, heritage tours and cultural journeys.

The website (https://www.zulu.org.za/) is packed with special packages such as reef diving, shark café snorkelling, go-karting in Mtubatuba, boat cruises at Richards Bay, Karkloof and Drakensberg canopy tours and campfires stories with Kingsley Holgate, to name a few.

Visitors to the new website will easily relate to travellers relating their wondrous experiences and will revel in the true-to-life full-width photos and videos with a strong human voice.

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal’s new website gives a virtual taste, look, and feel of travel destinations on your mobile phone or laptop.

After many months of hard work and dedication by the TKZN team, the new website has been launched with the fresh brand identity.

Phindile Makwakwa, Acting CEO of Tourism KZN, said: “We are proud of the TKZN team who worked hard to design and develop the new website.

“We are continuously looking for opportunities to improve our customers’ interaction with our products and with this new website we hope to gain more visitors to build better and new relationships with TKZN and our trade partners.

“The website is a key marketing tool for any Destination Marketing Organisation as it is the first point of interaction between the traveller and the destination. It is vital that our website is an all-round essential source of information giving travellers a sneak peak of the excitement that KZN has in store for them when they finally reach our shores,” Makwakwa adds.

The user-friendly website provides a personal touch for its visitors to have the option to convert the content on the website to the mother language of both international and local travellers. Visitors can also call, message or navigate to their interested holiday destination partners on the website.

The TKZN website will be fully loaded with amazing specials and deals from trade partners giving travellers an everyday bargain on their next bucket list holiday destination.

For a holistic view of KZN, the website now has the ability to use Google Maps URL to display a virtual street view of the destination, or a virtual 360-degree tour of an establishment, making it easy for the visitor to explore the magnificent KZN.

The public is encouraged to visit the new TKZN website to book the next winter holiday in KZN and be welcomed to the Zulu Kingdom at - https://www.zulu.org.za/

ELEPHANT SCULPTURES ARTWORK REPAIRS

(Above: The vandalised elephant)

Last month, one of the elephant sculptures located in the Warwick Precinct created by internationally renowned Durban sculptor Andries Botha and commissioned in 2009 for the Soccer World Cup, was vandalised.

EThekwini Municipality’s Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela confirmed that Andries Botha had a high court order which compelled the city to protect the artwork as an investment made by ratepayers as they are a cultural and heritage investment of City. A CCTV camera was positioned to watch the artwork when it was completed.

He reports as follows:

“The elephants in their current position mark an alleged spot where the last free roaming elephant was killed at the turn of the Century, this becomes a symbolic gesture of the ‘rise’ of the species in a post-colonial city. The site also falls within the trek/elephant track between the Ridge/Berea area and the beach.

“With regards to the camera as per court order, requests for video footage have been made to the designated section within the Council (Disaster Management) to provide such a recording to assist with the insurance claim. The footage will be handed over to the police who are leading the investigation.

“A criminal case was opened at the Durban Central Police Station (25.5.2021) on the day of the incident. The CCTV recording that is requested will also include the weekend coverage. The staff from Local History Museums, as part of their work do regular site visit/monitoring of various heritage spaces/sites within the City to monitor conditions and to report any incidents and/or contact sister departments for maintenance work that is required  such as the cutting of grass or removal of litter etc.

(Right: The elephant in its original form)

“An insurance claim has been lodged with the City’s Insurance Department and the artist and his team will do the repairs. This has been the norm since the works were installed and the artist is better suited to make repairs/adjustments if necessary, from the original idea to ensure better protection of the artwork.

“The insurance put up for the repairs is at R200,000 as the work will need to be removed from the current site to the artist’s workshop and will require the replacement of the armature and galvanized wire that forms the structure of the elephant. A report to Council will be made requesting authority to release funds for this task - this was an unplanned programme and as such Council decision must be taken prior to commencing any work.

“The City is negotiating with the artist to have the artwork relocated to the Beach Promenade adjacent to the under-pass from Moses Mabhida Stadium, as part of the first ‘public art works’ in the revamped Promenade. This will also bring the possibilities of the City to honour the contract it has with the artist of installing a herd of 7 elephants. The Promenade, like the Warwick site has a direct link to the history of the elephants that roamed the Durban in the early years, that heritage aspect is not lost and it connects to Elephant House on Florida Road and the trek the elephants made from the natural habitat of the Berea/Ridge to Greyville and back to Warwick

“The Beach Promenade, besides providing constant 24 hour surveillance, will also promote the elephants to a larger audience and allow for better engagement with the artwork as most people on the Promenade are on foot or cycling in the area, whereas the current site the work becomes obscured by both traffic, advertisement boards and risks of accidents (pedestrian and vehicular).”

 

 

SAMRO TO BOOST ROYALTY DISTRIBUTION

The Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) has implemented a cutting-edge technology solution that will enhance its ability to distribute royalties on behalf of its members.

The organisation, which administers the copyright and royalties of its members – primarily music composers, authors and publishers – have engaged local-based companies Media Host and Radio Monitor to provide monitoring of airplay across platforms such as television and radio.

The move is aimed at improving the accuracy, efficiency and speed with which SAMRO is able to process and pay over royalties to its registered members. This is according to SAMRO Membership GM, Karabo Senna, who explains that in the past the organisation relied solely on playlists from broadcasters to monitor airplay and distribute royalties.

“However, using playlists presented several challenges for us, including that these lists were not standardised, at times not accurate and often took a long time to get hold of. This was often a manual and tedious process and presented the organisation with many challenges,” says Senna.

This is what prompted SAMRO to hire Media Host and Radio Monitor, providers of monitoring technology solutions that ensure higher efficiency and transparency and consequently, profitability across a variety of media platforms. The two companies have many years’ experience in the market and recently concluded a pilot project and proof of concept for SAMRO, successfully meeting the organisation’s criteria and expectations.

“The system will be implemented starting in July 2021 as part of the significant changes at SAMRO, focusing on transparency and improving operational delivery and efficiency, making sure that the organisation is member-centric by improving systems and processes,” says Senna.

Mike Smith, managing director of Media Host, explains that the company is in the process of bulking up its infrastructure to ensure that its systems are able to cover airplay in all corners of South Africa.

“We are very excited to partner with SAMRO to help boost its ability to better serve its members through the more accurate and efficient distribution of royalties. We are beefing up our systems and infrastructure so that we can effectively monitor and capture all relevant airplay across various media in the whole country,” says Smith.

Senna says that the new airplay monitoring solution will be used in conjunction with playlists to ensure maximum accuracy and speed with which SAMRO is able to collect and pay royalties to its members.

“This is just another step in ensuring that composers, authors and publishers get the most benefit out of their SAMRO membership. We are continuously looking for ways in which to better serve our members and these partnerships are a great step towards unlocking even greater financial notes for their music notes,” he adds.

“Music composers, authors and publishers can rest assured that SAMRO is a proactive and innovative organisation that is always looking for new ways to protect their members’ interests and ensure that they are compensated accurately for their work,” says Senna.

“SAMRO will continue to review the media monitoring landscape and any new developments that can supplement existing capacity to deliver a better offering to our members will be seriously considered,” Senna concludes.

For more information visit https://www.samro.org.za/

 

#LIBRARYSELFIE

#Libraryselfie: changing narratives about libraries and reading culture through social media

The Goethe-Institut and Library Aid Africa encourage African social media users to create awareness about the importance of libraries as spaces for reading and learning.

Over the years, social media has been an interactive platform to engage people, advocate for change, promote a cause and mobilise community-led initiatives.

Changing the narratives about libraries in African countries, #libraryselfie uses social media to create awareness about the importance of libraries as spaces for reading and learning. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has grown and reached participation across eight African countries. Leveraging digital technology, the project drives awareness about the importance of libraries and reading. Through its work, the project encourages people to become library advocates across Africa and championing courses towards community library development in their hometowns.

This year, #libraryselfie2021 will commence in grand new style, engaging young people across eight African countries, namely: South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Tanzania, through an Open Call for librayselfies.  Between June 14 and July 17, 2021, participants will take a selfie in any library or while reading at home and upload it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #libraryselfie2021, tag @LibraryAidAfrica and their location (city and country).

The three participants with the highest likes in each country will be rewarded with reading tablets, books, goodie bags and access to the Goethe-Institut’s e-library. Additionally, the 1st Position gets a €200 grant to implement a mini-library project targeted at promoting reading culture, literary or arts in their country.

Stefanie Kastner, Regional Head of Information at the Goethe-Institut South Africa, says: “Through our network of Goethe-Institutes around the world, each with their own libraries, we have consistently supported reading culture and libraries as important spaces for society. Our collaboration with Library Aid Africa for #libraryselfie is therefore a logical continuation of our work and we cannot wait to see all the great selfies coming in!”

DIFF OPENING- AND CLOSING FILM

(Above: Scene from “The Eagle’s Nest”)

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) will host the Durban International Festival (DIFF) from July 22 to August 1, 2021. Now celebrating its landmark 42nd year, this prestigious South African international film festival is a unique phenomenon on the African cultural calendar. This year, the festival will screen selected films and host seminars and workshops, all virtually.

This year, the curatorial vision facilitates a platform that celebrates the disruption of the embedded canonical film, centres internationally, and enables the discovery and nurturing of innovative film voices to broaden viewpoints and allow for robust critical discourse. The DIFF deliberately cultivates indigenous talent development and grants access to audiences and aspirant filmmakers, particularly women, children, LGBTQI+ communities in highly conservative regions of the world.

Opening Film

The Eagle’s Nest, directed by award-winning Cameroonian born British-based Olivier Assoua is an action-thriller set in Africa on migration and poverty. During a night of debauchery, best friends Paris and Samantha discover five million. Later, a thief breaks into Paris’s house, kills her mother, her sister and leaves her for dead. When she recovers, and with the help of Samantha, Paris sets off on a quest to find answers. What begins as a search for the truth quickly turns into violence and disturbing revelations. In a world of lies, deceit and betrayal, will they be able to uncover the identity of the murderer?

“This film was chosen to begin the festival because it is a topical critique of current emigration politics. It tells a tale that is highly accessible from an African perspective. It raises questions on the brain drain and how to make the continent habitable for future generations. It deals with genuine social issues around the trafficking of Africans, a reminder of the not-so-forgotten slave trade. The deep and intelligent characterisation of the two principal characters is supported by the energetic performances of Felicity Asseh and Claude S Mbida Nkou, two compelling female leads. It's difficult not to sympathize with their desire to flee patriarchal abuse after seeing it depicted. It addresses emigration, which has had a significant impact on the continent in recent years. The younger generations are born into poverty with fantasies of a better life abroad. We're looking forward to the discussions that will no doubt ensue after the screening of the film.” says Head of Programming, Chipo Zhou.

“I am thrilled and honoured on being the opening film of this year’s Durban International Film Festival. It is such a privilege to be following in the footsteps of the talented filmmakers who came before me. My movie, The Eagle's Nest, is an honest take on the politics of modern-day immigration and the persistent rural poverty in Africa. My aim with the film project was to shed light on those issues and be part of the solution by offering a platform for young Africans to gain new skills in front and behind the camera. I hope this film will entertain the viewers as well as bring my vision to light.” says director Olivier Assoua.

 

Closing Film

(“Threshold”)

The closing film Threshold is an autobiographical documentary made by Brazilian director Corarci Ruiz, a mother who follows the gender transition of her adolescent son. Between 2016 and 2019, she interviews him, addressing the conflicts, certainties and uncertainties that pervade him in a deep search for his identity. At the same time, the mother, revealed through first-person narration and by her voice behind the camera that talks to her son also goes through a process of transformation required by the situation that life presents her with, by breaking old paradigms, facing fears, and dismantling prejudices.

 

Short Films

A proudly home-grown Durban animation is Shaka- Inkosi YamaKhosi, directed by Manzini Zungu and Nick Cloete, is a beautiful ode to the iconic Shaka Zulu, one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu Kingdom, responsible for re-organising the Zulu military into a formidable force via a series of wide-reaching and significant reforms in the 17th century. 

Dewun Owusu's Lockdown Lunch Club is a contemporary story about young people adapting to the "lockdown" in a South African township Langa, reimaging what Africa is to the world.

In contrast, the film When the Sun Sets by young female director Phumi Morare is also set in Langa, taking us on a journey to the past, during apartheid and tells a beautiful story about conquering fears and the power of the African woman.

 

Features

A feature film to look out for from Estonia is Peeter Rebane’s, Firebird. With heartfelt and emotional performances, it is an unexpected story arc in a melodramatic love triangle at the Cold War's height.

The Spanish feature film Red Moon Tide by Lois Patiño has a mix of everything. Mystery, horror, and the supernatural. The hypnotic pace and mystical meditation are enchanting, a spectacular work of art consisting of an evocative and painstakingly constructed sequence of motionless or somewhat movable tableaux.

Binti by Seko Shamte from Tanzania, another female-led production, is a meditation on contemporary African womanhood unfolding in four chapters. Binti (Swahili for "young woman") tells the intertwined tales of four women living in Dar-es-Salaam.

 

Documentaries

Dieudo Hamadi, whose name is not new to the DIFF platform, brings us from the Democratic Republic of Congo the film, Downstream to Kinshasa. Victims of a battle in the Congolese city of Kisangani between Ugandan and Rwandan forces want recognition and recompense. This is a portrayal of human dignity with which the victims demand their position in society.

The Recipe for balance is Óscar Bernàcer’s culinary documentary Ricard Camarena's food is inspired by Valencia's abundant vegetable output. His continuous pursuit for flavour balance has enchanted reviewers and spanned borders. Together with Mari Carmen Bauls, the brains behind their restaurant management, the two form an inseparable partnership that has triumphed over hardship to achieve success, as evidenced by two Michelin stars and the recent National Gastronomy Prize. The Covid-19 outbreak has presented them with an unprecedented challenge: reopening their eateries while dealing with the uncertainties of the "new normal."

Postcard by Asmae El Moudir is a female-led production from Morocco. She sets off on a journey into her mother's past, and by extension, her own. Oum Aleid, a little girl, is one of the ladies and girls she connects with personally in the community. El Moudir understands how different her life would have been if her mother had stayed in the village, the more she gets to know her and her family. What starts as a personal search for her family's roots becomes a global narrative about independence, migration, and the human need to belong to a group.

 

Isiphethu

Community film screenings, school programmes and engagements with various community organisations around the city of Durban and the province of KwaZulu-Natal will be the pulse of this year’s Isiphethu industry-focused programme at DIFF.

The Isiphethu programme remains a backbone of DIFF and acts as a centre stage for the industry role players to showcase their work, talents, and network in the film industry. The vibrant programme aims to entertain, educate, train and up-skill, instil confidence in young aspirant filmmakers and share information relevant to the film industry to empower young people.

A range of top facilitators, guest speakers and participants will be featured. They will headline several of these programmes as the DIFF continues to position itself as one of the continent's biggest and most significant festivals.

 

Programme and tickets

The entire programme, alongside all the films that will be screening, is available on www.durbanfilmfest.com

Tickets for the virtual screenings are free and open through a booking system two days ahead of the event.

The 42nd edition of the festival is organised by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts, with the support of the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, National Film and Video Foundation, National Arts Council and the KwaZulu Natal Department of Arts and Culture.

MUSIC REVIVAL LIVESTREAMS

(Above: Christopher Duigan)

Mid-Winter is upon us and the 18h00 sessions offer a great opportunity to relax and be replenished by rejuvenating music from Music Revival.

“We are working tirelessly to contribute a valuable service to the broader community! Please support our online programme if you are enjoying viewing our productions or wish to support our uplifting contribution of music and images available to online viewers worldwide!,” says Christopher Duigan who runs Music Revival.

Credit card payments can be made viaYoco or Quicket, a monthly donation of R250 can be set up at Payfast. Other payment options, including banking details for direct EFT, can be found at the Music Revival DONATE page.

“We are forging ahead with our sessions, creating new and fresh programmes for you every week! If you are viewing these livestreams please consider donating the equivalent of a ticket purchase (R100) every time you view a new livestream even though it is freely available,” Duigan adds.

Music Revival Online presents Christopher Duigan at Home - all at 18h00 (CAT)

June 23 No. 130

Piano Hour Play, Piano, Play!

A programme of items in popular and classical music styles that celebrate the versatility of the piano! The session acknowledges the winter solstice with themes of night, sleep, renewed energy - beginnings and ends!

 

June 26 No. 131

IN CONCERT - Concert Classics

Popular concert favourites from the repertoire for your listening and viewing pleasure. Includes Handel - The Harmonious Blacksmith, Liszt - Un sospiro, Schubert - Impromptu in G-flat and Chopin - Grand waltz brillante Op. 18.

 

June 30 No. 132

PIANO HOUR Mozaic Part 4

A unique programme of miniatures and tiny fragments presented in continuous play for a fascinating listening experience.

 

July 3 No. 133

IN CONCERT Classic adventures

A adventure through less-often heard classical works from the vast concert piano repertoire. Music by Chopin - Polonaises and Mazurkas, Beethoven - Sonata Op. 26 and music by Ravel.

 

July 7 No. 134

PIANO HOUR - Questions & Answers

Submit your questions by e-mail or WhatsApp 0834174473! Duigan will attempt to answer and discuss your queries on music, piano playing, and anything you wish to ask on this livestream, interleaved with musical examples.

 

July 10 No. 135

IN CONCERT Chopin Sonata

A majestic choice for the Saturday evening session - Chopin's grand Sonata No. 3.

 

July 14 No. 136

PIANO HOUR World Cafe

A selection of popular favourites from the repertoire from around the world in varied styles and genres!

 

July 17 No. 137

IN CONCERT Why Debussy

The music of Claude Debussy! Why his contribution to the piano repertoire and world of music is so important. Includes the popular Arabesque, Reverie, Images and a selection of Preludes inspired by the evocation of magical experiences of imagination, sight and sound.

 

DONATE

Please make all EFT contributions to

MUSIC REVIVAL: NEDBANK Acc: 1340436582 Hayfields Branch: 134025

 

To access the free LIVESTREAM CONCERTS simply click on this link below at 18h00 which will take you to directly to Duigan’s YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/ChristopherDuigan

 

Also available at

www.musicrevival.co.za,

https://vimeo.com/christopherduigan/videos and Facebook.

POETRY AFRICA FESTIVAL WINNERS OF YOUTH MONTH COMPETITION

After over two weeks of sharing over 200 video poems on their social media, the recent Poetry Africa competition came to a close during the afternoon of Youth Day, after which the winners were announced on June 21, 2021. The annual international festival is curated and presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and will celebrate its 25th edition in October of this year. The Festival provided a vital opportunity to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Youth Day.

This online version of this competition made it possible for entrants for anyone in South Africa in any language to participate in the competition. The organisers received submissions in all official South African languages and shared a special acknowledgement of two submissions. Kiara Naidoo from VN Naik School for the deaf in Durban submitted her poem titled Deafinately in sign language while Jeffrey Oasarib from Stellenbosch submitted his poem titled Khâima #khamkhoin in the Khoikhoi language.

The audience choice – which was the poem with the most likes on Facebook - was won by 19-year old Malete Morongwa Vanesa from Hammanskraal, with a poem titled Honouring the Students of 16 June.

The second prize went to 23-year old Nomawethu Gama from Ntuzuma, Durban, with her poem Born for War. The jury said: “She understood the assignment and delivered. We loved how she took the war all the way back to the womb!”

The winner of the competition is 26-year old Lethu Nkwanyana from Stanger with his poem Uprising. “He evoked some good imagery that didn't even need the video. He followed the theme throughout, and his poem is well executed in both English and isiZulu. In fact, he knew he was in a competition and was in it to win it,” said the jury.

Nkwanyana does not only take home a cash prize of R3,000, but his poem will also be published in the Poetry Africa anthology, and he has won himself a spot on the 25th Poetry Africa line-up.

“Thank you so much, it has always been my dream to be part of Poetry Africa. I am so grateful and happy,” said Nkwanyana.

The June 16 Poetry Project is one of a series of Poetry Africa Interventions supported by the National Institute for Humanities to document the relationship between spoken word poetry and the social justice movement.

See the winning videos on www.facebook.com/poetryafrica

DIFF SHORT FILMS

(Above: Scene from “Five Tiger” with Ayanda Seoka as 'Fiona' 4)

Short films in the Spotlight at Durban International Film Festival

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Creative Arts will host the Durban International Festival (DIFF) from July 22 to August 1, 2021. This year, for its 42nd edition, the festival would like to spotlight its short film programme.

The DIFF believes short films are a powerful medium for expression and contribute significantly to the film business. Still, they often do not get the same amount of exposure and publicity as features do. Many shorts have no doubt been created due to the hope of exploring, learning, and building a call-card. Yet, perhaps, underrated it may be, the short film is the most widely created film style with many great names having begun their careers there. Fortunately, things continue to change, and the DIFF, is always open to the possibilities that the future holds. With this in mind, DIFF 2021 Spotlights Short Films and their filmmakers with a thoughtfully curated programme.

(Right: A scene from “A Guide to Dining out in Nairobi”)

The festival, primarily virtual, has a live component with short films screening for free across the City of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal at four different venues this year: Alliance Française, KZNSA Gallery and Daily Dosage in Durban and Luthuli Museum in Groutville.

DIFF will announce the exact programme closer to the festival, but some short films include Five Tiger, directed by the South African Nomawonga Khumalo. In the film, a god-fearing woman finds herself in a transactional relationship as she tries to support her sick husband and daughter.

Also on the line-up will be A Guide to Dining out in Nairobi, a Kenyan film directed by American director Hugh Mitton, in which a security guard gets a 10 dollar tip from his wealthy boss, and we follow his journey in how far he can make it go.

(Left: A scene from “Al-Sit”)

Another stunning short film is Al-Sit, a story from Sudan about women, both powerless and powerful, by director Suzannah Mirghani. Also recommended is Lizard by director Akinola Davies Jr from the UK and a story based on actual events about an 8-year old girl who gets ejected from Sunday school services.

In Belia from Egypt, director Eman Hussein tells us the story about how a young woman and her friends join a car repair shop as “Belia”(colloquial Egyptian for apprentices) to learn the craft from the Ustas (craft headmasters). They explore what this relationship creates as it merges labour with everyday life rhythms to open a new space for movement.

(Right: A scene from “Belia”)

“There is a lot to be said about the short as an economic model's sustainability, but innovative and creative solutions are being sought out and found every day. 

"Over the past several years, many platforms have been created to promote short films and pay the filmmaker for their effort, a trend we hope continues to grow as demand for content increases and as attention spans decrease,” says Festival Manager and Curator Chipo Zhou.

DIFF has partnered with Argo, a streaming platform and global curator of short film that will showcase ten short films from the DIFF selection, allowing these filmmakers to monetise their craft. The platform works on a revenue-share basis intending to ensure filmmakers have the opportunity to truly showcase their work while entertaining and inspiring the new wave of independent film.

The DIFF is a member of the Short Film Conference, a body that works with short film festivals globally to promote the short film industry. This year, during the community engagement programme of DIFF, Isiphethu, the SFC Board will present the work they do and how the continent can be part of this movement dedicated to developing the short film space.

In addition, isiPhethu will also be screening several short films as part of their community engagement programme. Covid films will be screened in collaboration with Social Transformation and Empowerment Projects (STEPS). These are films done by individuals across the continent to highlight how the pandemic has affected us in different ways within our own spaces. The partnership with the 48-hour film project, isiPhethu, will culminate in a short film programme that will find its way to the DIFF platforms.

For more information visit durbanfilmfest.com

UMGENI STEAM RAILWAY RUNNING AGAIN!

(Left: The Umgeni Steam Railway in action. Photo credit: Graham Gillett)

Enjoy a nostalgic fun family outing beyond your wildest steams on board the Inchanga Choo Choo. The splendid Umgeni Steam Railway runs the last weekend of each month and on select holidays – including mid-month trains especially for the July school holidays.

Safe parking is offered at The Kloof Civic Hall. The train takes a three-hour round trip from Stokers to Inchanga Station and back again. There is a pop-up market and food fair at Inchanga and one can visit the Railway museum and model railway exhibition. One can buy refreshments and souvenirs in the old Inchanga railway station.

The Umgeni Steam Railway runs on a 3ft, 6 inch (1067mm) gauge heritage railway line. The route follows part of the Durban to Pietermaritzburg mainline opened in 1880, and traverses some of the steepest railway gradients in South Africa. The trip includes a 53-metre-long tunnel at Drummond, built in 1878 which is quite possibly the oldest tunnel still in use in South Africa today. “Wesley” is a Class 19D locomotive which is used for the monthly excursions and was built by Borsig Locomotiv Werke, Hennigsdorf in 1938. The coaches vary in age – some were built as long ago as 1908, most in the 1930s and the youngest was built in 1953. 

The Umgeni Steam Railway is a non-profit company run entirely by volunteers who maintain and operate the trains as well as the museum and archives. The organisation is dedicated to preserving the heritage of railways in South Africa and they have in their care an array of historically significant locomotives, coaches and various goods wagons.

Trips schedule:

 

JUNE

June 26 – 08h30 & 12h30

June 27 – 08h30 & 12h30

 

JULY

July 17 – 08h30 & 12h30

July 18 – 08h30 & 12h30

July 24 – 12h30

July 25 – 08h30 & 12h30

 

AUGUST

August 8 – 08h30 & 12h30 (Women's Day Weekend discount diesel special - all tickets R190)

August 28 – 12h30

August 29 – 08h30 & 12h30

 

Booking early is advisable: http://umgenisteamrailway.com/

NB: Refreshments and merchandise for sale on the train, and at the market are for cash only.

The Umgeni Steam Railway is a proud member of, and supported by, 1000 Hills Community Tourism Organisation.

To find out about these and other things to do in the area – visit 1000 Hills Community Tourism Organisation website at https://www.1000hillstourism.co.za/

Or watch their promo video: YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyzlnGsA6Zg

SARAFINA! TEAM CREATES SHORT FILM TO COMMEMORATE JUNE 16

(Above: Leleti Khumalo played the title role in “Sarafina”. Photo: Videovision)

As South Africa observes the 45th anniversary of June 16, 1976, we celebrate the youth who were agents of change, and whose actions altered the course of South African history. The film Sarafina! which is inspired by this watershed event, keeps alive the contribution of these courageous young people to the struggle for freedom, and ultimately the achievement of the dream of a democratic South Africa.

To mark the milestone 45th Anniversary of June 16, 1976, producer Anant Singh - on behalf of the Sarafina! team - has created a short film as a tribute, using iconic scenes from the feature film which illustrate courage displayed by the youth of the day as they came face-to-face with the mighty apartheid police.

“We acknowledge the youth of 1976 for their role in achieving the freedom we all enjoy today. As a nation, we owe them a debt of gratitude for the democracy we enjoy. We are proud to have produced Sarafina! and to use the film to create this salute to the courage of these brave young heroes, and record this seminal event in our history,” said Anant Singh.

The film Sarafina! stars Leleti Khumalo, Mbongeni Ngema, John Kani, Robert Whitehead, Miriam Makeba, Somizi Mhlongo and Academy Award® Winner, Whoopi Goldberg with the screenplay by Mbongeni Ngema and William Nicholson. The film is produced by Anant Singh and directed by Darrell James Roodt.

The film can be viewed at:

https://vimeo.com/videovisionent/review/562739185/5627ece56d

 

REALNESS INSTITUTE DEVELOPMENT LAB CANDIDATES

Meet the 12 Development Lab candidates for the Realness Institute in partnership with Netflix

From over 500 applications, 12 creative industry professionals from Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe were selected to be part of the inaugural three-month development lab for African Writers and Development Executive Trainees, commenced June 13, 2021.

The programme, launched by the Realness Institute, a non-profit organisation committed to fostering a new wave of African storytelling in partnership with the world’s leading streaming service Netflix, kicked off on June 13 and will run until September.

Six of these candidates will have the opportunity to participate in the Episodic Lab (EPL), where they will develop their story concepts alongside expert Story Consultants and Creative Producers. The selected participants include Andile Ngcizela with Drummies (South Africa); Ayoade Adeyanju with Agent 419 (Nigeria); Dominique Jossie with Fafi (South Africa); Kehinde Joseph with Osupa (Nigeria); Kudakwashe Maradzika with Bad Influencer (Zimbabwe / South Africa) and Mary Waireri with Sheitain (Kenya / United Kingdom). Along with creative training, Writers will receive feedback from the Netflix team. At the end of the Lab, each writer will have an opportunity to pitch their incubated concept to Netflix to have their series further developed for production.

There are also six participants who will join the Development Executive Traineeship (DET) to fully immerse themselves in the story development process. The candidates include Anneke Villet (South Africa); Antoinette Engel (South Africa); Damaris Irungu Ochieng' (Kenya); Lara Sousa (Mozambique); Ololade Okedare (Nigeria), and Thandeka Zwane (South Africa). They will accompany the incubation of the six potential Netflix African Original Series. The purpose of this traineeship is to build a critical missing capacity in the local media ecosystems with the hopes of expanding this expertise across the continent to help bolster the quality of work produced.  This skill creates opportunities for professionals to work with national film bodies, film commissions, funders, story consultants and critics.

“The opportunity to pay writers and development executives to be mentored as they develop local content for Netflix is a game-changer for these markets because development is often the weakest link in the value chain when it comes to creating content”, says Mehret Mandefro, Director of Development and Partnerships at the Realness Institute.

“We’re excited about the 12 candidates chosen to be part of this programme that will bring fresh and incredible new stories to our members around the world. We’re looking forward to this opportunity to develop and nurture the talent pipeline for the next three month and ultimately, give new voices from Africa a chance to be heard on our service,” says Allison Triegaardt, Netflix Manager for Grow Creative in Africa.

The Lab will take place remotely from June 13 to September 5, 2021, where selected participants will receive a stipend so that they can focus entirely on their development.

DEATH OF PROF MZILIKAZI KHUMALO

(Above: Mzilikazi Khumalo. Image by Peter Mogaki)

Icon of choral music and acclaimed composer, Prof James Stephen Mzilikazi Khumalo, died on June 22, 2021, after a long illness. He had turned 89 the previous day.

Known for his exceptional composing skills, Prof Khumalo was born on June 20, 1932, on the Salvation Army farm, KwaNgwelu (known as Mountain View in English), in the Vryheid district of Natal, South Africa. As a school-child he began his life-long involvement with choral music and developed a deep love for African traditional music.

In 1969, Khumalo became a tutor in the Department of African Languages at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where he rose through the ranks to become Professor and Head of the Department.

Since 1989, together with SAMRO composer-member, Richard Cock, Khumalo was a Music Director of the annual Sowetan Nation Building Massed Choir Festival for a considerable time After 1980, he rekindled his interest in traditional African music and stopped composing for a while in order to study the genre, concentrating on collecting and arranging black folk music.

In 1983, he was honoured for [his] persistently high-quality output as a composer, and [his] magnificent Zulu idiom in some of [his] best compositions”, and his works have won him several prizes. In 1986, he wrote Intonga YoSindiso for the enthronement of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and he has received several commissions. He is the composer of the large-scale epic cantata, UShaka KaSenzangakhona, on the life of the Zulu king, Shaka, as well as the opera, Princess Magogo.

Khumalo was, inter alia, an Emeritus Professor of African Languages of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of SAMRO. He was the Chairperson of the committee appointed by the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology to produce – at the prompting of then President Mandela – the official version of the South African National Anthem, and served on the Music Committee of the National Arts Council.

Khumalo’s works are frequently performed both at home and abroad, and recordings of many of his compositions have been made.

Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director, of the Johannesburg and KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestras, paid tribute:

“Prof Mzilikazi Khumalo was one of the most talented African composers. We were very proud of him and his work. I am so delighted that the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra played his music more often than any other institution in South Africa. We did uShaka KaSenzangakhona so many times and we also premiered one of his operas, the first really Zulu opera, Princess Magogo.

“His song Kwadedangendlale for me is an absolute masterpiece right up there with any of the best compositions of Giuseppe Verdi. I remember in 1981 as a young soloist singing one of his masterpieces Izibongo Zenkosi uShaka and thinking “Wow – what great music. What a composer”.

May his soul rest in peace. Condolences to his dear family,” adds Tembe.

VOICES OF WOMEN PROJECT AT PHANSI MUSEUM

(Right: One of the 3000 artworks in the collection)

The Voices of Women project is on display at the Phansi Museum

Durban-based activist and artist Andries Botha created the Voices of Women project after attending the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) hearings and realising the magnitude of untold stories by women across the country. The project consists of over 3,000 embroidered and beaded tapestries, reflecting the memories, stories, traumas, and dreams of women across the nation.

Each artwork serves as a living archive to memorialise the lives of South African women and the often challenging experiences that they have endured. These beaded and appliqued artworks resulted from a decade-long project across all nine provinces and reflect the stories of diverse women in various indigenous languages. A blurb accompanies each tapestry, and these are translated into English and available in their mother tongue.

(Left: Andries Botha with the late Samora Wake creating the doors of the Constitutional Court)

When Botha attended the TRC hearings, he felt that a creative methodology should be available for women to process and share their experiences. Their histories and lived experiences are forever archived by retrieving these stories, adding to the posterity of women’s voices for future generations. The project thus serves as a living memorial, offering a voice to those who were often rendered silent.

Unfortunately, many women were unable to share their stories during the TRC hearings. More often than not, those who did would tell of what had happened to their male family members rather than recounting their own traumas. In consequence, gaps emerged with regards to records of the lived experiences of women under apartheid rule.

Voices of Women aims to reclaim this space and offers a creative way for women to share their truth.

Phansi Museum is situated at 500 Esther Roberts Road, Glenwood, in Durban. Contact the museum on 031 206 2889 or email admin@phansi.com or visit www.phansi.com

BLARNEY & SON PARTY TIME at TINA’S

(David Fisher & Tony Fisher)

Blarney & Son is a refreshed version of the Blarney Brothers, South Africa's No.1 party band for the last 47 years.

Tony Fisher still has a lot to give and has aligned with his son David Fisher to bring back the Irish Ballads and Party Music this country has loved for so long. Both Tony and David are multi-talented musicians who love to get the party started. Their repertoire will have you dancing on tables, singing along or maybe a tear here and there.

In a short space of time the duo have made a huge impact on the Durban music circuit and continue to be the top Irish Party Band.

They will have one show at Tina’s Hotel in Kloof on June 27, 2021, at 14h00.

“Whilst we are not changing our 2020 pricing for shows, we would ask that if you are able to please assist us and the performers by donating a higher ticket price. Please note that for us to viably re-open The Rhumbelow Theatre at Tina’s Hotel we need to make some changes in regards how we run at Tina’s. We need to assist in generating a regular income for the hotel so that the theatre can continue to operate and for the hotel to also sustain itself, says Roland Stansell, who runs the Rhumbelow circuit. “To assist in keeping the hotel afloat as well, we have agreed that a basic meal will be offered – this is optional. There are five meal options available at a cost of R100 each.

Ticket price Show only: R160 each (min table size 4

Ticket price Show plus Food: R260 each (min table size 4) All show meals need to be ordered when you make your booking

The kitchen is open if you wish to arrive and order off the menu (bookings are essential). It is recommended that you arrive at least an hour and a half prior to the start of the show.

50% max capacity per show. Tickets are EFT only so booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za

All seating will be at separate tables and the venue will obviously be seating co-habiting couples and/or family members.

Secure parking is available. There is a full bar. No alcohol or food may be brought on to the premises.

For more information call 082 499 8636 or visit https://events.durbantheatre.com/

All tickets must be pre-booked no walk-ins allowed.

Strict Covid protocols will be observed.

Tina’s Hotel is situated at 14 Beryldene Road in Kloof.

STEPS PREMIERES

(Left: A Scene from “The Last Shelter” (Le Denier Refuge))

STEPS Premieres its first two feature films of Generation Africa Slate at Encounters & DIFF

STEPS presents the first two feature films in their latest collection, Generation Africa, to African audiences at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival in June and at the Durban International Film Festival in July.

STEPS is a Cape Town-based media company that works with documentary filmmakers, broadcasters, festivals, organisations and individuals who are passionate about documentary as a catalyst for social change. STEPS has produced similar film projects including Steps for the Future, Why Democracy? and Why Poverty? with critical acclaim.

Generation Africa is the latest collection being produced by STEPS with 25 films in co-production with 16 countries across Africa. Generation Africa brings together a collection of stories reflecting the lived experiences of Africa’s youth through the topic of migration.

As migration continues to be a contentious political issue globally, the voices of Africans have been missing in the stories being told about the topic and this project responds by supporting African filmmakers to tell stories from an insider perspective,” explains Tiny Mungwe, producer Generation Africa, at STEPS.

The Generation Africa project also helped to strengthen documentary filmmaking in Africa by building communities across the continent and / by bringing filmmakers from Francophone and Anglophone countries together. The project provided each of the filmmakers’ professional support from experienced documentary film experts for story development, dramaturgy in production as well as the edit in post-production.

The first two films completed in the collection will be screened at Encounters and DIFF - two key African festivals.

Set in the Mailian town of Gao, on the edge of the Saraha desert, The Last Shelter (Le Denier Refuge) takes us into the House of Migrants, a resting place for migrants returning from the Sahara having failed to make the crossing of the Mediterranean Sea as well as those hopeful migrants still planning the crossing. In the house of migrants young people wait, share stories of the perils of the deserts and reflect on what migration means to them.

The Last Shelter is directed by Malian director Ousmane Samassekou and produced by STEPS together with Malian production company DS Productions as well as French production company, Point du Jour - Les Films du balibari. The film took the main prize at the recent edition of CPHOX in Copenhagen and played at other notable international festivals including Hotdocs, DOK.fest Munich and Hotdocs .

(Right: A bodybuilding contest scene from “Zinder”) 

Zinder is set in hometown of Nigerien filmmaker Aicha Macky, where she enters the hypermasculine world of gangs in Karakara district, historically a leprosy colony where the marginalised of her community now cling on to survival. With questions about the failures of state and the results of inequality in her society, the film is co-produced with Macky’s company Tabous Productions as well as Point du Jour - Les Films du balibari.

The Generation Africa films are produced for STEPS pan-African documentary platform AfriDocs, which curates creative documentary films for African audiences available anytime, anywhere on the afridocs.net site as well as through partnerships with broadcasters across Africa.

Generation Africa is presented with support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and Deustche Welle Akademie, Robert Bosch Foundation, Bertha Foundation and Arte.

Bookings for Encounters (July 10 to 20) is now open on: https://www.encounters.co.za

DIFF (July 22 - August 1): Bookings will open at a later stage: https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za

 

 

GLOBAL DONATIONS & SUPPORT FOR HILTON FESTIVAL

(Above: James Cuningham in Abu Dhabi)

(Photos taken from Facebook of some of the supporters from round the world who are endorsing the #Hope4HiltonFest campaign)

(Right: Mantu Jakavula in Durban)

Friends, supporters, performers and festinos from around the world have pledged their support for the crowd-funding appeal through Back-a-Buddy to enable the annual Hilton Arts Festival to continue in the light of diminished arts funding due to Covid.

Photos of supporters in front of iconic landmarks around the world have been posted on social media platforms over the past few weeks - from across South Africa, from London, Paris, Singapore, Barcelona, Bath, Bahamas, Abu Dhabi, Lillehammer (Norway), across the USA, Salzburg, Moscow and further afield.

(Left: Donnagh Roberts at St Basils, Red Square, in Moscow)

The organisers invite others to continue the chain of support - wherever they are - by taking photos posing with a “Hope4Hilton” banner alongside an iconic local spot, and posting the photographs onto social media, pinning location, tagging the Hilton Arts Festival, using the hashtag #Hope4HiltonFest and asking people to click to donate: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/hilton-festival.

“We are delighted, affirmed and quite overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of global support,” says Festival Director, Sue Clarence. “Despite being far away, so many people with connections to the festival have been publicly endorsing our campaign - it is hugely gratifying and spurs us to continue to work really hard to endeavour to ensure the future viability of the festival. It is about helping the arts to survive, not simply saving a single platform. Any contributions underline the vital importance of the arts to a balanced society.”  

“We love the creativity of the public in supporting our campaign – and challenge others to continue to do so. Sharing via social media, talking to friends over a cup of coffee, encouraging people to follow the campaign are all vital cogs in the wheel. Please don’t feel that if you cannot afford to donate that you cannot be involved – SHARE! SHARE! SHARE! the message however you can best do so”

(Right: Mandela Statue in London)

Friends from across the globe join South African theatrical luminaries in their support of the festival. John Kani, Athol Fugard, Nthati Moshesh, Ismail Mahomed, Fiona Ramsay, Bheki Mkhwane, Gcina Mhlophe, Amra-Faye Wright, Greig Coetzee, David Qadasi Jenkins and others have all added their voice and support to the campaign.

To view the poignant video where acclaimed actor John Kani pleads on behalf of the Festival,  please go to https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/hilton-festival or follow the Festival on Facebook - @Hiltonartsfest, Instagram - hiltonartsfest, and Twitter @HiltonArtsFest The click to donate button is highly visible and easy to use. No amount is too small …or too large!