KZNSA WORKSHOPS

Looking ahead to a promising and vibrant 2023, the KZNSA Gallery has some top-notch exhibitions planned and many exciting activations.

In the meanwhile, BUZZART22 and After, the 2022 KZNSA Annual Members' Exhibition run through the holidays so pop in to browse the extensive ranges of local art, craft and product.

There are also some exciting workshops planned for January:

 

Street Art Workshop with Iain EWOK Robinson

Durban, this is the one you’ve been waiting for - this summer, paint the KZNSA wall with the legendary Iain EWOK Robinson!

The ultimate “counting down the days until school/university/work begins” plan, create an original new piece of street art on the iconic KZNSA wall, while learning spray paint, graffiti and mural painting techniques.

January 4 to 6, 2023

09h30 to 12h30 daily

R350 per person

NB: This workshop runs over three days and days are not repeated. If attendance is only possible on 1 or 2 days, a daily rate of R150 per person per day will apply.

Bookings will be limited to 10 participants per session - payment confirms your seat.

Pay at the BUZZART pay desk or bookings on: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVdS0G0D4Ocnhst98ZWTTqCSxORoYGI24bPqVE31GMNeIvyw/viewform

 

Mosaic Planters with Kirsten Miller

New year, new you and the perfect time to unwind after the festivities with a delightful new craft!

Spend a weekend at the KZNSA Workshop Table to create a beautiful mosaic planter under the expert guidance of celebrated mosaic artist Kirsten Miller.

January 7 and 8, 2023

09h00 to 12h00 on Saturday, with grouting taking place on Sunday from 09h00 to 11h00

R350 per person (ages 12 + welcome)

All materials will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own planter and/or special mosaic elements if desired.

Bookings will be limited to 10 participants per session - payment confirms your seat.

Pay at the BUZZART pay desk or click on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_BlY9hCJ91EgM6W6PRVZn7BR7t7rhMwFpULTRZNnPhcmunw/viewform

 

Members of the KZNSA have the following benefits:

-Access to KZNSA special events & activities

-Eligibility to submit work to the annual KZNSA Members’ Competition (with great prizes for winners)

-10% discount at the Arts Café

-Voting on KZNSA matters at the AGM

-Eligibility to stand as a KZNSA Council member

-A complimentary glass of wine/juice at selected exhibition openings

 

Annual membership is affordable: Adult R250; Student R100; Senior (65 and older) R100 and Family (up to 4 members) R400

The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Bulwer, Durban. Phone 031 277 1705

BBC BRIT FOR JANUARY

 

(Above: Cast of “All Creatures Great And Small”)

Enjoy brand-new shows featuring your favourite famous faces – from SA’s Strictly stars Oti Mabuse and Motsi Mabuse to Eastenders legend Ross Kemp

Survive the longest month of the year and escape those JanuWorry blues with brand-new shows on BBC Brit. Discover a variety of entertainment that the whole family can enjoy – from thrilling gameshows, local documentaries, gripping dramas and more!

Follow familiar faces throughout January including South Africa's favourite Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse as she returns to screens with a brand-new documentary called Oti Mabuse: My South Africa. The one-off special delves into her upbringing and the challenges she’s faced as a young black woman trying to break into dancing in South Africa.

Gameshow lovers can look forward to fan’s favourite duo Ant & Dec with their unique gameshow with an unlimited jackpot - Limitless Win and nail-biting new series which provides a fresh take on gameshows - Bridge of Lies hosted by Eastenders legend, Ross Kemp.

Here’s what to look forward to on BBC Brit, DStv Channel 120 this January:

(Right: Oti Mabuse)

Oti Mabuse: My South Africa

New Year’s Day, Sunday January 1 at 21h30

EPISODES: One-off special

Oti Mabuse takes us on a magical journey, exploring her homeland, South Africa. Discovering a changing and challenging land, an extraordinary country full of beauty and surprises. Oti was born 30 years ago, in Mabopane, Gauteng. The year she was born was the year Nelson Mandela was released from prison and saw the beginning of the end of the Apartheid system. At that time South Africa was beginning a new chapter. Oti grew up and started dancing in a country that was full of change.

Now, ten years after she left, Oti is going back to her country of birth, to show the world, South Africa. It is a country that she feels is often misunderstood and she wants to show a land of beauty, diversity, and hope.

(Left: “Strictly Come Dancing” judges)

Strictly Come Dancing Season 20 Finale

Premieres New Year’s Day, January 1 at 19h00

The multi-award-winning dance competition comes to an end,  who will have enough rhythm, passion and fancy footwork to win the desired glitterball trophy?

 

All Creatures Great And Small Season 3

(see pic above)

DRAMA

Premieres January 17 at 19h00

Three months since Series Two. It’s Spring 1939. Some big changes are happening at Skeldale and everyone has to learn how to adjust. Tristan is now a qualified vet while James enters into a new stage of his life with Helen and at the practice. After being made joint-business partner by Siegfried, James pushes to take on more responsibility via the Ministry of Agriculture’s new bovine TB testing scheme, but its unexpected challenges risk pushing him to breaking point. As a potential Second World War looms, all of our Skeldale family have to consider their purpose in Darrowby and beyond.

 

Limitless Win

GAMESHOW

Premieres January 20 at 20h00

EPISODES:  5

Hosted by award-winning British presenters Ant and Dec, brand new gameshow Limitless Win sees contestants answer questions in a bid to win as much money as they can, with no limit to the amount of money they can have in the pot. For each correct or near answer they'll progress in the competition, but if they get the answer over by just one, they could crash out of the competition and potentially lose thousands of already-banked cash. The limitless ladder has several lifelines hidden on it, these are unlocked as they climb. These lifelines help the contestants in different ways, and some are more helpful than others. Being close to the correct answer gets you up the ladder, but only correct answers get you rich.

 

Bridge Of Lies

GAMESHOW

Premieres January 23 at 17h00

EPISODES:  25

Hosted by Eastenders actor Ross Kemp, this high drama, high stakes gameshow keeps contestants well and truly on their toes. One team of friends and family. One cash prize. All that stands in their way is the Bridge of Lies. Each of the four team members takes it in turn to cross a bridge of digital stepping stones, where each stone represents a different answer. With every terrifying step they take, they risk losing their place in the final. Can they make it to the end by avoiding the lies and stepping only on the truths? Or will they fall from the bridge of lies and out of the game?

 

NATALIE RUNGAN LIVE AT THE HEADROOM

 

(Bruce Baker, Natalie Rungan & Mark Royeppen)

Natalie Rungan will perform live at the Headroom, tomorrow evening (December 31, 2022) at 14h30, supported by Concerts SA.

Rungan is a jazz, gospel and popular music vocalist, a producer, songwriter, and educator. Over the years she has released seven studio albums and collaborated with a multitude of local and international musicians. She has performed on various stages and festivals across the country, and has toured on the African continent, in North America, Europe, Scandinavia and Australia with different ensembles. She has a Master’s degree, and is currently pursuing a PhD at Rhodes University.

As an educator, Rungan has taught jazz vocals at the University of Natal, been a choir director in the genres of jazz and gospel music and is currently the Head of Music at Durban High School. As arts manager, she is also the director of the Chris Seabrooke Music Centre at Durban High School. In 2002, she was awarded Best Jazz Vocalist in the Old Mutual National Jazz Encounters Competition and has been nominated for both the Metro FM Awards and the Crown Gospel Awards. Her music has also been featured on television productions.

In her latest EP, There’s a sound in my head, Natalie composed six songs that serve as a biographical representation of her life as an artist which will be included in her PhD dissertation.

Joining Natalie on stage for the concert at the Headroom is Jazz-funk keyboardist Mark Royeppen who has worked with her for over 20 years on various projects, and one of South Africa’s most versatile drummers, Bruce Baker who has played on national and international stages for decades.

The concert takes place at 14h30 for 15h00 on December 31, 2022, at 21 Bridlington Road, Seaview, Durban.

Entrance R100. For more information email: info@theheadroom.co.za

NB: The Headroom does not own a liquor licence, please bring your own beverage.

 

This concert is made possible by The SAMRO Foundation/Concerts SA. Concerts SA is a joint South African/Norwegian live music development project housed under the auspices of SAMRO and managed by IKS Cultural Consulting. Concerts SA receives financial, administrative and technical support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SAMRO and the SAMRO Foundation. Working with musicians, promoters, venue owners and audiences, and providing support to the sector through research and skills development for music professionals, the project aims to build a vibrant and viable live music circuit in southern Africa. It also aims to develop an interest in and appreciation of live music by showcasing music performances and conducting workshops at schools.

KZNPO SUMMER SEASON CONCERTS

KZN Philharmonic Orchestra fans will be pleased to receive the dates for the orchestra’s Summer Season Concerts.

The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra (KZNPO) is a not-for-profit company and a public benefit organisation with a committed board of directors consisting of prominent business people and community leaders.

The Orchestra is chaired by business luminary, Saki Macozoma, and ably led for the past 25 years by Bongani Tembe, an accomplished Juilliard School-trained singer and distinguished arts manager. Tembe’s strong vision fosters high artistic values and a commitment to engaging with the diverse communities of South Africa.

A comprehensive education, development and community engagement programme exposes more than 30,000 urban and township learners per year to music educational concerts, whilst the Orchestra also spends part of the year in the rural areas working with local schools and communities.

In addition, the Orchestra presents its flagship World Symphony Series (WSS), which features four seasons of symphony concerts at the Durban City Hall and the Playhouse Opera Theatre.

The Summer Season Concerts will take place in the Playhouse Opera Theatre at 19h00.

 

Summer Season Concert 1:

March 2, 2023

Hossein Pishkar, conductor

Danae Dörken, piano

 

Summer Season Concert 2:

March 9, 2023

Daniel Boico, conductor

Rachel Lee Priday, violin

 

Summer Season Concert 3:

March 16, 2023

Bernhard Gueller, conductor

Shannon Thebus, French horn

 

Summer Season Concert 4:

March 23, 2023

Daniel Boico, conductor

Luis Magalhães, piano

 

Tickets are available at Quicket.

For more information, click on the KZNPO advert at the top right of this page or visit http://kznphil.org.za/

BAD ACTORS: REVIEW

 

There’s violence aplenty, though the description of it is often very funny indeed. And there is also beautiful descriptive writing which adds to the sense that you are here in the hands of a master (Review by Margaret von Klemperer, courtesy of The Witness)

Bad Actors is the eighth novel in Mick Herron’s Slow Horses spy thriller series, and one of the best. However, having said that, I would recommend readers to start with the first book and work through – things might be somewhat confusing otherwise, though Bad Actors could work as a standalone if you keep your wits firmly about you. But there’s a lot of fun to be had from the whole series.

Jackson Lamb’s collection of failed spies and misfits – the slow horses - are still going through the motions of being members of the security services in the increasingly derelict Slough House, all pining for action, in most cases the more violent the better. There’s one new recruit, who has pretty good reason to dislike Jackson, not that it’s going to do her any good. Never doubt who’s the boss.

An apparently Swiss member of the Downing Street advisors’ team seems to have vanished, and the head of Moscow’s spies has made an unannounced and unexplained visit to London. The terrifying chief Brit spy, Diana Taverner, is in an awkward position which even her sheer nastiness may not get her out of, and Jackson, of course, has his grubby ear firmly to the ground. Even a cursory knowledge of the current horror show that is British politics will enable the reader to work out who represents who in Herron’s re-creation of the political world. The book is often hilarious.

Herron has constructed his novel brilliantly, intermissions of current interactions between Jackson and Diana interspersed with something of a backstory of recent activities of the slow horses, who have muddied the waters to an alarming extent. And it all heads to a violent and chaotic conclusion as the author juggles with all the strands of his novel.

But there’s more to Herron’s writing than the exuberant telling of a story. Bad Actors can be read as a political satire and a comment on the current state of the world – Russians are bad guys once again even though the book was written before the invasion of Ukraine. There’s violence aplenty, though the description of it is often very funny indeed. And there is also beautiful descriptive writing which adds to the sense that you are here in the hands of a master. Long may the slow horses spread their manure of chaos.

Bad Actors is published by Baskerville.  ISBN 9781529378719 - Margaret von Klemperer

SCORPION KINGS SUMMER TOUR INCLUDES DURBAN

Following the success of the Scorpion Kings LIVE Concert that took place in Pretoria this past July, founder of the show super DJ duo has confirmed the popular music showcase / festival is touring all corners of South Africa over December, January and February.

Partnering with one of SA’s leading event organizers G21 Live, Scorpion Kings Tour in association with Amstel kicked off in the mother city Cape Town on December 11 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest and will conclude in Johannesburg on February 25 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre Nasrec. The explosive music festival will also pass through major SA cities: Mbombela, East London, Kimberley, North West, Bloemfontein, Polokwane and Durban.

Apart from Scorpion Kings (Amapiano producers & songwriters DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small), Scorpion Kings Summer Tour features live performances from some of the country’s hottest artists across various music genres including amapiano, house and hiphop. Each region will also include local talent. These will be announced closer to each different show date.

The Scorpion tour reaches Durban on February 11, 2023, at HollywoodBets Kings Park Stadium Outer Fields. Doors open at 16h00 and show ends at midnight.

Ticket prices start from R150 and are available Ticketpros.co.za or any Ticket Pro outlet including any Super Spar or selected Jet, Edgars and CNA stores nationwide.

 

For more information follow:

@DJMaphorisa (Across all social media)

Instagram @KabeloMotha_

Twitter: @Kabzadesmall_

Facebook: Kabza De Small

 

 

DURBAN FILMMART INSTITUTE EVENT DATES FOR AFRICA'S PREMIER CO-PRODUCTION AND FILM FINANCE MARKET.

The Durban FilmMart Institute is pleased to announce the event dates for Africa's Premier Co-Production and Film Finance Market.

 

Pitch and Finance Forum

After three online editions, DFM Pitch and Finance Forum will return in person!

DFM will select 20-30 official African fiction, documentary, animation, and series projects in development to present to a panel of potential co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters, and film funds. The Pitch and Finance Forum consists of public pitching, one-on-one meetings with decision-makers, and individual mentorship leading up to the market.

You can submit your project by clicking here:

https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/pitch-and-finance-forum-application/

 

Industry programme

The Industry Programme is a theme-driven series of masterclasses, talks, and discussion forums presented by leading African and international filmmakers on current issues and trends facing the African and global film industry. Delegate accreditation will open in April 2023. Previous Industry Programme sessions are available to watch on www.durbanfilmmart.com

 

Exhibition and Networking

Durban FilmMart provides a unique opportunity for direct interaction with 10,000 Industry professionals with digital and in-person touchpoint options through various partnership packages tailored to specific objectives. Contact sales@durbanfilmmart.com

To book your stand or discuss a customised package to suit your needs, mailto:sales@durbanfilmmart.com?subject=DFM%202023%20Exhibition%20and%20Networking&body=I'm%20interested%2C%20please%20share%20more%20information

 

For more information visit https://durbanfilmmart.co.za

The mailing address is: Durban FilmMart, Fl 11 Rennies House, Margaret Mncadi Ave, South Beach, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 4001

 

 

 

THE PERFECT ASSASSIN: REVIEW

 

“Along with the physical side of his training, he is given a variety of skills learnt during his sleep through audio manuals pertaining to being a top-notch airline pilot, language expert, and safecracker, amongst many other things.”  (Review by Barry Meehan)

The title of this James Patterson and Brian Sitts collaboration is a complete spoiler second to none. A meek and mild college professor gets abducted off the street by a beautiful copper-haired woman, who then proceeds to turn him into ... you guessed it – the perfect assassin.

The unfortunate part of this novel is that the reader has to plough through 182 pages (out of 316, well over half the book) before we get an answer as to “Why?” And those 182 pages are a continual bounce from the present-day in Chicago to 30 years back in Eastern Russia, as we are subjected to details of her training from her baby years and onwards as she is turned into a multi-functional, zombie-like killing machine by a secret cabal that wants to take control of the world using her and a seemingly inexhaustible supply of young adults, all kidnapped as babies, to carry out assassinations worldwide for their own nefarious ends.

Her training over the years is interspersed with the college professor’s as he is put through a fitness and body-building regime by her (without being allowed to ask any questions) to turn him into the killing machine of the title. He is kept locked up in a loft, chained up when she goes out, and fed only health foods prepared by her. Along with the physical side of his training, he is given a variety of skills learnt during his sleep through audio manuals pertaining to being a top-notch airline pilot, language expert, and safecracker, amongst many other things. Weapons and explosives training are also part of his daily routine, along with a series of progress tests, most of which would kill any normal man. But, by the end of his training, the professor is no normal man, but an almost superhuman being with an incredible physique, able to stop a bullet penetrating his body.

If this is sounding a tad far-fetched to you, it is nothing compared to part two of the book, which suspends belief as it presents one ludicrous plot point after the other. I won’t mention too many, as you might want to have a good chuckle at them yourself, but try just this one for size:

•           The two of them steal an executive jet and head to Russia to put an end to the evil cabal operating their “school” there. He suddenly knows how to pilot the plane (one of his sleep-learning sessions), but it gets shot down into the ocean. He comes to in the water and swims to a nearby iceberg, which (fortunately) turns out to have been man-made some many years previously by dim and distant relatives. Once inside, he is alerted by a banging noise coming from underneath the iceberg. It turns out to be a submarine, which he then pilots to his destination (another skill he learnt while asleep) and then .......

If the paragraph above is the sort of plot you can believe and even enjoy, then get your copy of The Perfect Assassin, otherwise, steer well clear. As for myself, I have taken the decision to only pick up a James Patterson novel when his name - and his name alone - is on the cover as the author. – Barry Meehan

The Perfect Assassin is published by CENTURY, PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE UK : ISBN  978-1-529-13659-6

FESTIVE FEAST OF STER-KINEKOR MOVIES

 

(Above: Avatar)

Looking for the perfect outing over the holiday season? Whether it’s family time, chilling with your besties, or the perfect date night that you’re after, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the big screen at your favourite Ster-Kinekor cinema.

For the thrill of the big IMAX 3D experience, nothing can beat watching the much-anticipated Avatar: The Way of Water on the biggest screen. The film, which released countrywide on December 16, is a generational family epic playing out against the brilliant colours and majesty of an expanded Pandoran landscape. Some 13 years in the making, the sequel to the original blockbuster picks up with Jake Sully living with his newfound family formed on the planet of Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race to protect their planet.

In all his films, director and writer James Cameron creates a fully immersive cinema experience in which audiences feel they are right with the characters on their adventures. And that’s never been truer than by viewing Avatar: The Way of Water in one of Ster-Kinekor’s IMAX 3D cinemas. Cameron says: “You go into a movie theatre, and you’re being transported to a fictional fantasy world. The more you can suspend your disbelief, the more fun it is. There’s almost a contract between the movie and the audience—we’re all just gonna join hands and skip off to Pandora together. It’s gonna be fun.”

“We make movies for the big screen,” says Avatar producer Jon Landau. “Why do people turn to entertainment today? To escape. And you can only escape so far on your mobile device, or on a home big screen. When you go to the theatre, you get lost in the images on screen, the characters, and the world of that movie. There’s nothing like it.”

This film should be on your must-watch list this holiday season, and in IMAX 3D preferably.

(Left: Puss in Boots)

If it’s the younger members of the family who need entertaining, Ster-Kinekor has a few treats in store for them – and remember to try out the special Kids Cinemas at select sites for a fun-filled time at the movies. Showing now is Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, in which the wily cat discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll: he has burned through eight of his nine lives. Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine lives.

Follow the adventures of another animated cat in The Amazing Maurice, which releases at Ster-Kinekor cinemas on December 23, 2022. The story follows Maurice, a goofy streetwise cat, who has the perfect money-making scam. He finds a dumb-looking kid who plays a pipe and has his very own horde of rats, who are strangely literate.

If you love the music of Whitney Houston, be sure to catch the new biopic I Wanna Dance with Somebody starring Naomi Ackie in the title role. The film releases in select Ster-Kinekor cinemas on December 23 and follows the joyous, emotional and heart-breaking celebration of the life and music of Whitney Houston, the greatest female R&B pop vocalist of all time, tracking her journey from obscurity to musical super stardom.

(Right: Shotgun Wedding)

A rollercoaster ride of a movie, and perfect for pure holiday escapism, is Shotgun Wedding, starring J Lo (Jennifer Lopez) and Josh Duhamel. Giving a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘shotgun wedding’, a couple’s extravagant destination wedding is hijacked by criminals. In the process of saving their families, they rediscover why they fell in love in the first place. Catch it on the big screen from December 30– and make it the perfect date night in a Cine Prestige cinema.

“Watching a movie in a Ster-Kinekor cinema promises our audiences an interference-free and loadshedding-free (at select sites) experience for you to enjoy the movie, the whole movie… and nothing but the movie,” says Lynne Wylie, head of marketing at Ster-Kinekor Theatres.

She adds: “It’s all the special moments that add up to a great movie-watching experience in the cinema. The smell of freshly popped and salted popcorn, the yummy slushies, the large relaxing leather seats, the immersive IMAX experience, and of course, the excitement as the lights fade and the movie starts playing – from beginning to end – on the big screen with surround sound.”

 

CHOONERS & CROONERS ON MY LAWN

 

Beat the Boxing Day blues this year with what promises to be an epic afternoon of stand-up comedy, show tunes and hits through the decades. Join Durban’s ‘Living Legend’, Hamish Kyd, and his equally-talented counterpart, Percy Smith, as they ‘choon’ and ‘croon’ their way through hits from Elvis and Satchmo to Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, on January 1.

Chooners & Crooners On My Lawn is part of an initiative by jazz musician, Naresh Veeran, to share his Essenwood garden and Durban’s amazing weather with musicians, picnic lovers and fans of live music once monthly. 

To date, Veeran’s garden has hosted a series of sold-out performances from the likes of pianist Melvin Peters, and vocalists, Praline Ross and Raymond Perrier.

Kyd is a multi-award winning Durban-based theatre, film, television and radio personality. Declared a ‘Living Legend’ by the eThekwini Municipality in 2009 and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Durban Book Fair in 2022, Kyd is also a prolific author and rib-tickling stand-up comedian. Introducing audiences to his alter ego, Prof Gopal, Kyd’s performance promises to keep you in stitches.

Kyd’s partner, Percy Smith, is well-known to Durban audiences having sung in such productions as Good Vibrations, Shoo Bop Shoo Bop, Staying Alive and Cantina Tequila. Once described as having a voice that can melt glass rather than shatter it, Smith has also performed at Barnyard Theatres across the country.

“Fans, friends and patrons of live music and stand-up comedy can expect to hear a mixture of songs from musical revues, stage shows, as well as the very best of old school Motown”, says Smith.

Chooners & Crooners On My Lawn featuring Kyd and Smith is on January 1, at 14h00 at Veeran’s home in Essenwood. Pack a picnic, a blanket and your favourite tipple. Entrance is R100. Dedicated car guard on-duty.

Limited space so book early on 0823760799.

MUSIC REVIVAL END OF YEAR CONCERT

 (Left: Christopher Duigan)

For a concert with something special, official Steinway Pianist Christopher Duigan presents the popular End-Of-Year Concert at his home studio. After a hiatus of several years these popular evenings, at a time when the holiday spirit is in full flow and many have time to spare, will receive only two outings.

Duigan plays an entertaining selection of music from ‘Ragtime King’ Scott Joplin, sultry South American tango, both Brazilian and Argentine, and highlights from the classical repertoire including Mozart's Turkish Rondo.

The concert will have two performances - Wednesday December 28 and December 30 – both at 19h30 at his home Casa Mexicana at 35 Montgomery Drive, Pietermaritzburg.

Tickets R150. Performance time approximately 70 minutes. Doors open at 19h00.

Bring your own wine/drinks. Secure parking.

Booking is essential. Please include your contact numbers in all email and telephone bookings. Book through booking@musicrevival.co.za or MUSIC REVIVAL  083 417 4473 (WhatsApp or SMS only )

DURBAN FILMMART EVENT DATES FOR AFRICA'S PREMIER CO-PRODUCTION AND FILM FINANCE MARKET

The Durban FilmMart Institute is pleased to announce the event dates for Africa's Premier Co-Production and Film Finance Market.

 

Pitch and Finance Forum

After three online editions, DFM Pitch and Finance Forum will return in person!

DFM will select 20-30 official African fiction, documentary, animation, and series projects in development to present to a panel of potential co-producers, sales agents, broadcasters, and film funds. The Pitch and Finance Forum consists of public pitching, one-on-one meetings with decision-makers, and individual mentorship leading up to the market.

You can submit your project by clicking on this link: https://durbanfilmmart.co.za/pitch-and-finance-forum-application/

 

Industry programme

The Industry Programme is a theme-driven series of masterclasses, talks, and discussion forums presented by leading African and international filmmakers on current issues and trends facing the African and global film industry. Delegate accreditation will open in April 2023. Previous Industry Programme sessions are available to watch on www.durbanfilmmart.com

 

Exhibition and Networking

Durban FilmMart provides a unique opportunity for direct interaction with 10 000 Industry professionals with digital and in-person touchpoint options through various partnership packages tailored to specific objectives. Contact sales@durbanfilmmart.com to book your stand or discuss a customised package to suit your needs.

HISTORY CHANNEL: JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

 

Here are a few of the highlights to be seen on the DStv History Channel 186:

January 1

19h25: Legends Of The Pharaohs: Nefertiti, the Beauty Becomes Queen

The discovery of the bust of Nefertiti, in the early 20th century, is quite a comeback for a woman whose contemporaries swore to erase her from the history books! Was she really guilty of having brought about chaos in the kingdom?

 20h15: Nostradamus: 21st Century Prophecies Revealed

How did a French prophet living in 16th century France predict so many modern day disasters? From the tragic events of 9/11, to the Ebola outbreak in 2014. How could one man see so far into the future so accurately?

January 2. 11h00: Digging Up Britain's Past: Henry VIII

Elsyng Palace was one of nearly sixty royal residences owned by Henry Vlll - and 'favourite' home during his last decade. As well as using it for hunting weekends with friends, it was a place to entertain and impress foreign monarchs and diplomats.

January 3. 11h00: Digging Up Britain's Past: Robin Hood

Was Robin Hood a mythical character? Even if so, there are strong reasons why King John would have been resented among the English. The King's lavish lifestyle is uncovered during a dig.

January 4. 08h15: Cities Of The Underworld: America's Ancient Ancestors

Don goes deep beneath the great lakes and explores flooded caves as he searches for evidence of a mysterious, cave-dwelling society that may have been the first people to reach America.

January 5. 20h15: PREMIERE Secrets In The Jungle: Pohnpei's Ancient City

A hidden ancient city is found in Micronesia. In New Guinea, an airplane wreck is investigated. A strange glowing forest is discovered in India. An immense tunnel system in the Brazilian jungle is explored.

January 6. 14h10: Uncharted Mysteries: The Night Marchers

According to ancient Hawaiian legend, the ghosts of long-dead warriors rise on the darkest nights of the year to march in a terrifying procession through the islands. Cliff is determined to encounter this bone-chilling phenomenon himself.

19h25: Premiere The UnXplained With William Shatner: Mysterious Tombs

Throughout history, humans have buried their dead. Is there an inherent need for us to dig up our past? What is it that we are searching for, and what profound secrets remain hidden in tombs?

January 7. 14h10: Ancient Impossible: Monster Monuments

A monument carved out of rock and a monster-sized super-dome are the feats of engineering defy explanation, yet they were actually built thousands of years ago. The Great Pyramid was the tallest structure on earth for over 4,000 years.

January 8. 20h15: Neanderthal Apocalypse

Each of us, all over the world, carries up to four percent of Neanderthal DNA. Yet the Neanderthal disappeared 39,000 years ago. The question is what happened to this strong and resilient species that walked the earth for 300,000 years?

January 9. 11h00: Digging Up Britain's Past: Elizabeth

Commemorating Elizabeth's victory over the Spanish Armada, no expense is spared. Party preparations include the creation of a spectacular garden.

January 10. 12h35: Forged In Fire: Crushed Car Challenge

Four smiths have to create a knife from the most mangled mess of a vehicle. After an intense round of testing, the two surviving smiths return to their home forges to recreate two of the most unique weapons from history – a set of curved katars.

January 11. 20h15: PREMIERE American Pickers: Wolves In Wisconsin

On Uncle Butch's homestead, the Wolfe brothers pay big money for some rare nuggets of petroliana. Flying solo in Milwaukee, Mike meets the 97-year-old inventor whose life-like automatons tell the story of America's all-time favourite characters.

January 12. 19h25: PREMIERE Mountain Men: Forever Free

In Wyoming, Josh Kirk attempts to move a 150-year-old log cabin to the heart of his bison ranch. And in Alaska, Martha and Elli Tansy each harvest a caribou, sending them on an all-night off-road mission to extract their kills. (Subtitles)

January 13. 12h35: Secrets In The Jungle: Creature of Lake Eacham

In Belize, hundreds of smashed up human bones and teeth are found in a cave. More than a thousand cylindrical pipes are discovered in a well in India. A small glowing animal is found in Australia. Certain Easter Island stone heads present a mystery.

January 14. 19h25: PREMIERE Ancient Aliens: The Shining Ones

In Ireland, the notion of the fairy folk dates back thousands of years and originates with stories of powerful shining beings who came down from the sky. Could these tales have been inspired by ancient alien visitation? (Subtitles)

January 15. 20h15: After Armageddon

After Armageddon examines how societies have survived extreme devastation in the past to renew themselves and emerge as new communities.

January 16. 21h05: Battle 360: Call to Duty

Amazing CGI animation helps tell the story of the World War II aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. Join her as she sets sail in the Pacific on a mission to sink enemy submarines.

January 17. 20h15: Massive Engineering Mistakes: Episode 11

Why did a revolutionary floating bridge sink to the bottom of Lake Washington? An engineering catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico that triggered the world’s worst oil spill and in Spain, a dam collapse that unleashed a toxic wave of sludge

January 18. 17h20; American Restoration: Billy Joel: A Matter Of Rust

When Billy Joel decides 'This is the Time' to bring an item near and dear to his heart to Rick, the team prepares for a rock-star restoration.

January 19. 18h35: Storage Wars Texas: Take That Beethoven

The auction action takes place in Dallas, where the big crowds get a jolt from the big wallet of Kenny Stowe from east Texas.

January 20. 19h25: PREMIERE The UnXplained With William Shatner: Superhuman Feats

Some people are capable of the seemingly impossible, surviving freezing temperatures, diving unfathomable depths on one breath, or lifting objects of mind-boggling weight. Training, willpower, genetics, or something more mysterious?

January 21. 20h15: The Proof Is Out There: Dog Headed Man and Summoning Spaceships

Did a Tennessee man capture footage of the infamous Dogman without even realising it? Is it possible to communicate with extra-terrestrials using just a laser pointer? And could a giant structure at the bottom of a lake be an undersea Stonehenge? (Subtitles)

January 22. 20h15: Comets: Prophets Of Doom

Comets--these celestial travellers have forever filled us with fear and wonder. Lurking in the furthest reaches of our solar system, they come close to Earth as they orbit our Sun. Could something as destructive as comets hold the key to life?

January 23. 15.00: Storage Wars Texas: Hands Off Embroidery

Fort Worth - a perilous place in the 1800s - is host to one more showdown when Cowboy Matt moseys in and pushes his weight around.

January 24. 20h15: Massive Engineering Mistakes: Episode 12

In Montreal, a highway bridge collapses without warning. On Apollo 13, what really caused the explosion that made this the most dramatic space mission ever? A cutting-edge skyscraper threatens to rain down shrapnel on the city of Manchester, UK.

January 25. 17h20: American Restoration: Thin Tin Tin

Rick gets a visit from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, bringing in a sign to be restored in honour of his late grandfather. Will this project hit all the right notes or will Rick be singing the blues?

January 26. 17h20: American Restoration: Dodger Doggin' It

Rick steps up to the plate to transform a vintage 1950s Coke cooler into a LA Dodgers-inspired hot dog cart. However, he finds out he'll be revealing it to baseball greats Tommy Lasorda, Ron Cey and Paul Lo Duca.

January 27. 21h05: PREMIERE No Asylum: The Untold Chapter of Anne Frank's Story

Anne Frank is the face of the Holocaust. Newly discovered letters of her father, Otto Frank, and interviews with their family reveal for the first time his painful struggle to save their family from the Nazis. (Subtitles)

January 28. 20h15: The Proof Is Out There: Real Excalibur and Texas Teleportation

Could a sword discovered at the bottom of a river really be the famed Excalibur, wielded by King Arthur himself? Did a doorbell cam capture proof teleportation is possible? And is a family being visited by aliens every Independence Day? (Subtitles)

January 29. 20h15: Megaquake 10.0

Haiti in 2010 was 8.0, while Indonesia in 2004 was 9.0. But what exactly is a 10.0 earthquake? It may be rare, but it could destroy an entire civilisation...

January 30. 17h20: American Restoration: Pegasus On A Pedestal

Rick and his crew see a big challenge after a rare 1940s Mobil Pegasus sign rolls into the shop. Later, when the client asks for it to spin on top of a pole, the hunt is on to make this restoration fly.

BBC STUDIOS FESTIVE LINE-UP

 

(Who Wants to be a Millionaire? is hosted by Romesh Ranganathan)

It’s that time of the year again to put up the Christmas lights and spend quality time with family and friends. BBC Studios has something for everyone - discover great entertainment for the whole family to enjoy!!

BBC Brit sees the return of South Africa's favourite Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse with a brand-new documentary called Oti Mabuse: My South Africa. Top Gear fans can look forward to motorsport thrill as Freddie Flintoff, Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness return with season 33 and gameshow lovers can look forward to new episodes of Limitless Win, Bridge of Lies and Tipping Point.

Foodies can look out for cooking competitions with X-Mas specials from the Great British Bake Off as well as cooking inspirations from Nadiya’s Fast Flavours, Jamie’s One Pan Wonders and Nico Reynolds: All Fired Up.

On BBC Earth, viewers will be intrigued with documentaries such as Sue Perkin’s Big American Road Trip, South America with Simon Reeve and Ben Fogle: Return to the Wild.

CBeebies has a great selection of kiddies’ shows to keep the little ones entertained as they explore fun adventures on Swashbuckler, Jojo & Gran Gran: It’s time for a Voyage Special, Raa Raa The Noisy Lion and more.

Here’s what to look forward to on BBC Brit, Earth, Lifestyle and CBeebies:

Death in Paradise: Running from December 26, 2022, on Monday and Tuesday at 20h00

All Creatures Great and Small: Starts January 15 every Sunday at 19h00

 

Here are some other popular shows:

(Left: Graham Norton)

The Graham Norton Show S30

Broadcast details: Every Tuesday at 20h00

The Bafta-winning talk show featuring the brightest conversation on television returns to BBC Brit for Season 30. 

Express from the UK premiere, featuring A-List celebrities every single week with the hilarious host, Graham Norton.

 

The Weakest Link

(see above)

Broadcast details:

Wednesdays at 20h00 to 20h45

The iconic game show sees nine contestants work together to answer questions and bank as much money as possible. At the end of every round, contestants vote for the player they believe is letting the team down – and the weakest link is eliminated until just two contestants remain to battle it out in the final. Fun, humorous and at times, ruthless – this game show is perfect for regular contestants and celebrity specials.

 

(Right: Jeremy Clarkson)

 Who Wants to be a Millionaire

Broadcast Wednesdays at 20h00

Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson presents the rebooted version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? The 12 questions quiz with a £1,000,000 prize, it’s the classic show with many twists and turns along the way.

 

(Left: Alexander Henry Fenwick Armstrong

 Pointless

Hosted by Alexander Henry Fenwick Armstrong, this quiz show is broadcast on weekdays at 18h00. It returns for another series in which contestants try to score as few points as possible by coming up with the answers no-one else could think of.

 

BAROQUE 2000 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: REVIEW

 

(Right: Sandile Mabaso)

Durban’s marvelous Baroque 2000 Orchestra presented a programme jam-packed with Christmas delights for their final concert of the year which took place at the Mariannhill Monastery Church last Sunday.

Music from Baroque masters, and audience favourites. Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel were included in the programme as were items from Henry Purcell, Arcangelo Corelli and Alessandro Scarlatti, and two relatively-unknown composers Marco Uccellini and Michel Corrette.

The soloist for the concert was tenor Sandile Mabaso. KwaZulu-Natal born Mabaso has an effortless but powerful tenor voice. He started his singing training at the famous Drakensberg Boys Choir School and obtained a Bachelor or Music Degree from the University of Pretoria. He has performed widely both in South Africa and aboard.

His first song was Thrice Happy from the Fairy Queen a semi-opera by British composer Henry Purcell. The libretto is an anonymous adaptation of William Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream. First performed in 1692, The Fairy-Queen was composed three years before Purcell's death at the age of 35. Following his death, the score was lost and only rediscovered early in the 20th century.

Mabaso also sang Deposuit Poyenes from JS Bach’s Magnificat with backing from a small ensemble of harpsichord, cello and bass, Alessandro Scarlatti’s Già il Sol dal Ganga, which also featured Michel Schneuwly on the trumpet, and Every Valley Shall Be Exalted from Handel’s Messiah.

Mabaso has a splendid and versatile voice which he used to best advantage for this concert.

Another item which stood out at this concert was Vivaldi’s La Folia. La Folia means mad, and while I don’t think the music was quite that manic it certainly was unusual, boisterous and frenetic at times. A quite magnificent piece of music which, if you don’t know it, you should attempt to hear. It was performed by two violins, cello and harpsichord and while all played well, I thought that Ralitsa Pechoux on the cello was particularly excellent.

Rounding off the concert was Michel Corrette’s excellent Christmas Concerto No.4 -Sur les plus beaux Airs de Noel which - along with Christmas gongs - served as a fitting end to this Christmas Celebration.

Baroque 2000 will now take a break until March 2023.

For any queries or more information contact Michel Schneuwly at sursouth@iafrica.com or on 082 303 5241.

Baroque 2000 is sponsored by Die Rupert Musiekstigting. – Keith Millar

BRYONY CLARK LEAVES THE TATHAM

 

After a long and happy career, Bryony Clark has "left the building".

Bryony Clark began working at the Tatham Art Gallery in March 1988 in a temporary capacity as a Librarian. After six months she was appointed as a Researcher and in 1992 became the Assistant Director of the Gallery. She was mentored by Lorna Ferguson, but spent most of her time at the Gallery working alongside Brendan Bell who was Manager until 2018. Since then, she has acted as Manager of the Gallery for the bulk of the time until Brendan’s successor was appointed in April this year.

Highlights include moving the Tatham Art Gallery collection from the City Hall to its current home in the Old Supreme Court building; assisting and enabling the development of artists closely associated with the Gallery- like Chickenman Mkhize and Siyabonga Sikosana; the Gallery centenary celebrations; over200 diverse exhibitions; assisting Brendan by editing numerous researched publications and the opportunity to help build a highly-considered national art collection.

“Bryony will be sorely missed” is the sad response from the Gallery staff.

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 https://www.tatham.org.za/

MZANSI PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA IN DURBAN: REVIEW

 

If I was to look back at 2022 and consider who made the most impact on my life, it would certainly be the excellent conductor Marin Alsop, who led the Mzansi National Philharmonic through an electrically-challenged performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the Playhouse. Maestro, I am in awe of you! (Review by Caroline Smart)

Last night the Playhouse was packed! What a great return to the “pre-Covid days”. Firstly, there was a Sundowner Concert in the foyer and then iHubo, a production in the Playhouse Drama. However, the main audience members were eagerly coming to see the first Durban performance of the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra. This is South Africa’s new national orchestra and it is currently on a tour of three cities – Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.

Led by acclaimed and multi-award-winning conductor, Marin Alsop, now in her third season as Chief Conductor of the ORT Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, the concert featured soloists Zandile Mzazi, Michelle Breedt, Msimelelo Mbali, Sipho Fubesi and exceptional choirs, together with Grammy award winner, flautist Wouter Kellerman.

“In addition to the Mzansi Philharmonic’s inaugural national tour, we are also excited about the organisation’s many other projects and programmes that seek to develop career paths for young musicians; fund and advocate for regional, local and youth orchestras; create access to the Orchestra for wider audiences; contribute to tourism by branding South Africa positively both locally and on the internal stage; and to transform lives through the power of music,” says Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director.

Tembe also carries the same titles for the KZN Philharmonic and the Johannesburg Philharmonic which puts him in a very powerful position to be able to acknowledge the needs of the various areas.

“Often this idea of transformation can seem ethereal but in the formation of the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, we have experienced it in a very tangible way. Our story is richly-layered with real life examples of collaboration, of societal leadership, of inclusivity, of care for our fellow citizens, and of seeing people achieve their full potential. Perhaps this element of our work is the most meaningful of all,” Tembe adds.

The programme for the evening was Beethoven’s celebrated 9^th Symphony which included a 76-piece orchestra (comprising several KZNPO members) and the massed choir made up of Gauteng Choristers, Ijadu Chorus, Mzansi Chorale and the New Apostolic Church Choir.

If I was to look back at 2022 and consider who made the most impact on my life, it would certainly be the excellent conductor Marin Alsop, who led the Mzansi National Philharmonic through an electrically-challenged performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the Playhouse. Maestro, I am in awe of you!

All was going perfectly until the opening moment when loadshedding cut in. Before the generator could get going, we were in total darkness – apart from the battery lights on the musicians’ music stands. Darren Maule, host for the evening, used his humorous skills to guide the audience through at least four blackouts and relighting until it all stayed stable.

However, conductor Marin Alsop took the lead and began the concert in the dark. She proceeded to handle this with expertise through at least two movements until the lighting stabilised. In the beginning, I wondered if half the orchestra could even see her, until an LED light was provided and she was lit for them.

To many, this would have been incredible achievement, but truth to say – and acknowledgement to the Playhouse and the concert organisers for their efficiency - they did see this possibility happening with conflict between loadshedding and the Playhouse generator. So they did a dummy run in the morning. But still, I don’t believe they expected it to last for half the concert!

This was a splendid concert – paying splendid and powerful homage to Beethoven.

If you have fellow music-lovers in Cape Town, do catch the final performance of this tour (December 21, 2022, at 20h00 in the Cape Town City Hall), I would strongly suggest you recommend the concert to them. Or else, better still – take a trip to Cape Town yourself! 

Booking is at Quicket. - Caroline Smart