Local is lekker, right? Well, yes of course; we generally support anything local; but cinema?
After asking around, South Africans have either a very enthusiastic opinion about it or feel rather…indifferent.
Regardless, you can’t ignore the fact that our film industry is a budding one; and even though the reality that local productions have lower audience figures than its Hollywood competitors, it is making impressive moves establishing itself as a respectable name in world cinema.
So many of our local pictures have received international accolades without being celebrated here at home.
A little disappointing if you ask me….
It's time we took our stories and the community who tell them a little more seriously.
Nonetheless, after travelling around SA for opening nights, screenings and film festivals, and taking a closer look at the film community of South Africa, I’ve become aware of just how enthusiastic and inspired our storytellers are and the extraordinary energy that these creatives radiate.
Since attending my very first Durban International Film Festival last year, my interest in local production sparked. Movies such as Tess, The Journeymen and The Violin Player (all DIFF Winners) ignited my curiosity and now I find myself hungry to see more, to know more and to become part of a community that’s worthy of a lot more of our attention.
The Durban International Film Festival has been marked the biggest film festival in Africa, and from being there I felt it.
When M-Net Movies briefed me about my second visit to DIFF I was thrilled.
My first experience was eye opening and now with a few more film festivals under my belt, I was excited to revisit this world with a little more knowledge understanding, and a whole new list of questions.
The renowned Playhouse Company played host to the 38th annual DIFF opening night and rolled out the red carpet for some of South Africa’s key players in motion pictures.
I was honoured.Â
I stood waiting at the end of the carpet for the opportunity to chat to some of the individuals who have played their part in developing this world of entertainment.
The atmosphere generated between peers, creatives, academics and the media was electric. With a jembe drum group in the background for effect, the night started off with a bang and energy incomparable to any other international film festival I’ve attended.
Being there to interview on the carpet and then open the film festival on stage was an experience I won't forget. What a privilege.
The festival kicked off with Serpent, a thriller by South African Amanda Evans.
I learned a lot that night chatting to professors, directors, writers, producers and investors. My mind was blown.
Ten days of phenomenal cinema followed and was showcased at different venues around Durban, including free venues for those in disadvantaged areas.
From proudly South African to international collaborations and productions from all over the world, the lineup of shows was as diverse as it was captivating.
Film is a beautiful escape from our harsh realities and DIFF gave film a stage to shine and audiences a break from life.
My only wish would be that South Africans take note of our homegrown films and get behind them more before they receive international appreciation.
Platforms such as M-Net Movies and kykNET see the bigger picture and invest in productions as well as offer them an audience. They are playing their part in building up the industry.
Film festivals such as DIFF are imperative for the industry to progress and giving them our support goes beyond that of just entertainment.
The more we give it our attention, the more demand grows and the better the productions get.
Encouraging and supporting the local film community provides the platform from which they can leap to the next level.
There is also the other aspect of it, as a way for up-and-coming filmmakers to get their names out there. To submit a film, and be recognised by the committee. Â
DIFF also holds workshops facilitated by respected film professionals in all fields and also hold special programs for interested individuals teaching them about a specific aspect of filmmaking, a particular social issue or art form.
Besides all of these positives, nothing compares to attending these events in person and experiencing the fascination yourself. You won't be disappointed!
M-Net Movies hosted the opening night and being there part of the family made me beam with pride.
Inspired by the passion and creative energy I saw and felt I strongly believe that South African film is reaching a new era
If you weren’t aware of DIFF, mark it on your calendar for next year and try make a point of attending a screening or read up on some of the films; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
In the meantime here are the winners of each category this year.
Best Feature Film -Â A Father's Will
Best South African Feature -Â Vaya
Best Director for a South African Film:Â John Trentgrove The Wound
Best Direction -Â A Father's Will (Bakyt Mukul, Dastan Zhapar Uulu.)
Best Cinematography -Â A Father's Will (Akjol Bekbolotov)
Best Screenplay -Â La Soledad (Jorge Thielen Armand, Rodrigo Michelangeli)
Best Actor - Nakhane Touré (The Wound)
Best Actress -Â Mariam Al Ferjani (Beauty and the Dogs)
Best Editing -Â La Soledad (Felipe Guerrero)
Artistic Bravery -Â LiyanaÂ
Best International Short Film - Witnesses            Â
Best African Short Film - All of Us            Â
Best South African Short - The Hangman            Â
Best South African Documentary Film -Â Strike A Rock
Best International Documentary Film -Â Dusk Chorus
Check out some of the LallaLand DIFF 2017 interviews here.