South African Film Festival- The Festival With A Conscience

The South African Film Festival returns to Sydney in-cinema and for those people who are now accustomed to watching movies in the comfort of their own home, an online program is also available.

Three movies will be screened theatrically at the beautiful Ritz Cinema, and the online program consists of 21 movies/documentaries including 11 shorts.

The South African film industry, like all film industries, took a dive during Covid, but it’s now back to business and so many young filmmakers are emerging and starting to make some very interesting work.

“Young black filmmakers are emerging and they’re using black script writers, black financiers, etc. and it’s an industry that’s continuing to strive across the board,” explained Collins Rex, Festival Co-Director, Operations & Marketing.

The critically acclaimed comedy The Umbrella Men opens the festival and has been described as a fabulous movie to watch, boasting a cast of very popular South African actors.

“Essentially, it’s a crime drama wrapped in a whole lot of fun and music. The story surrounds a group of minstrels who inherit a club and find that it’s heavily in debt. The only way to get the club out of debt is to rob a bank!” laughed Rex.

The opening pre-party also promises to be a fun event with entertainment, drinks, and snacks.

The closing night movie is Mapantsula, a classic which examines the country’s racial discrimination. It has been restored in 4K and celebrates 30 years of democracy in South Africa. “When this movie was first released in the late 80s, it was promptly banned in South Africa for inciting violence.”

When asked what the major underlying reason for the existence of the South African Film Festival is, Rex was quick to respond.

“This is the festival of conscience. The festival supports an educational charity in South Africa called Education Without Borders (EWB). They do remarkable work in disadvantaged communities, supporting children throughout their school journey.”

Rex believes there is a movie for all audiences at this festival. “There are hard-hitting and confronting films that have social commentary, and films about violence against children, but there are also feel-good, happy and just plain old entertainment and everything in between!”

What would you hope audiences learn about South African culture from movies screening at this festival?

“That it’s vibrant, wide reaching and ever evolving. These movies will show audiences the history of South Africa, some of its oldest cultures, look at the country’s dark past and also towards its bright future – a culture that is alive, well and kicking,” concluded Rex.

REX’S HOT PICKS

GEORGE BIZOS ICON – A documentary that centers on the life of human rights lawyer George Bizos. It shows the side of this man that very few people know. For people interested in South African History.

SECONDS – a feature film about a boxer who finds himself in a very unusual situation. There’s a family drama and a crime drama that centers around it. This movie about deceit, betrayal and lies is exceptionally good viewing.

May 2 – 30

Ritz Cinema, 45 Paul’s St Randwick & Online Platform.

saff.org.au