Foxwood House in Houghton has recently revamped its theatre and will be hosting the inaugural Projecting Africa Film Festival in May. The festival kicks off on May 10th with a special screening of Otelo Burning followed by screenings on 11 – 13 May and 18 – 20 May.

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Written by Jane Jacobs

FILMAKERS have released many films about apartheid and the struggles endured by black people during the period of institutionalised racial segregation, but more still come out in an effort to capture the true picture of that dark period in history.

Producers will release ‘Otelo Burning’, the latest film focusing on activities during racial segregation at the end of March, elevating the theme to a completely new level. Sara Blecher wrote and directed the film in 2011 and it not only focuses on the troubled times of apartheid, but is also about the discovery of new talent and adventures.

The captivating story of how a 16-year-old township boy embarked on a journey, which broke all stereotypes and introduced him to a whole new world, can inspire people from all walks of life to realise their dreams. When the situation offered Otelo, from the Lamontville Township, the opportunity to escape the violence and heartache cultivated by apartheid, he could never have imagined that his life would take such a whirlwind turn. He broke all barriers and fears that would introduce him to a new world of money, glamour, girls and superstardom by daring into the “white man’s” sport of surfing. This is a tale about life, love, jealousy, ultimatums and how a young boy rose to overcome all trials and tribulations.

This captivating South African film premieres on 31 March and Namibians will have the exclusive privilege of viewing the film before its release in South Africa. Blecher shot and directed ‘Otelo Burning’ in Durban, South Africa, with a cast of extremely talented African actors.

Movie buffs will remember the lead actor Jafta Mamabolo, who portrays the role of Otelo, as Kunene in the 2008 feature film ‘Jerusalema’. ‘Otelo Burning’ featured at the largest and most prestigious film festivals, including the 55th BFI London International Film Festival in October last year. The film scooped 13 nominations at this year’s Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), regarded as Africa’s most prestigious awards for filmmakers.

These nominations for ‘Otelo burning’ are part of the 45 nominations South Africa received in total, to come second to Nigeria who received 53 nominations. AMAA received 328 entries from across Africa, up from 220 in 2011. This includes 134 feature films, 88 short films, 57 documentaries and six animations. Africans in the Diaspora contributed 43 entries, with the rest coming from 23 countries across the continent. Sara Blecher, the recipient of the CNN African Journalist of the Year Award, received the IFP Adrienne Shelly Director’s Grant award in New York for the film.

 IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06 March 2012 

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMMENCES ON NEW AFRIKAANS MUSICAL PRETVILLE 

Hartiwood Films has announced the start of principal photography of Pretville at Hartbeespoort in North West province. 

The brand new Afrikaans musical reunites the talented filmmaking team behind the 2010 blockbuster Liefling, Die Movie – producers Paul Kruger and Emma Kruger, and co-producer and director Linda Korsten. The film is a rollicking Afrikaans musical set in the 50s. In the small, bright and vibrant fictitious town of Pretville, anything is possible and lots of interesting things happen all the time. 

Also on board is the internationally acclaimed composer and songwriter Machiel Roets who has composed approximately 27 brand new Afrikaans songs for the film. Roets has worked as musical director on pantomimes and musicals in London for more than 12 years. 

“With Pretville we hope to capture the 50s that we largely missed out on,” says director Linda Korsten. “This film is colourful and full of fun, music and dance. You‟ll recognise many of the characters even if you don‟t know them. One thing is certain, once you have visited the town of Pretville, you cannot help but feel happy.” 

Featuring 50s music from rock „n roll to doo-wop, the film harks back to an era characterised by charm and romance. In the tradition of „Grease‟ and „Hairspray‟, it‟s madly colourful and stylish. It‟s also big on costumes, with a wardrobe and sumptuous set design never before seen in a local movie. The entire set was built from scratch at Hartbeespoort and encompasses a town hall, diner, hair salon, garage, funeral parlour and other distinctive small town features. Because it‟s set in the 50s, audiences will also be able to feast their eyes on a gorgeous collection of classic vintage cars. 

“We have assembled the best cast, the best music and the best vintage vehicles for this film,” says producer Paul Kruger. “There is no doubt in my mind that we are producing something truly unique and fun with „Pretville‟. The town we have built is amazing and we are really proud of our art department. As with “Liefling, Die Movie” the production values of the film are world class.” 

In the lead are Marlee van der Merwe („Liefling, Die Movie‟), newcomer Eugene Jensen and Marno van der Merwe („Longshot‟). Also starring in the film are Terence Bridgett as a flamboyant hairdresser Pierre Lukuveer who also happens to be the mayor of Pretville. Other well known stars appearing in the film include Annette Engelbrecht, Lizz Meiring, Steve Hofmeyr, Rina Nienaber, Emo Adams, Margit Meyer-Rodenbeck, Willem Botha, Sanet Ackerman, Kevin Leo and Jakkie Louw, as well as a line-up of fresh, young talent. 

„Pretville‟ will be distributed by Indigenous Film Distribution. “This is another in a growing line of top quality Afrikaans films that are being produced,” says Helen Kuun, CEO of Indigenous Film Distribution. “The focus is on fun and this exciting film will have audiences singing along. It‟s great to see the progress being made in driving quality and production values while also creating great South African entertainment. 

The film is slated to open in November 2012. 

Ends

 For further information contact: 

david alex wilson (Unit Publicist) 

Mad Moth Communications 

Cell: +27 83 629 2587 

e-mail: davidalex@madmoth.co.za 

**For Immediate Release**

Box office hit

Afrikaans romantic comedy Semi-Soet, has earned more than R1.3million at the box office on its opening weekend, 10 to 12 February. The film was released at 65 cinemas nationwide and seen by more than 41 000 people which secured it a 2% higher site average than the hit musical Platteland earned on its opening weekend.

Read the full press release here.

Screening country wide at cinemas today: in an attempt to save her boutique advertising agency Jaci hires a model to stand in as her fake fiancé; but the model isn’t who he says he is!

Watch the trailer, get more details and enjoy at www.semi-soetmovie.co.za