The films are a thought provoking blend of South African and upper-African narratives that cater for a diverse audience.
The following films will be shown:
Run
Run, written by Phillipe Lacôte, is about a young man who has just killed the prime minister of his country. In order to do so, he had to act as if he was a crazy man, wandering through the city. His life comes back in flashes; his childhood with Tourou when his dream was to become a rain miracle-worker, his adventures with Gladys the eater, and his past as a young member of militia, in the heart of the politic and military conflict in Ivory Coast. All those lives, Run didn't choose them.
Stories of Our Lives
Stories of Our Lives was created by members of a Nairobi-based arts collective who have removed their names from the film for fear of reprisal. This anthology film, that dramatises true-life stories from Kenya’s oppressed LGBTQ community, is both a labour of love and a bold act of militancy. It began as an archive of testimonials from Kenyan persons who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex assembled by a small Nairobi-based multidisciplinary arts collective.
So compelling were these stories that the ten-member association of artists, social workers and entrepreneurs was inspired to adapt some of them into short films. Working on a shoestring budget with one small video camera, two LED lights, a portable digital recorder, a shotgun mic, and courage and enthusiasm, the cast and crew shot, edited, and mixed five shorts over eight months to create this remarkable anthology film.
Thina Sobabili
Thina Sobabili, set in Alexandra township, South Africa, sees a brother and sister journey through life knowing they have no one but each other. Schoolgirl Zanele falls in love with an older man where a series of events are set in motion and reveal much more.
Kirikou
The kids’ animation series Kirikou is back with a new chapter. Watch the brand new award-nominated animated feature from Michel Ocelot, Kirikou and the Sorceress. In this film Kirikou, the young village boy who knows exactly wants he wants and was born with the ability to talk and walk from birth, goes on a quest to save his village. His mother tells him about an evil sorceress who has dried up their spring and devoured all males of the village except one.
Hence little Kirikou decides he will accompany the last warrior to the sorceress. Due to his intrepidity he may be the last hope of the village.
Future Sounds of Mzansi
Future Sounds of Mzansi is a documentary which aims to explore, express, and interrogate South Africa's cultural landscape, 20 years into its democracy. A chief vehicle of this exploration is electronic music, a staple of South African popular culture. The film explores the past, present and future of the scene and its multiple sub-genres, presented through the eyes of internationally acclaimed artist Spoek Mathambo. Future Sounds of Mzansi is directed by Nthato Mokgata and Lebogang Rasethaba of Egg Films, and produced by Black Major.
Happiness is a Four Letter Word
Happiness is a Four Letter Word is based on the novel of the same name by Nozizwe Cynthia Jele, tells the story of three friends trying to find their happiness while maintaining images of success and acceptability. The story revolves around perfectionist lawyer Nandi, glamorous housewife Zaza and trendy art gallery owner Princess, who seem to be living the new South African dream: money, success, and loving partners.
The three friends juggle life's surprising changes as they come to learn that ‘happiness doesn't come with a manual'. The three will have to find out what truly makes each of them happy and then fight to get it in their unique way.