New Africa Theatre Association, Cape Town, Fictional Films
From the 2nd – 6th June, 2008, World Film Collective ran a workshop with six graduates from New Africa Theatre Association, Cape-Town, South Africa.
This workshop would not have been possible without the generous contribution of THE FOX FOUNDATION, and without the help of out patron, Gerald Fox. We are very grateful.
In only five days the participants, aged between twenty-one and twenty-seven, made an extremely good film based on the real-life experience of one of the students, Nangamso Lungani. Playing the character of Andiswa in the film, Nangamso told of her struggle to use a community hall to teach children from the township how to dance. After a corrupt local official refused to let her use the hall without a bribe, she mounted a petition within the community.
Incredibly, the crew filmed a scene in the very same office where Nangamso had met the government official in real life. However, the true story had a less happy ending, and instead of being saved by the honest superior as she is in the film, Nangamso never heard back from the local official and she was forced to cancel her classes.
“Andiswa’s Dream” was shot over a single day in Khayelitsha township. The producer and actor, Simcelile Kalimashe, arranged for many of his friends to play characters in the film. The film is rich and lively thanks to their contribution.
“I just think it was an amazing experience for us to be part of. Most people have access to cell-phones nowadays, so if people are equipped with the skills, I definitely think there’s huge potential for using it as a medium to communicate with people across the world.” (Abigail, workshop participant, Cape-Town, South Africa)
Inside New Africa
Andiswa’s Dream
Niekerksrus Agricultural School, Free State, Fictional Films
from 19th May to 30 May 2008
Alongside Dramatic Need, a charity which facilitates volunteer opportunities for UK artists in South Africa, World Film Collective ran four consecutive workshops with students from Niekerksrus Agricultural School, located in rural Free State, South Africa between 19th and 30th May 2008.
With the help of Johannesburg film-maker Marc Kotze, WFC taught eighty-six 13-18 year-old students how to make a short film.
The students worked incredibly hard, having only 7 hours per week to conceive, shoot and edit their films. The subjects they chose ranged from birthday parties to domestic violence, and participants were visibly more confident and energised after the experience.
“I think I will make more movies using a mobile phone,” said Maria, a workshop participant from Niekerksrus School, South Africa.