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By JOAN KABUGU
Like any other coastal town in Africa, Durban boast a breathtaking scenery and has some of the best views you will see in South Africa. The grandeur, however, does not end there.
The Kwa Zulu Township, the Sun Coast chain of cinemas, and the Moses Madiba Stadium, are other great places offering candy for the eye.
Durban is also a hub for film and filmmakers, creating opportunities for Africa and Africans in film .
International recognition
Every July, the Durban International Film Festival creates a platform to premiere films from all over the world.
Seeing that South Africa is way ahead of most Africans countries in film production and distribution, the country has decided to give its African counterparts a chance to also gain international recognition.
Some of Kenya’s talented filmmakers participated in this year’s festival and returned with a bagful of awards for various film projects.
Wanuri Kahiu got an award for Jambula Tree, a coming of age story about two girls in Kisumu which she will produce with Stephen Markovitz, known for Viva Riva.
Hawa Essuman got an award for Logs of War, a documentary that exposes Charles Taylor as a key player in the logging nightmare.
Director Tosh Gitonga, who premiered Nairobi Half Life, a Kenya-German co-production during the festival, brought back home the best actor award for his main actor Joseph Wairimu. Nairobi Half Life premiered yesterday and will be running for one month at Westgate cinemas.
This gangster crime thriller is a representation of great filmmaking and exemplary acting.
Nairobi Half Life is the story of an inspiring actor whose quest to make it in the big-bad-busy Nairobi brings him face to face with the harsh reality of crime and criminals.
One Fine Day, the film company that produced Nairobi Half Life, also take the credit for Soul Boy created in 2008, and they are currently working on a number of several other motion pictures.
The Durban festival creates an environment of Africa away from Africa for reinforcement for the African film industry.
Create a buzz
Although most countries are yet to support the film industry, this has not discouraged filmmakers from taking the first step, mainly through collaborations with each other and with investors from the rest of the world.
The co-productions and collaborations within the film industry are a major step in ensuring the African stories are told. This pro-active role will definitely play a huge role in creating a buzz in the film industry with the hope that African governments will with time take centre stage in supporting this crucial sector.
South Africa’s longest-running film festival, the Durban International Film Festival runs across 12 days at the end of July, presenting over 290 screenings of current films from around the world, with strong focus on South African and African cinema. Screenings take place throughout Durban including township areas where cinemas are non-existent.
South Africa’s longest-running film festival, the Durban International Film Festival runs across 12 days at the end of July, presenting over 290 screenings of current films from around the world, with strong focus on South African and African cinema. Screenings take place throughout Durban including township areas where cinemas are non-existent.
