South African drama Otelo Burning, directed by award-winning filmmaker Sara Blecher, will be released in the UK this spring by Aya Distribution, in association with the New Black Film Network.
This cutting edge production is somewhere between City of God and Blue Crush, a coming-of-age story about township kids learning to surf. Set against the backdrop of Nelson Mandela's release from prison, it looks at the enormous potential for change at the time of apartheid's downfall - all seen through the eyes of a child.
This film will have a six-night theatrical release from 16 April until 21 April in venues across London. Key events will include a premiere, eight showings with music events, panel discussions, and four school and university screenings.
Justine Atkinson, director of Aya Distribution, said, From the moment we watched Otelo Burning we were moved and inspired by the stories it portrays. Through captivating cinematography, cultural realism, and rare scenes of black South Africans surfing it shows viagra lowest price
the multi-faceted nature of apartheid and the price of freedom. We are extremely passionate about releasing more African films into the UK market, and we are glad that this film will be marking the forefront of this endeavour''.
Otelo Burning arrives following a successful US release where it was reviewed by the New York Times and Variety Magazine. It has also played at over 50 film festivals in 30 cities around the world in the last year including screenings at the BFI London International Film Festival and the Busan International Festival in Korea. The film was further honoured at the 2012 African Movie Academy Awards, where it won two of 13 total nominations, including the prize for Best Cinematography and Best Child Actor (Tshepang Mohlomi).
Otelo Burning also won the Golden Owl Audience Award for Best Film at Cinerama BC Brazil and Best South African Film at the Cape Winelands Film Festival.
Based on true events, this beautifully made film captures a turbulent time in the history of South Africa. It is a visually dynamic and emotionally powerful drama about three friends - Otelo, New Year and Mandla as they look for an escape through a time of turmoil within the township of Lamontville. They are on the cusp of making it in this world when they turn on each other. After this the story becomes one of greed, betrayal and jealousy, a metaphor for a nation grappling with its own freedom.
Mesmerising from start to finish this film takes viewers right to the heart of issues facing South African youth during apartheid, encouraging us all to rethink what freedom means to us.
Shot in Durban, Otelo Burning tells the story of a group of township kids who discover the joy of surfing. When 16 year old Otelo Buthelezi takes to the water for the first time, it's clear that he was born to surf. But then tragedy strikes. On the day that Nelson Mandela is released from prison, Otelo is forced to choose between surfing success and justice.
Jealousy, betrayal and political turbulence impact the lives of these young boys in ways that will change them forever. This is a beautifully made, insightful and entertaining film that captures a turbulent time in the history of South Africa.
This is a young, vibrant, sexy story. I don't think people would put young black kids in 1990 together with surfing; that's what makes it so striking, so unique and so local, said the director Sara Blecher, an award winning documentary director and producer with numerous projects under her belt including Bay of Plenty, an award-winning 26-part drama series chronicling the lives of a group of Zulu lifeguards on the Durban beachfront.
In 2011 Blecher released Surfing Soweto, a documentary following the lives (and deaths) of a group of so-called train surfers' in South Africa. In 2009, she produced and directed the South African version of the popular television reality series Who Do You Think You Are? Otelo Burning is her first feature film.
To pre-order your tickets for these screenings follow the links below:
UK PREMIERE Screening and Q&A with the director Sara Blecher
Date: Tuesday 16 April
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, 52 High Rd, London N2 9PJ
Pre-book tickets here: www.phoenixcinema.co.uk/whatson/?progid=3723449
Event: Panel Discussion: Taking African films to new markets followed by screening
This event will draw on the experience and expertise of leading industry professionals, and discuss the distribution possibilities emerging for African films in the UK. Followed by a screening of Otelo Burning.
Date: Wednesday 17 April
Time: 6pm - 9.30pm
Venue: 15 Golden Square London W1F 9JG
Pre-book tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/5829469099
Birkbeck Cinema Screening and Q&A
Cinema screening of Otelo Burning followed by a Q&A with the Director and renowned South African filmmaker Sara Blecher.
Date: Friday 19 April
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Venue: 41 Gordon Square (use entrance at 43 Gordon Square) Birkbeck, University of London London WC1H 0PD
Pre-book tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/5938077951
Horse Hospital Screening followed by DJ night
The Horse Hospital is now a unique Grade II listed arts venue situated in an un-spoilt mews in the heart of Bloomsbury, midway between the West End and the art district of East London. This unique venue will provide the space for a screening of Otelo Burning followed by some fantastic African music and dance.
Date: Saturday 20 April
Time: 7pm - 12am
Venue: The Horse Hospital Colonnade, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1HX
Pre-book tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/4882412427
WIN!
We have a pair of tickets to give away to the screening and Q&A with the director on 19 April. Enter here
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South African drama Otelo Burning, directed by award-winning filmmaker Sara Blecher, will be released in the UK this spring by Aya Distribution, in association with the New Black Film Network.
