South African films screened at Cannes

South African films screened at Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival official kick-off took place on the 13 of May. The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the KwaZulu Natal Film Commission (KZN Film Commission) lead a South African delegation to the festival.

While in Cannes the NFVF together with KZN Film Commission screened two South African films selected for Cannes market screening. The screening schedule comprised a South African Showcase, which highlighted all the films; and market screening of two local films Ayanda and Stone Cold Jane Austen.

Directed by Sara Blecher and produced by Terry Pheto (Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom, The Bold and The Beautiful, Oscar-winner Tsotsi, How to Steal 2 Million), Busi Sizani and Robbie Thorpe, Ayanda is a coming of age story of a twenty one year old Afro hipster, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Trying to keep the memory of her father alive, she is thrown into a world of greasy overalls, gender stereotypes and abandoned vintage cars in need of a young womans re-inventive touch, she tries to reclaim what wouldve been, what couldve been.

Stone Cold Jane Austen is the untold story of one of the greatest bands that ever lived, who inspired a revolution, yet failed to break through to the mainstream. All this changes when they decide against all odds to try and conquer the Afrikaans music market, despite not speaking the language and taking a last shot at making a name for themselves. Stone Cold Jane Austen is directed and produced by Jon Savage who stars in the movie alongside Rob Van Vuuren. The film also features big name musical acts; Fokofpolisiekar, Jack Parow and Die Heuwels Fantasties.

The producers and directors of these films also attended the festival to engage with key international film executives.

Other South African films that screened for market screening at the festival included; Necktie Youth, The Windmill, Dias Santana, Bordering on Bad Behaviour, The Man with the Heavy Leg, and Assignment. The Beginning, directed by Tumisho Masha, who's acting as the lead role, screened at the Cannes Short Film Corner.

Brought to you by the NFVF and KZN Film Commission, the SA Pavilion was situated at number 118 International Village Riviera. The SA Pavilion was a hub for all South African delegates to conduct business, for visitors to find information on filming activities in South Africa and to inquire about films and SA locations.

Please visit www.nfvf.co.za and www.kwazulunatalfilm.co.za for detailed South Africa Cannes schedule.

LINK:	http://nfvf.co.za/home/index.php?ipkMenuID=&ipkArticleID=284...
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