Mandela Bay Pictures has just started full production on what promises to be South Africa's largest and most successfully epic dance film to date.Directed by Ziggy Hofmeyr and Produced by Mayenzeke Baza, co-produced by Pascal Schmitz with a cast of over 80, including 50 dancers, and a crew of over 35, the film promises to be a game-changer for the South African film landscape.
Director Ziggy Hofmeyer explains, I am so excited to be working with such a large and talented production team. This film is really something special. There has not been a South African dance film ever produced on this scale - and I think the film is going to be massive.
The film stars well known and loved South African talent, Maurice Paige, Yasira Bhelz (Bhelekazi Ruiters) and Lionel Newton. Both Paige and Bhelz have pushed themselves to the limit for the film with many months of professional dance training from a range of top hip-hop dance choreographers.
The film actually includes over 50 professional dancers including pervious Red Bull BC One finalist Jed with some of the country's top dance crews represented including Vintage, Street Kingdom and Soweto's Finest amongst others. The film also boasts a team of 8 choreographers, led by Craig Bullock, whose son Jed, the current World Champion for Hip Hop Street Style dancing, also features in the film.
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Hip-hop music and dance in all its local variations are the foundation of the film, with nine dance scenes that feature crumping, voguing, popping, locking, pantsula and breakdancing amongst others.
Four original songs for the film have been composed and performed by lead actress Yasira Bhelz, as she explains, its been amazing to be given such creative freedom, both in terms of an actress and as a musician. This is a rare opportunity to showcase both my acting and music, and the film is the perfect vehicle for this.
Co-star Maurice Paige is also thrilled to be able to showcase his versatility in the film. Best known as an actor, he has spent nearly two years honing his dancing skills and in the film he also dances and raps. I have been committed to this project for two years because from the moment I saw the script I knew it was an incredible opportunity for me to showcase my versatility. The cast, crew and entire production team are amazing, and this film is really going to reflect the talent in South African film and hip-hop dance.
Written by Steven Pillemar and funded by The DTi, Mnet, The National Film and Video Foundation, Mandela Bay Pictures and Media Film Services, the film is being shot at ten locations across Johannesburg and mostly in Soweto. The authentic hip-hop flavour of the film comes through from being filmed in venues such as Zone 6 in Soweto, and due to the participation of South Africa's best hip-hop dancers.
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Mandela Bay Pictures has just started full production on what promises to be South Africa's largest and most successfully epic dance film to date.Directed by Ziggy Hofmeyr and Produced by Mayenzeke Baza, co-produced by Pascal Schmitz with a cast of over 80, including 50 dancers, and a crew of over 35, the film promises to be a game-changer for the South African film landscape.
