Change the world

06/06/2018

Reasons to be Proud (R2bP): Congratulations to Nelson Mandela University Alumni sisters,  Nomakhomazi Dewavrin and Okuhle Dyosopu, whose documentary film was screened at the Encounters 20th South African International Documentary Festival in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Nomakhomazi, 38 (Media and Communication) and Okuhleopu, 25 (Graphic Design) filmed their documentary, Land and Identity, in Cape Town last year.

The documentary centres around issues of the Group Areas Act during apartheid.

(Story from The Weekend Post of 2 June 2018, written by Zizonke May mayz@tisoblackstar.co.za)

“My sister and I have been working together since 2011 trying to build a film industry in Port Elizabeth, hiring an all-black crew and training them as well.

“Now we have an opportunity to represent Port Elizabeth at the international film festival,” Dyosopu said.

“It is a great honour to be recognised for our work, but more importantly, taking these important stories to an international and local platform.”

Speaking about the film, Dewavrin said: “Land and Identity is part of a six-part doccie series on youth culture commissioned by the SABC.

“The film is about the current political debates that revolve around historic land issues and its consequence to today’s generation’s identity.”

It took five months to produce the full six episodes, with three weeks to complete Land and Identity.

Dyosopu said Land and Identity told the story of two displaced youngsters.

“The story is eloquently told by young voices. Its format gives the film freshness and immediacy with lush views of the Atlantic seaboard contrasting with the grittiness of the Cape Flats and the homeliness of Plumstead.”

The pair will be travelling to Cape Town and Johannesburg on the days their documentary is screened. They will have question-and-answer sessions with the audiences.

The documentary has also been selected for the Rapid Lion Film Festival later this year.

Contact information
Ms Zandile Mbabela
Media Manager
Tel: 0415042777
Zandile.Mbabela@mandela.ac.za