0 comments
0 viewsFor lovers of independent movies, a new distribution company is bringing feature films to South Africa that previously wouldn’t have been shown. Filmfoto Releasing founder and filmmaker, Daniel Harris, said that the company “finds unique, independently produced films (documentary and narrative) for SA screens,” and distributes them through theatres, DVDs and via the Internet.
Founded in 2012, Filmfoto Releasing already has an exclusive relationship with the Labia Theatre in Cape Town, showcasing 12 films a year. The company also distributes the films from the Slamdance International Film Festival, and additionally hosts the Slamdance Afrique Film Festival every February in Cape Town.
The latest picture being shown by Filmfoto Releasing, in conjunction with the Labia Theatre, is ‘The Interrupters’, a documentary by Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz. The film follows a year in the lives of peace activists from the Ceasefire Organization of Chicago, who try to end gang violence using new methods. For Harris’ company, the reason for screening this film is more than entertainment.
“The comparisons from inner city Chicago to our own neighborhoods of Lavender Hill, Manenberg and Nyanga, where gangsterism is part of life, is obvious. Clearly we have the same problems and the need for a new approach to solving the problems these communities face,” said Harris.
The areas surrounding Lavender Hill have an extensive gang issue which has resulted in unnecessary deaths in recent months. Premiere of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, and COSATU have sent urgent letters to President Jacob Zuma, strongly requesting the army to be sent in to help police in areas where gangsterism is rife. Filmfoto is currently sending DVDs to community leaders, religious groups and organizations related to gangsterism in Lavender Hill, with hopes of holding screenings for the community in the near future.
Harris hopes that by screening the film in Lavender Hill, changes can be made. “It’s a very powerful film. They (Capetonians) must watch the film and first realize we all live in the same city and share its problems, then decide how to make a difference. If you go to a suburb like Lavender Hill, one recognizes that people who live there have no opportunity to be involved in anything relating to arts and culture. Any initiative will have a positive outcome.”
The Interrupters will run for two weeks starting 10 August. See show times.
Read more about Filmofoto Releasing
Watch the trailer of ‘The Interrupters’ for more info