ZANZIBAR – ZIFF 2010 drew to a close on Sunday with the sneak preview of Nisha Ligon’s Twiga Stars, a brave and revealing documentary about Tanzania’s all women football team. The audience loved the film and laughed and cried as the footballers lives unfolded on the big screen. Exploring themes of feminism, equality, poverty and self-belief, Twiga Stars was a powerful reminder of the role ZIFF can play in Zanzibar as a vehicle for change. The closing ceremony and awards night was a huge success…with a soaring duet from Rogers Lucas and Jeremy Danneman, a funky dance from the B... Continue Reading
ECO-LENS AT DIFF 2010 Shout-Africa Arts News Filmmakers are key agents in keeping a watchful eye on not just on social and political issues but on environmental abuse that often slips unobtrusively into our daily lives. A number of films at this year’s Durban International Film Festival conscientise us about the need for integrated approaches to development, and the threats to human ecology and environmental balance. With genetic modification shifting global food production increasingly further from nature, Scientists Under Attack is an important exposure of the influence of big corporates in the active suppression of information and how scientists must... Continue Reading
By Ngoni Dapira for The Zimbo Jam – Zimbabwe’s veteran singer/guitarist Steve Dhongi Makoni, has despite, his reputation and unquestionable raw talent as an entertainer, stupefied and disappointed fans with his lack of professionalism after failing to complete a show in Mutare last week as he was intoxicated by alcohol. Dhongi who takes his stage name after one of his most popular songs of all time, entitled Sabhuku performed on Monday 12 July at the first anniversary of Sports Café in Mutare, or perhaps we should say- tried to perform. If it had been a social gig where he was... Continue Reading
By Lebo Mashile – This is in response to the column that Eric Miyeni wrote in Sowetan on Monday, the 12th of July 2010. Eric has never been my friend. We work in the same industry. In the decade that I have shared a social circle with Eric, our interactions have been limited to polite greetings and a few short conversations. Eric says his piece was inspired by what he heard on SAfm on the 18th May 2010 when I appeared on Karabo Kgoleng’s show. During the interview, several male listeners asked why I never affirm plus-sized men in the same... Continue Reading
By Martin Chemhere – 17 July marked a great night for African movie-makers when they were awarded for their great efforts working in an industry that is yet to provide real returns for their producers. A total of 19 awards went to deserving winners spread across several countries in Africa Europe and Asia at a dazzling Awards Night. The ZIFF, SIGNIS, Verona and Ousmane Sembene juries watched over 45 hours of film to select the best and deserving winners and living up to the tradition and standard of this leading African film festival. The best award of the night, The... Continue Reading
