Plett Tourism is excited to introduce a new experience at the 2018 Plett ARTS Festival – AFRIDOCS in Plett. In collaboration with Afridocs and Ikasi Media, this compelling new addition makes its debut with special screenings of the best of African documentary films between 4 and 6 July at the Piesang Valley Hall. A cash bar, food trucks and entertainment will be available for guests. Please refer to the website for daily screening times, entertainment and other important information.
Meet film makers and share the life experiences of Africa’s legends, makers of history and ordinary people on the big screen. Adding insight and context to the documentaries are special guests and film presenters, Don Edkins (producer of Mama Africa), Justice Albie Sachs (anti-apartheid activist, judge and executive producer of Have you Heard from Johannesburg), and Richard Nwamba (African music aficiando).
‘Mama Africa’ features on 4 July. The movie paints an unforgettable portrait of Miriam Makeba (1932-2008), the world-famous South African artist and civil right activist, who devoted her life to promoting peace and justice and fighting racism around the planet. A figurehead of the Black African movement in exile, her music and daily practice incarnated the hopes and fears of Africa through the convulsive 20th century, so that she has come to be considered the voice and mother of the Continent. Don Edkins, Producer of ‘Mama Africa’ and acclaimed South African documentary filmmaker and producer will be presenting the film.
‘Have you heard from Johannesburg – OR Tambo’ features on 5 July. First aired in 2017, the year of the 100th anniversary of his birth, the film gives a rare insight into the life, ethos and politics of Oliver Tambo, the leader of the ANC who was instrumental in bringing an end to apartheid.
Albie Sachs will be presenting the film. He is also the executive producer and says; “This is a spirited, lively and eminently watchable film that brings Tambo to life on screen, with moving and poignant interviews with Chris Hani, Kenneth Kaunda and members of the Tambo family. The film shows not just the politics of the man, but also shines a light on a life lived on principles of ethics, compassion, inclusion, social justice and equality.”
‘Gangbé’ features on 6 July. The movie follows the exuberant Gangbé Brass Band as they set off on a pilgrimage from their homes in Benin to perform with Femi Kuti at The Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria. The famous club is a symbol of Afrobeat, pioneered in the 1970s by Femi’s father, the late and legendary Fela Kuti. Arnaud Robert’s documentary had its world premiere in competition at Visions Du Reel, who called it “an exciting journey in a contemporary Africa that re-invents itself with each piece of genius-like improvisation.”
The film will be presented by Richard Nwamba, a trained English and History teacher and award-winning playwright, musician, actor and broadcaster. His radio show, “The African Connection with Richard Nwamba” was one of South Africa’s most celebrated and enduring shows for 23 years, celebrating the best of the music of Africa and its diaspora.
The 2018 Plett ARTS festival is scheduled for 25 June – 9 July, and tickets will be available through Plett Tourism’s website and Quicket. For more information about the line-up of events, click here.
