Filmmaker Aubrey Silinyana will be recording his latest project at the Guild Theatre on Monday.
The production, titled Innocent Africa: The Battle of the Sexes, is an 1860s Xhosa traditional musical piece.
Silinyana has directed nine other short films – Tshintsha, UJwarha waseNxamkwana, Qula: The Making of a Man, Nomakhisimsi Part 1 to Part 4, Ndiyajoyina and Ubomi Bam.
Innocent Africa: The Battle of the Sexes – a project of Makwedini Film Productions, in partnership with Zanempucuko High School and Sondlo&Knopp Advertising – is the story of village boys and girls settling their differences through music and dance.
Last year a similar recording was made but Silinyana said additions will make the newer version bigger and better.
“We have introduced a leading male character who is in love with one of the village girls,” he said.
“We also have a seasoned choreographer, Simphiwe Mba, a dance teacher at Selborne Primary School.”
Mba has performed with the Eastern Cape Ensemble in China, France, Greece, Germany and Spain.
Silinyana said they aimed to produce a world-class theatre DVD and, later, a feature film based on the story.
“We are planning on going to a location in December where we are going to shoot a film showcasing the Xhosa culture as it was in the 17th century through drama, dance and song.” he added.
The Mdantsane-born filmmaker is not only directing the production but he also plays the lead role of
Matata.
He said the idea of bringing the 1860s production to life was inspired by his desire to teach the youth about their history.
To ensure that the group wore realistic outfits, Silinyana was assisted by East London Museum’s Nandipha Mlonyeni.
Silinyana said the pupils have been equipped with numerous filmmaking skills.
“The young people are also learning about the Xhosa language, culture and customs. We also believe that the film is directly related to tourism as it celebrates the lifestyle, culture and customs of the Xhosa as it was in the 17th century.”
Silinyana said the special recording is expected to be attended by the parents of the pupils, ward councillors, the Buffalo City Metro mayor, officials from the education MEC’s offices, officials from the Amathole District Municipality Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and business people. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
Bringing the 1860s back to life on video
The production, titled Innocent Africa: The Battle of the Sexes, is an 1860s Xhosa traditional musical piece.
Silinyana has directed nine other short films – Tshintsha, UJwarha waseNxamkwana, Qula: The Making of a Man, Nomakhisimsi Part 1 to Part 4, Ndiyajoyina and Ubomi Bam.
Innocent Africa: The Battle of the Sexes – a project of Makwedini Film Productions, in partnership with Zanempucuko High School and Sondlo&Knopp Advertising – is the story of village boys and girls settling their differences through music and dance.
Last year a similar recording was made but Silinyana said additions will make the newer version bigger and better.
“We have introduced a leading male character who is in love with one of the village girls,” he said.
“We also have a seasoned choreographer, Simphiwe Mba, a dance teacher at Selborne Primary School.”
Mba has performed with the Eastern Cape Ensemble in China, France, Greece, Germany and Spain.
Silinyana said they aimed to produce a world-class theatre DVD and, later, a feature film based on the story.
“We are planning on going to a location in December where we are going to shoot a film showcasing the Xhosa culture as it was in the 17th century through drama, dance and song.” he added.
The Mdantsane-born filmmaker is not only directing the production but he also plays the lead role of
Matata.
He said the idea of bringing the 1860s production to life was inspired by his desire to teach the youth about their history.
To ensure that the group wore realistic outfits, Silinyana was assisted by East London Museum’s Nandipha Mlonyeni.
Silinyana said the pupils have been equipped with numerous filmmaking skills.
“The young people are also learning about the Xhosa language, culture and customs. We also believe that the film is directly related to tourism as it celebrates the lifestyle, culture and customs of the Xhosa as it was in the 17th century.”
Silinyana said the special recording is expected to be attended by the parents of the pupils, ward councillors, the Buffalo City Metro mayor, officials from the education MEC’s offices, officials from the Amathole District Municipality Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and business people. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za
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