The highly anticipated South African film ‘Ayanda’ has been announced as the opening night film of the 36th Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) which takes place from July 16 to 26.
According to a statement released by Sherlene Versfeld of Versfeld & Associates, ‘Ayanda’ is directed by Sara Blecher and produced by Real Eyes in association with Leading Lady Productions. It is set in the vibrant, Afropolitan community of Johannesburg’s Yeoville.
The film tells the coming-of-age story of a 21 year old Afro-hipster, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she has to fight to save her late father’s legacy – a motor repair shop – when it is threatened with closure. She’s thrown into a world of greasy overalls, gender stereotypes and abandoned vintage cars once loved, now in need of a young woman’s re-inventive touch to bring them back to life again.
The film stars Fulu Mugovhani (of ‘Scandal’ fame) and Nigerian actor OC Ukeje, with a star South African cast including Ntathi Moshesh, Kenneth Nkosi, Jafta Mamabola, Thomas Gumede, Sihle Xaba and veteran star of stage and screen, Vanessa Cooke.
“We are pleased that this feel-good film will open this year’s festival,” said Pedro Pimenta, Director of the DIFF. “The opening film of this, the most prestigious international film event in SA, needs to reflect a clear priority established by the festival to reach and develop local audiences.”
“The recently published NFVF report on audiences in this country, is very informative and revealing in that while the industry has been successfully structured and supported from all quarters to allow a regular flow of SA content, much still needs to be done for this content to reach local audiences. By once again opening the DIFF with a strong SA film, we endorse this objective.”
This is the second opening night film at DIFF for director Sara Blecher. Her film ‘Otelo Burning’ opened the 2011 edition of DIFF to critical acclaim. “We are very proud of ‘Ayanda’ and are thrilled to have it selected as the opening film at this year’s festival. The film had a very successful screening in Cannes last month and we look forward to screening it to festival-goers in Durban,” Blecher said.
