10 of the best films produced on South African soil.
Earlier this year the South African Department of Culture announced that the theme for Heritage month 2021 is “The year of Charlotte Maxeke: Celebrating South Africa's Intangible Cultural Heritage”.
So while we’re all out here trying to figure out how we will pay homage to South Africa’s rich history, culture and heritage in our own unique ways, here is a list of 10 proudly South African productions to inspire you this Heritage Month.
Sarafina
This is one of the most iconic South African stories to exist and not having it at the top of your list would be an epic fail. Sarafina follows the story of a young black South African girl, Sarafina, and her peers struggling for freedom during apartheid.
Inxeba - The Wound
The story steeped in South Africa tradition and culture follows Xolani on his journey to the mountains with a group of young initiates. His life is turned upside down when his forbidden love is discovered.
The Bang Bang Club
The Bang-Bang Club follows the story of four conflict photographers, Kevin Carter, Greg Marinovich, Ken Oosterbroek, and João Silva who captured everything that happened throughout the transition from the apartheid system to democracy within the townships of South Africa between 1990 and 1994.
Noem My Skollie
Set in Cape Town, South Africa in the 1960s Noem My Skollie is based on the life story of the scriptwriter Mr. John W. Fredericks.The main character, Abraham, is sent to jail for a petty crime and raises his status in prison by captivating the hardened gangsters with his knack for telling stories.
Wonder Boy for President
Starring Kagiso Lediga this South African Mockumentary tells the story of a charismatic young man from the Eastern Cape who is coerced into running for president by two corrupt characters.
Khumba
A story inspired by celebrating our differences the plot follows a half-striped zebra named Khumba is born an isolated herd of all-striped zebras where rumors that the strange foal is cursed spread and before long he is blamed for the drought that sets into the Great Karoo.
Yesterday
The film is about Yesterday, an HIV-positive Zulu mother living with her seven-year-old daughter in a rural village who must battle her illness and aim to live long enough to make sure that her young daughter Beauty gets a chance to attend school.
Tsotsi
Adapted from the novel written by Athol Fugard, the film follows Tsotsi, a young street thug who steals a car and later discovers a baby in the back seat.
