SAFF Canada 2021

Zero to Zero (plus bonus shorts series: Life Under COVID)

Expired November 15, 2021 5:00 AM
Already unlocked? for access
6 films in package
Zero to Zero
Fighting every day for everyone’s tomorrow.
Closed captions available
Filmmakers' introduction to Mzansi in a time of COVID 19 - shorts series
Social Transformation and Empowerment Projects (STEPS) started producing a series of short films depicting the experiences of South Africans during COVID
Schools Shut Down
During the Covid-19 lockdown, a group of school friends try to maintain their education through online learning with limited access to devices or Internet while schools remain closed.
Jeannette Makes Masks
During the Covid-19 lockdown Jeanette Niyidufasha started making Covid-19 protective masks from home, with the support of her husband after her usual business trading closed due to lockdown, and donating extra masks to the unemployed out in the street. Her anxiety around the virus and mask wearing is increased as her daughter heads back to school during the pandemic
Lindela under Lockdown
During level 5 of the national lockdown a Congolese man is detained at Lindela, the largest facility for the holding of undocumented migrants in South Africa. In an effort to expose the gross human rights violations that he is subjected to, and the lack of safety regulations around Covid-19, he leaks cell phone video footage to his older brother on the outside.
Lefu - The Funeral
When Mpho Molotsi loses his mother to Covid-19, he is devastated to lose not only his closest relative, but also a confidant. The film is a portrait of final goodbyes, and follows Mpho and his family as they make final rites amidst the regulatory restrictions for burials during Covid-19.
This virtual screening is eligible for audience awards! Unlock it to cast your vote.
Protected ContentThis content can only be viewed in authorized regions: Canada.

Filmed over 15 months, this gripping one-hour documentary offers an unfiltered look at what it’s like to be a healthcare worker in the grips of the Covid-19 pandemic. It follows the staff of a hospital from the moment they admit their first Covid-19 patient in June 2020, till after the third wave. 


Gripping and emotional – at parts intense, yet also hopeful – what makes Zero to Zero especially stand out is that it’s filmed by a healthcare worker with unprecedented access to the hospital frontline. This story narrates what unfolded during the darkest moments of the Covid peaks where no cameras were allowed.


It deals with patients during life and death situations, but the focus remains on the indomitable strength of the human spirit.


The unequalled footage from ICU and beyond tells a story of despair and hope. It humanizes the frontline workers, showing the world a glimpse of what they have had to face.


Content advisory: contains scenes that may be disturbing to some sensitive viewers and to those who have lost loved ones recently.


  • Year
    2021
  • Runtime
    66 minutes
  • Language
    English, Afrikaans
  • Country
    South Africa
  • Director
    Christa Lategan, Leonie Scholtz, Shem Compion
  • Producer
    Shem Compion, Christa Lategan, Leonie Scholtz
  • Executive Producer
    Yolisa Phahle, Nkateko Mabaso, Jan du Plessi
  • Cinematographer
    Leonie Scholtz, Shem Compion
  • Editor
    Christa Lategan
  • Sound Design
    Richard Hedges
Copy link