SA Indie Film Fest 2020 x Short Documentary Official Selection

Beautiful In My Skin

Set in rural South Africa, where most people have never had the opportunity to experience wildlife, Queen, Rifumo and Wisani emerge as three young eco-warriors. The film follows how a course in wildlife photography changes their lives. Armed with a camera, the trio aim to rise above their difficult pasts and 'frame' the narrative of wildlife conservation. Queen becomes one of the only black female field guides in South Africa, while Rifumo and Wisani start a business together. The trio have one goal - to inspire the youth from their community to protect our natural heritage.

Beyond The Fence

Imagine a fish so big that some call it the elephant of the river. Imagine it inhabited the waters of 1/4 of the African continent in vast numbers. Now imagine, that largely unseen to the developed world, a wave of humanity has reduced all the rivers and surrounding landscapes to skeletal remains. But, right in the middle of it all, there's a wilderness that has beaten the odds, a haven that is a window into the past of how all of Western Africa's savanna's once were. Journey with a group of fly fishermen to this very special oasis to witness an explosion of life, where the end-goal is to help protect it all through fly fishing tourism.

Capitaine

Journey with a group of fly fishermen to this very special oasis to witness an explosion of life, where the end-goal is to help protect it all through fly fishing tourism.

After visiting a few Himba tribes in Namibia, Xavier Saer was shown a struggle that most of the people in the Kunene region must endure - living a life with almost no water. And they were in desperate need of help. We went back to document their story to show the world what it is like to live without a basic human right, in the hopes to raise funds for these wonderful people so that they may continue to live in their traditional ways. If you would like to help bring water to these communities, please consider donating here: <a href="https://www.backabuddy.co.za/thirsty-land" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.backabuddy.co.za/thirsty-land</a>

Thirsty Land

After visiting a few Himba tribes in Namibia, Xavier Saer was shown a struggle that most of the people in the Kunene region must endure - living a life with almost no water. And they were in desperate need of help.

An award-winning experimental autoethnographical documentary about queer joy, resistance, and resilience in the face of abuse, trauma, and transphobia.

Gay As In Happy: A Queer Anti-Tragedy

An award-winning experimental autoethnographical documentary about queer joy, resistance, and resilience in the face of abuse, trauma, and transphobia.

The Number is a short documentary film from debut director Manuela Gray. Manuela is an internationally celebrated tattoo artist and fine artist whose work has focused on body markings and identity: "I had always held an interest and fascination with the body markings of the Number gangs... I became obsessed with the seeming simplicity and brutality of the marks... and the very real power and secrecy they held." The film, shot by cinematographer, Brendan McGinty, in graphic black and white, looks at the myths and markings of South Africa's prison 'Number' gangs. It offers an intimate, emotional journey which unlocks the secret code of The Number. A code spelt out and spoken across the bodies of the inmates. It immerses its audience in the world of the gangs, their history, personal journeys, codes and marks. This is also uniquely an untold story, giving voice to an invisible, previously unrepresented community. These marks were regarded with fear by their community. Marks made not for decoration, but for signification, for power, position, intimidation even. And yet as both an artist and film maker, Manuela finds in these 'brutal' marks a potency she felt needed to be better understood and recorded. The result is a uniquely visual and mesmerising unfolding of the film's narrative. The Number has enjoyed huge audience and critical success in its private gallery and festival screenings... but has never been open to public viewing. So far the film has been officially selected for 13 festivals and has won two Best Films and one Best Cinematography in these. Imagery from the film has formed the basis of a powerful book and exhibition.

The Number

In February 2006, two young Australians were convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia and were sentenced to death by firing squad. During their 9 years in prison, Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan were rehabilitated and began many positive activities within the prison, such as mentoring other prisoners and helping to teach English.Myuran became an accomplished artist, while Andrew became an ordained minister and established a church inside the prison. Rev Christie Buckingham was Myuran's spiritual adviser. This is her eye witness account of a night that will not be forgotten.

Execution Island

In February 2006, two young Australians were convicted of drug smuggling in Indonesia and were sentenced to death by firing squad. Rev Christie Buckingham was spiritual adviser to one of the accused. This is her eye witness account of a night that will not be forgotten.

The Armstrongs - a short film documenting a South African surfing family that lives a life not many would deem conventional. Ian (46), a provider, shaper, former Big Wave World Champion and above all else, a father, along with his wife Lee (45) and their 8 children and 1 grandson redefine what is 'normal' and challenge the perspective of modern family values. The Armstrongs share strong bonds with each other and the ocean; making a point of placing well being, unity, love and a genuine connection with nature above financial gain and status. This is their story.

The Armstrongs

Africa

Short Documentaries (8 film selection)

General Admission

South African Independent Film Festival 2020

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