South African Film Festival

The Gooseberry Grandmother's Daughter

Expired May 30, 2024 1:30 PM
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In October 2020, Malungelo ’s world came crashing down. Her mother, a tough but big-hearted woman with a bellowing singing voice was murdered. She was shot 6 times as she enjoyed afternoon tea at her kitchen table. Malungelo’s son, 13-year-old Buyile witnessed the murder. As is customary, when a visitor arrives at a Zulu homestead, the children can be asked to restrain the family dogs. Buyile and a friend were playing in the front yard when 3 strangers came to the house. As instructed by the men, the youngsters held the growling dogs back so the trio could greet Mam’Fikile inside. But, within minutes of entering the home, the assassins opened fire. What could the 63-year-old grandmother possibly have done to warrant such a violent death? Malungelo believes it is because she refused to move off her land to make way for a coalmine. Mam’Fikile had a voice, and she used it.

  • Year
    2023
  • Runtime
    24 minutes
  • Language
    English, zulu
  • Country
    South Africa
  • Genre
    Documentary
  • Subtitle Language
    English
  • Content Warning
    Yes
  • Awards
    Best Director – Sandton Film Festival 2023
  • Director
    Julie Laurenz
  • Producer
    Julie Laurenz
  • Cinematographer
    Duncan Grant
  • Animator
    Chad Bell
  • Sound Design
    Alex Joseph