Father Geek here with SOTHA and company with this week's Africa-AICN column. The good doctor's server seems to have caught the same bug that hit AICN's home office a couple of weeks ago... buuuuuut he pulled through and filed his report with only a short delay... I know you've been waiting for this , sooooo with no further delay here's Doctor SOTHA...
A combination of "we're updating your server sir" (for 10hours!) and Cannes
Film Festival preparations has conspired to delay Africa-AICN by a day, and
for that my sincerest apologies. DR.SOTHA put out a plea for accommodation
in last weeks column, but despite an enticing offer from a French Nurse (who
was pissed that her serum for mortality was plagiarized in 'Death Becomes
Her') no takers. Turns out the French Nurse is like 212 years old, and that
just doesn't cut it with me (serum or no serum.) But just when I thought I
had exhausted all my options, Fathergeek pulls off a rescue mission, and now
I'm lodging with AICN Headquarters in Cannes. I can't wait to show Harry my
'Flexi-Bone theory' (although only used in the South African Military, it
uses strands of goat chin hair inserted into human fiber to create a
completely versatile human being who can literally fit through crevices,
door ajars, and underground pipes.) I'm thinking high profile/guests only
screenings will now become futile with this procedure.
If you're at Cannes send me your contact details with full medical history
to africaaicn@hotmail.com and we can hook up.
SOUTH AFRICA
DR.SOTHA put out a plea for accommodation
in last weeks column, but despite an enticing offer from a French Nurse (who
was pissed that her serum for mortality was plagiarized in 'Death Becomes
Her') no takers. Turns out the French Nurse is like 212 years old, and that
just doesn't cut it with me (serum or no serum.) But just when I thought I
had exhausted all my options, Fathergeek pulls off a rescue mission, and now
I'm lodging with AICN Headquarters in Cannes. I can't wait to show Harry my
'Flexi-Bone theory' (although only used in the South African Military, it
uses strands of goat chin hair inserted into human fiber to create a
completely versatile human being who can literally fit through crevices,
door ajars, and underground pipes.) I'm thinking high profile/guests only
screenings will now become futile with this procedure.
If you're at Cannes send me your contact details with full medical history
to africaaicn@hotmail.com and we can hook up.
SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA
* Listed niche financial service company Magnum Global Funds SA (to be known under its new name, MGF Capital) has included a new film fund in excess of R350 million (ABOUT $70M) in its portfolio which is aimed at boosting the South African film industry. MGF Capital announced the launch of the CHIS Trade Fund and the Story Factory Film Fund (SF3) on Monday, 30 April. According to CEO Carla Fiford there is a demand for this kind of alternative offshore investment. SF3 is an international co-production fund aimed at kickstarting SA films for international release. It aims to produce a total of 15 international films in SA in the next five years. (I can't tell you how much this news means to me, in fact I'm going to go out right now and rent the 'Gods Must Be Crazy' and dream of South African films reaching across the globe - DR.SOTHA) Leon Rautenbach, formerly head of M-Net's production division and producer David Selvan own The Story Factory and SF3 will operate under them. The financial managers of the fund are MGF Capital and Letsema Investments. SF3 have received a commitment of R115 million from the Industrial Development Corporation and will raise a further R330 million from investors. SF3 will be producing international films in SA in partnership with Atlantis of Canada (Cider House Rules, Topsy-Turvy, The Red Violin, Crash and Mephisto) who have worked in the country on a number of projects. According to Magnum executive director James Scott, talks were under way to raise funds from local investors based on a minimum level of R5 million. The fund expected a 22% after-tax return over seven years.
* I hate to be the bearer of sad news but South African producer, Hanneke Pieterse of Chip Productions, was killed on impact in a car crash on the South Coast on Thursday, 26 April. A highly respected producer with some 20 years in the industry, Hanneke Pieterse won five Artes Awards for the television series Kelebone, as well as producing the first series of Soul City and the entire Bonnie's Best Buys series. She is survived by her husband, producer Philo Pieterse and children Marcus and Nicole, and will be sorely missed by everyone in the industry.
* Film director Lord Richard Attenborough has been honored for his contribution to the fight against racism at the star-studded Emma Awards. The Bt Ethnic Multicultural Media Awards (Emmas), held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, celebrate the efforts of people in the media who promote cultural awareness. Lord Attenborough, formerly Richard Attenborough, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for his anti-racism campaigning which included his 1987 film "Cry Freedom", which brought the horrors of apartheid in South Africa to the world's attention. He also directed the 1982 classic "Gandhi", starring Ben Kingsley. The event was hosted by comedians Richard Blackwood and Nina Wadia, who were both up for awards. Comedy show "Goodness Gracious Me", in which Wadia appears, picked up Best TV Entertainment production. Another of its stars, author and comedian Meera Syal, walked away with media personality of the year. Craig David, who controversially missed out on a Brit Award earlier this year , scooped the Best Music Act. In the public figure section, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan won public figure of the year while best sporting personality was awarded to tennis ace Venus Williams. The acting world had a clutch of awards dedicated to it with Ally McBeal star Lucy Liu winning Best TV Actress and Michelle Yeoh gaining Best Film Actress for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The awards for the men went to Eddie Murphy for Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps and Felix Dexter for "The Prince Of Dalston."
* The Drinks Are On Jay Chat show host Jay Leno is seeking to loosen up his Hollywood movie star guests by getting them drunk before the program begins. Leno, who hosts the 'The Tonight Show' With Jay Leno, first suggested last November that his show should have alcohol available backstage - especially for female guests who, producers felt, opened up a bit more when they'd had a drink. During an appearance in February, South African actress Charlize Theron complimented the show's margaritas and was then brought one onstage. And with critics often complaining that the Tonight Show's celebrity interviews are stiff and overly prepared, bosses on the show decided it was time to open the bar before every episode. According to The New York Post, a Tonight Show source says, "Spontaneity is something we're always trying to achieve and never able to. So maybe this does fuel a little spontaneity." Another adds, "We've always provided a [cocktail] if a guest asked for one. Although this might be a little different." (Charlize Theron big drinker? Hey I'm not complaining - DR.SOTHA)
* Temperamental model Naomi Campbell doesn't believe in engagements. The self-confessed drug addict wore a huge oval diamond ring with her see-through lace trousers and sequined "Like a Virgin" blouse on Monday night (what's the big deal we all wear shit like that when we go for a night on the town - DR.SOTHA.) The sparkler was on her left pinkie because she had on elbow- length gloves, and it wouldn't fit on her ring finger. Campbell, who was given the "Christmas gift" by her Italian boyfriend Flavio Briatore, is cutting back on modelling to devote herself to raising money for the foundation of Nelson Mandela, who "adopted" her as his daughter (Wise move Mr. Mandela - DR.SOTHA.)
* The South African co-produced short film, "Land of Milk & Honey", will be screened at the Los Angeles International Radical Political Film Festival during May. The film was co-produced in 1998 by New York producer/director Diane Best and South African director/cameraman David Forbes. "Land of Milk & Honey" has attracted wide interest internationally, and locally from SABC 3's magazine Special Assignment. The 13-minute DVCam film explores the dangerous and violent underbelly of hijackers and the corrupt network of police and underworld figures that support the hijacking industry, and its international links to guns and drugs.
* The organisers of the Soweto Film Festival (The Annual Soweto Arts & Culture Festival in conjunction with the Film Resource Unit) are hosting the second annual event from 23 to 26 May. Recognising that no single entity can assume the responsibility of audience development but through a critical mass of the industry, the organisers would like to invite other organisations to participate at the main event as well as side-bars. Among the objectives of the festival are cultivating a cinema-going culture in peri-urban South Africa; promoting African film and filmmakers; stimulating debate on key African issues through film; and developing the film sector into a viable industry that can meaningfully contribute to the mainstream economy. Interested parties should contact project co-ordinator Thelma Machogo - email: thelma@iafrica.com.
* Big World Cinema, UFFO, the Pro Helvetia Liaison Office South Africa, the Royal Embassy of the Netherlands and e.tv invite First Time producers / directors to take part in the Third Close Encounters Documentary Laboratory to be held in Cape Town from 22 to 28 July. Applicants are asked to submit an original proposal for a half-hour documentary and successful candidates will be chosen on the basis of these original proposals. A maximum of 12 candidates will be selected. e.tv will commission a number of the documentaries presented at the final pitching session. The deadline for submissions is 8 June 2001. Entry can be downloaded from www.bigworld.co.za/encounters.
NORTH AFRICA
* 'It's that wonderful time of the year' - The following African Films will be screened at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival to be held in France from 9 to 20 May: "Hijack Stories" (Oliver Schmitz, South Africa): Un certain regard. Director's Fortnight: "Fatma", first film of Khaled Ghorbal (Tunisia) + "Bintou", short of Regina Fanto Nacro (Burkina Faso, prize winner Fespaco). Cannes Junior: "Battu", Cheick Oumar Sissoko (Mali), "Les Siestes Grenadines", Mahmoud Ben Mahmoud (Tunisia), "Sia, le rêve du python", Dani Kouyaté (Burkina Faso) and the short Premier "Noël", Kamel Chérif (Tunisia). The film of the "Iraner Abbas Kiarostami" shot in Africa, ABC Africa, will be screened out of competition at the Palais des Festivals. (I'll be there to run the rule over the African potential - DR.SOTHA)
* Jeff Koinange has been appointed CNN Lagos Bureau Chief. A native of Kenya, Koinange leaves Reuters to take up this new post in June. He comes to CNN as the News Group's first Lagos bureau chief and correspondent. Prior to serving as Reuters TV's Johannesburg-based chief producer in southern Africa, he was responsible for Reuters' western Africa coverage and also was a correspondent and producer for Reuters' African Journal TV programme. He has also worked for NBC News, ABC News, and the New York-based Medical News Network. The new Lagos bureau complements CNN's existing bureaux on the African continent, in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Cairo, and provides CNN for the first time with a strategic presence in West Africa. The addition of Lagos brings CNN's total bureau network to 42.
* A quickie from Rigobert Song:
Hello readers, only a quick mini-review this week, as lectures are at break neck speed this week. Remember to e-mail me at rigobertsong@hotmail.com to talk about African film.
LA VIE EST BELLE (Life is Rosy) Directed by Ngangura Mweze, Zaire/Belgium, In French with English subtitles 85 minutes
"La Vie est Belle" takes us inside the vibrant music scene of Kinshasha, Zaire's exhilarating and exasperating capital whose back alleys and clubs pulsate to the beat of some of the most influential music in the world. The film, starring World Beat music legend, Papa Wemba, tells the "rags to riches" story of a poor country musician who seeks fame in the city's vibrant music industry. This lively farce illustrates Zairians' faith in Systeme-D or debrouillardise, fending for yourself to survive in the face of overwhelming obstacles. If there is a commercial cinema in Africa's future, then La Vie est Belle may be one of its precursors. The reason I put this up, is because I read a wonderful article on Baz Luhrmann's 'Moulon Rouge', and I sensed many thematic and dramatic comparison to this particular film. They're both about an aspiring artist who gains entry to the monolith of a cultural community. It weaves in and out of this exhillerating and decadent world, as the artist comes to terms with populism and unrequited love. I can't wait to see both films in a powerful double bill. Here's some excerpts to get your juices flowing: "A genial musical offering and insightful look at Zaire." -- New York Times -- "Joyful entertainment!...Papa Wemba has the appeal of a young Harry Belafonte."-- Variety -- "Like Black Orpheus, La Vie Est Belle is a fairy tale embellished by joyous music and phantasmagorical images" -- Village Voice
AFRICAN AMERICAN
* James Woods has been tapped to replace Marlon Brando in Dimension Films' "Scary Movie 2" after Brando exited a cameo role in the horror-spoof sequel last month, citing health and availability issues. Woods will now step into the role of a priest performing an exorcism, which will open "Scary 2." He joins an ensemble cast that includes Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Tori Spelling, Kathleen Robertson, Andy Richter, Christopher Masterson, Chris Elliott, Tim Curry, David Cross, Natasha Lyonne and Richard Moll. "Scary 2" satirizes supernatural horror fare such as "The Exorcist" and "Stigmata." The film has been shooting since Feb. 13, with Dimension planning a July 4 bow. (I guess the rumor about Woods wielding a cross around LA are true - DR.SOTHA)
* Heath Ledger is in final negotiations to star in Lions Gate Films' "Monster's Ball" for director Marc Forster. Bentley dropped out of the project for undisclosed reasons. The two actors recently worked together on Paramount Pictures/Miramax Films' "Four Feathers." Rapper Mos Def ("Bamboozled") also has been added to the cast, which includes Billy Bob Thornton and Halle Berry. The project begins shooting May 24 in Louisiana. "Monster's," written by Milo Addica and Will Rokos, centers on Hank (Thornton), who lives with his aging racist father, Buck, and his twentysomething son, Sonny (Ledger). Hank and Sonny work for the local prison, where they are preparing the electric chair for a black inmate. Hank winds up falling in love with the inmate's widow, Leticia (Berry), who is unaware that Hank knew her husband.
* Rapper-actors Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg have signed to topline Lions Gate Films' "The Wash" for director D.J. Pooh ("3 Strikes"), with production slated to begin Monday. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg also will executive produce the project and contribute to the "Wash" soundtrack to be released in a joint effort between their respective Aftermath and Doggie Style labels. Lions Gate is planning a theatrical release for "Wash" in the winter. Penned by Pooh, "Wash" is set against the backdrop of a busy car wash, featuring Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg as employees and mismatched roommates.
* Rapper-actor Busta Rhymes ("Finding Forrester"), Tyra Banks ("Coyote Ugly") and Sean Patrick Thomas ("Save the Last Dance") will star in "Halloween 8" for Dimension Films. The roughly $15 million-budgeted project is scheduled to begin production May 9 in Vancouver, British Columbia, for three weeks with "Halloween II" helmer Rick Rosenthal returning to direct the franchise. To coincide with Halloween, Dimension is eyeing a fall bow for the horror film. Written by Larry Brand, the eighth installment of the "Halloween" series follows a group of teens who return to legendary serial murderer Michael Myers' home to launch a live Internet chat, which sparks another killing spree by Myers.
* Phoenix Pictures has paid an undisclosed amount for the big-screen rights to author Donald E. Westlake's just-published novel "Bad News," with Oscar-winning filmmaker Milos Forman in talks to direct. Although no deal is yet in place for Forman, the project would reteam the filmmaker with Phoenix, who produced the helmer's critically acclaimed 1996 feature "The People vs. Larry Flynt." No writer is on board to adapt "Bad News," which features the same lead character, Dort Munder, as the author's "What's the Worst That Could Happen?" That novel was turned into a forthcoming MGM/UA film of the same name starring Martin Lawrence and Danny DeVito. "News" is a comedy caper about a group of small-time crooks in New York who scheme to take over an Indian gambling casino.
* Former Edmonds Entertainment creative executive Camille Irons and producer H. M. Coakley have launched the Los Angeles-based independent production shingle Rockstone Pictures with the aim of producing features by filmmakers of color. Rockstone is being bankrolled by private investors in Los Angeles, New York and Baltimore who have put up low-six figures to fund the startup, which has offices in Beverly Hills. The outfit has optioned several scripts and pitches from a stable of newcomers: the pitch "Holla ... If You Hear Me Scream!" being written by Byron Taylor; "The Western," a spaghetti western spoof script by Daniel Zak; the romantic comedy script "Love Is a 4-Letter Word," written by Sonya Warfield; the dramas "The Writer's Guide," written by Jonathan Brown, and "When Love Calls," written by Reserve Lowery; and "Mario and Harriett," an animated Romeo and Juliet story set under the sea, written by Henry Southern and based on an idea by Irons and Coakley.
* In pre-emptive bid, Bill Mechanic's Pandemonium has paid low-six figures for the comedy pitch "Mountain Men" from writers Bradley Allenstein, Robert Henny and Ralph Green, with music video and commercial director Paul Hunter attached to helm. The writing trio will pen the script -- from an idea they developed with Hunter - about three feuding brothers from Harlem, N.Y., who find a treasure map in their grandmother's attic and must find the goods before her home is taken over by the Internal Revenue Service. Hunter recently directed the music video "Lady Marmalade" performed by Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Maya and Pink for the soundtrack to 20th Century Fox's upcoming feature "Moulin Rouge," which opens the Cannes International Film Festival (which the esteemed DR.SOTHA will be attending) next month and will screen In Competition. Hunter also directed a commercial for Nike featuring NBA players dribbling on a court reminiscent of the performance show "Stomp." He is attached to make his feature directorial debut with New Line Cinema's "Westward."
* According to a study by the organization Children Now, the so-called Family Hour between 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., contains the least racially diverse casts in all of primetime TV. Minorities are included in these shows only to provide "a service, a piece of information or a punch line," the study said. It found that only 13 percent of network fare during the hour featured a mixed cast, versus 67 percent during the 10:00 p.m. hour. The study also found that men outnumbered women on programs during the 8:00 hour by more than 2-1 and that the female characters on them tended to be "beautiful, young, thin and white." (Welcome to the wonderful world of discrimination - DR.SOTHA)
