Father Geek here with Head Nurse Hollis and Rigobert Song to present Dr. SOTHA's Africa-AICN column for this week. So with no further adieu... here's Nurse Hollis with her part of the report...
It's been 4 weeks since DR.SOTHA was imprisoned in Nice, France. Things are
getting bleak, and I'm afraid his mental state of mind is fast
deteriorating. Although he managed to send me the latest Africa-AICN (which
I had to decipher through his nonsensical ramblings), he also had this to
say, "Nurse Hollis, when the roof turns yogurt what do you do? Eat it, or
lick it? Neither you stupid girl, how can the roof be yogurt"
Somebody do something, I can't bear to receive these incoherent messages
anymore. Can't you see it's a Gawd damn cry for help. Send encouraging
thoughts to africaaicn@hotmail.com
PS DR.SOTHA I never did think the roof was yogurt.
SOUTH AFRICA
Somebody do something, I can't bear to receive these incoherent messages
anymore. Can't you see it's a Gawd damn cry for help. Send encouraging
thoughts to africaaicn@hotmail.com
PS DR.SOTHA I never did think the roof was yogurt.
SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA
* Moonlighting Filmmakers is currently in pre-production for the screen adaptation of an Athol Fugard play (Boesman and Lena), VALLEY SONG. The film, which will be directed by Harry Hook and produced by Little Bird, is to be shot on location in the Western Cape and Johannesburg later this year. Valley Song is about the story of a young South African woman who longs for the big city and of her grandfather's farmer rooted in the past (Thanks to Byron Kyriakides.)
* One of the world's leading "boy bands", Westlife, shot the lip-since portion of a music video (covering their recent South African tour) at Cape Town's Sasani Studios. Commissioned to facilitate the entire video production process in South Africa, Cape Town-based company, The Farm, also filmed the Westlife concerts at the Velodrome in Cape Town, Sun City and at the MTN Sundome in Johannesburg. The video is destined for the UK market. (Well done everyone, now where will the next bout of degradation come from? - DR.SOTHA)
* Filmmaker Cedric Sundstrom is making a four-part documentary series on the 100-year history of the South African film industry. Sundstrom looking for anyone who can assist him in finding old material like photographs, footage or information on Joseph Albrecht, the so-called father of SA film production and the Killarney Studios which were built in the early part of the century where the Killarney Mall now stands. Sundstrom also wants to make contact with a film star, known only as Goba, who played Dingaan in an early SA film. Any contributions of material pertaining to the early stars of SA film, old footage, postcards or bioscope programmes 'This will be the definitive history of our film industry and the cinema-going habits of South Africans. I have collected some really fascinating photographs and put together a compelling picture of our colourful contribution to the subject. I am missing some crucial parts in the story, namely any feature-film footage that was shot at Killarney,' says Sundstrom. The four-part series, to be aired on SABC during Heritage Month (September), will take a humorous look at the quirks of our industry and shine the light on the inequities of the subsidy system, but also portray the grandeur of our early cinemas and the excitement surrounding the beginnings of the 'bioscope'. (How are they stretching this out into a 4 part series? - DR.SOTHA)
* The South African Box Office once again shows it has a sense of humor. Pearl Harbor, the epic World War II saga starring Ben Affleck, continues its attack on the South African box office. It amassed R3 140 967 (Exactly the price of a dozen eggs in America - DR.SOTHA) in its first week and went straight to the number one spot. Pearl Harbor is followed by The Mexican, Exit Wounds, The Gift and Miss Congeniality.
* The M-Net New Directions developmental filmmaking initiative has evolved into a new phase in South Africa called New Directions FreeForm (NDFF). This pilot version is designed to fast track scriptwriters and directors who have some experience in producing films. NDFF features eight pre-selected filmmakers as opposed to opening a public call for entries, and also incorporates a documentary opening. The seven participants include: Tebogo Mahlatsi, Zola Maseko, Dumisani Phakati, Tamsin McCarthy, Palesa Letlaka-Nkosi, Semakaleng Maelane and documentary filmmaker Pule Dipare. Two finalists from the M-Net EDiT initiative for students have also been invited to submit scripts for evaluation in NDFF as part of their EDiT prize. Celebrated Ethiopian documentary filmmaker, Salem Mekuria will work with Pule Dipare on the documentary film.
NORTH AFRICA
* Francis Bebey, writer/singer/composer/filmmaker from Cameroon died on 28 May, 2001, aged 71 years. Bebey was one of the founding fathers of the genre "world music". He composed the film music for Yaaba, considered one of the best African films ever made (Reviewed by Rigobert Song in a previous column.) His book, Agatha Moudio's Son, written in the 60s is an African classic of world literature.
* Rigobert Song chimes in with a mini-review:
Hi there African cinephiles, only a brief mention of a short film I watched last week about African female empowerment. It's quite touching how an oppressed black female race has made strides to let their voice be heard. Remember to e-mail me you film musings at rigobertsong@hotmail.com
YOU HAVE STRUCK A ROCK Produced & Directed by Deborah May 28 minutes - In English
'You Have Struck A Rock!' commemorates the special contribution of South African women to the success of the anti-apartheid struggle. It recovers the remarkable "women's campaigns" of the 1950s against the hated pass system. This massive, non-violent civil disobedience movement was only finally crushed by the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre and the banning of anti-apartheid organizations. Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Dora Tamana and other leaders recall this struggle and their imprisonment and banning. Yet they remain undaunted, demonstrating the South African proverb: "When you have touched a woman, you have struck a rock." Simply put, this film captures the artistry and vision of the vitality of these woman who have devoted their lives to the fight for freedom. It's an uplifting tale of triumph over adversity and should be watched with anyone, who feels deeply about such themes.
* Mimi K, the popular Channel O (Africa's only music lifestyle television channel broadcast across the continent on the DStv platform) VJ has been snapped up by the world's leading music television channel, MTV. At MTV, Mimi K anchors two shows, Dancefloor Chart - a club lifestyle show, focusing on the latest news on the European club scene and Top Selection - a music website show where Mimi K interacts directly with viewers through the web. She also co-presents Select Live - a pop show featuring artist interviews, news and views. Mimi K can be seen on the MTV Northern Europe feed watched by over 30 million viewers across Europe and Africa.
* The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) forms part of the 4th Festival of the Dhow Countries - East Africa's largest cultural event - which takes place in Zanzibar from 29 June to 14 July 2001. More than 100 films will be screened including: 'Mama Africa', a series of six short feature films produced by Zimmedia and M-Net; a package of three New Directions short films distributed by M-Net and produced by Richard Green and Associates of South Africa - 'Surrender' (Tanzania) directed by Celine Gilbert;. 'The Father' (Ethiopia) directed by Dumisani Phakathi; and 'A Barber's Wisdom' (Nigeria) directed by Amaka Igwe. On the documentary side, 'Tomorrow's Heroes' (South Africa) directed by J.W. Fredericks and 'Music in Islam' (South Africa) directed by Munier Parker will be shown.
* A Senegalese Association of cinematographic cultural action, Groupe Image et Vie, will organize a film festival from 7 to 11 June in Dakar, Senegal. Several screenings of films will be held in the cinema of the capital and in the open air. Many workshops and conferences will be part of the event. For more info email image_vie@hotmail.com.
* There will be an International Seminar and Workshop in Lagos on 18 - 19 June 2001. It is presented by MultiChoice Nigeria and the Conference of Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria and has as its theme "Content and its Distribution in Africa". Speakers will include Lazarus Zim of MIH Holdings, Dr. Pat Utomi, Chairman Platinum Bank and Director, Lagos Business School, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman DAAR Communications operators of Africa Independent Television, The Deputy President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the House committee on Information. All the networks that have set up shop in Nigeria, the Multinational Corporations, the National corporations, and the production community are invited. Admission is free. RSVP Charles Igwe, Secretary General, Conference of Motion Picture Practitioners of Nigeria at crystalg@infoweb.abs.net
AFRICAN AMERICAN
* Marlon Brando worked one day on the set of Scary Movie 2, often having to wear an oxygen mask in order to fight off the effects of pneumonia, the film's star and writer Marlon Wayans told the New York Post. Brando was reportedly to receive $2 million for the cameo role, a priest presiding over an exorcism. "He wanted to go for it," brother Shawn Wayans added. "He had an oxygen mask and we were like, 'Yo, we gotta let him go This guy is not healthy." Brando was eventually replaced by James Woods. "We didn't want to be responsible for killing the Godfather," Marlon Wayans remarked. (Yeah but you've just offended him - DR.SOTHA)
* Chris Rock is hoping to win the role off an eccentric pop star in the $39 million musical comedy "Big In Japan." Chris wants to play the leader of a one-hit wonder hip-hop group who are re-discovered in the Far East. Next Friday director Steve Carr is taking control of the movie. A worker on the project says of Rock, "He has been waiting for an opportunity to do something musical. Rather strangely, they also love him in Japan where the movie is set. Rap music is huge out there at the moment." This would not be Rock's first rap-based comedy. In 1993, he co-wrote and starred in CB4, a mock documentary about a rap group.
* Rob Cohen is set to direct and Neal Moritz is in final negotiations to produce the urban spy thriller "Triple X" for Revolution Studios. Production is slated to begin by year's end. Vin Deisel is circling the project, which would mark a reteaming of the director, producer and actor, who worked together on Universal Pictures' upcoming "The Fast and the Furious." Moritz and Cohen also worked together on Universal's "The Skulls." Written by Rich Wilkes ("Airheads"), the project is described as centering on a tough extreme-sports player who is co-opted by the government to infiltrate a crime ring. The character is described as a James Bond-like hero with the personality of a rock star/chick magnet like Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst. (huhh? - DR.SOTHA)
* Despite the failure that was 'Beverly Hills Cop III', Variety reports that Eddie Murphy may be getting lined up for a fourth in the Cop series. Murphy, who has remained attached to the series, is awaiting the script from rock-musician-turned-screenwriter Jason Richman, who has been tapped to write the fourth installment for Paramount and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. While it's not even certain that Cop IV will go into production, much of that decision seeming to rest on the strength of Richman's script, his assignment puts the film in play as a possible future project for Murphy (Jason my man, the heat is on - DR.SOTHA)
* Screenwriter Darryl Quarles ("Big Momma's House") is in negotiations to make his directorial debut on Screen Gems' urban dramedy "So This Is Love" from his own script. The project will go out to cast shortly. Described as a male version of "Waiting to Exhale," "Love" is about four young, successful, married middle-class black men who are best friends. By virtue of their friendships, their wives are also best friends. When one of the men leaves his wife for a young white woman, tension ripples throughout the group.
* Propaganda Films has made a low-six-figure deal for the comedy pitch "Big in Japan," based on an original idea by helmer Steve Carr ("Next Friday"), which he will produce and possibly direct. First-time writer Jason Taragon will write the pitch, which is about a one-hit wonder hip-hop group that gets a second chance when their music is rediscovered in Japan by a growing subculture of Japanese kids obsessed with rap. Carr's producing partner Heidi Santelli will co-produce the project, with Propaganda's Rick Hess executive producing. Carr and Santelli signed a deal this month to direct and produce commercials and music videos for Propaganda. This is their first feature pairing with the company.
* Castle Rock veteran Robin Green has joined Spike Lee's 40 Acres & a Mule Film Works as president of television. Green will spearhead a range of TV projects for Lee's production company, which has an overall TV development deal with Studios USA. "We're very happy to welcome Robin, a veteran of great television, to 40 Acres & a Mule," Lee said. "She's a great addition and makes the team a lot stronger as we look to do some damage in television." Green spent the past 12 years as senior vp television production at Castle Rock, where she was involved with "Seinfeld," among other series. Green said she and Lee are set to meet with network executives this week to pitch a longform project and a comedy series. Although Lee is known for tackling controversial subjects in his films, Green said the company aims to be "all-inclusive" in its TV development.
* Mr. T is wary of women approaching him now that he's making a comeback. The cancer survivor admits his love life is on the up since he started appearing in a series of phone commercials - but he insists he's not interested in the attention. He says, "When I got cancer, all the so-called chicks, all the fine honeys, they wasn't around. The only ones coming around were the ones hoping 'Okay maybe I can get some money out of him before he dies.' (I know them bitches - DR.SOTHA) But now it's like, 'He's coming back? Mr. T, how are you doing?' We got to get together, I miss you.' Now they wanna call me I ain't got time for them." (Too right - DR.SOTHA)
* Britain's ITV commercial network has been accused of censorship after deciding to remove all references to a dog named "Nigger" from a classic British World War II film, Dam Busters, which starred Michael Redgrave. The group Index on Censorship noted that the film was based on a true incident, that the movie was made in 1954 and that the dog's name is also used later in the film as a codeword for a military operation. "Taking [the offending word] out is unnecessary and ridiculous," a spokeswoman for Index on Censorship told Britain's Guardian newspaper. "It is a '50s film, and it should be kept in context." But Ian McBride, managing editor of compliance at Granada, the ITV company that broadcast the film, responded, "What we are sensitive to is viewers being offended by [the word]." (Spike Lee it's your call - DR.SOTHA)
* Wrestling ace The Rock had problems when he began dating his wife Dany Garcia - because her parents objected to their mixed-race relationship. The star of The Mummy Returns, whose mother is Samoan and whose father is black, says when the couple embarked on their relationship 10 years ago, Dany's parents refused to accept it and didn't even take time out to meet him. He explains, "Her parents were Cuban immigrants who were adamant about being American. English was always the first language in their home. "They wanted their children to assimilate, adapt and succeed. What they did not want was their daughter dating me, a person of colour. I was half-black and that made me an unsuitable suitor." The muscleman dated 32-year-old financial consultant Dany for a full six years before they married, but didn't meet her parents formally until he informed her father that the two planned to wed. The Rock, real name Dwayne Johnson, is expecting his first daughter with his wife in August.
* Dimension Films, the genre arm of Miramax Films, has settled a legal dispute with the producers of "O," a project that has courted controversy for allegedly depicting scenes of high school violence. Financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed, and both parties declined comment on the case because of a confidentiality agreement. In a complaint filed this year in New York Supreme Court, the film's producers alleged that Dimension broke its distribution agreement by continually pushing back the release of "O." Dimension's first bow for "O" -- which was produced by Eric Gitter, Anthony Rhulen and Daniel Fried, with Michael Levy executive producing -- was scheduled in 1999, and a second release date was planned for March. In both cases, off-screen high school violence sidelined the film from hitting theaters.
* Ebony magazine and CBS Early Show host Bryant Gumbel are engaging in a public battle over remarks Gumbel recently made during a graduation speech at Howard University. Gumbel told students at the predominantly black university that the status of blacks in the U.S. will not change if "all you're going to seek is a superficial Ebony magazine view of life -- one that accentuates only your cars and your clothes." In what the New York Times described as an "angry and derisive letter," Linda Johnson Rice, president and COO of Johnson Publishing Co., which publishes Ebony, maintained that the magazine writes numerous articles about serious subjects affecting blacks, then concluded, "We're glad that you found time to visit Black America, but we regret you were not better informed. ... We don't visit Black America, we live here." Gumbel responded: "Instead of complaining about the truth, maybe Ms. Rice should be more worried about the fact that everyone totally understood the reference I made and applauded it loudly." (PEOPLE..get a hold of yourselves - DR.SOTHA)
