Three free solar-powered community screenings of selected Silwerskerm Film Festival movies
Courtesy of The City of Cape Town and the kykNET Silwerskerm Film Festival, Sunshine Cinema is facilitating three free solar-powered screenings of festival films in August at community venues in and around Cape Town.
These movies will be screened in Hangberg, Ravensmead and the Bo-Kaap.
One of the 2022 Silwerskerm Film Festival premieres, Down So Long has been selected as a special treat for the people of Hangberg, the setting of this social realist comedy.
The event will take place on Saturday, 12 August, just before the 11th kykNET Silwerskerm Festival starts. The venue is the Hangklip Recreational Centre, and the screening starts at 19:00.
Down So Long tells the story of Joseph Mabena, who lives in an overcrowded house with his wife and extended family. When he receives a substantial payout after losing his eye in a workplace incident, all his supposed loved ones care more about the money than his well-being.
Except for two professional actors, SAFTA winner Tshamano Sebe and Khadija Heeger, the entire cast hails from the Hangberg informal settlement. The community also provided many of the film’s behind-the-scenes services, like catering, security and medical services.
Hours after its premiere at the 11th kykNET Silwerskerm Film Festival on Wednesday, 23 August, the romantic comedy Frankie and Felipé will make its way to the Ravensmead Civic Center at 19:00.
Starring the late Bradley Olivier and Solomon Cupido, Frankie and Felipé revolves around two brothers who are separated during their childhood. Chaos ensues when they meet up again as adults in the days before Frankie’s wedding. The film was co-written by Bradley and Solomon, and the cast includes Zane Meas, Kim Syster, Danny Ross, Brendon Daniels and Terence Bridgett.
Another feature film, enjoying its premiere at this year’s festival, Old Righteous Blues, will be screened at the Schotse Kloof Hall in the Bo-Kaap on Friday, 25 August, at 20:00.
Old Righteous Blues casts the spotlight on a South African cultural treasure: the Western Cape’s Christmas choirs. This gripping Romeo and Juliet drama was filmed in Robertson with an impressive cast and extras from the area. It tells the tale of Hantjie, played by Ayden Croy, who desperately wants to become drum major for his Christmas choir. Unfortunately, the choir’s staunch leaders disapprove. And to further complicate matters, the love of his life, played by up-and-coming actress Megan Saayman, is the daughter of the leader of a hated rival choir. The many veteran actors featured in Old Righteous Blues include Kevin Smith, Simon Bruinders and Ivan Abrahams.
Entrance for these Outreach screenings is free, on a first-come, first-served basis.