I took in a film at the 2nd annual Vancouver South African Film Festival (VSAFF). The VSAFF uses the film fest as a way of raising money for Fezeka Senior Secondary and Songeze Middle Schools in Guguletu, Cape Town. My readers know that I have the
Missions of Hope which is dear to me and where most of my charitable giving goes. However, I do try to support other charitable endeavours wherever I can. I did that today by going to a film and making a small donation at the door.
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| This is where the film was shown in what we call the city's West End. The film festival ends Sunday. |
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| I got off the city bus and had to walk the last few blocks. I took these photos near the waterfront. I love the brilliant display of colour. |
The film I saw was called "Stargazer" (aka Roepman) is an epic drama, based on the Jan van Tonder
novel with the same title. It tells the story of a 1966 South African
railway community, told through the eyes of an eleven year old boy,
called Timus. Timus and his family are trapped within the structural
violence caused by the government and the church of the day. It is a
story with unforgettable characters and it combines the magical world of
childhood beautifully with the cold realities of the world.
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| There were a lot of people at the beach and a lot of tourists in town. I overheard an American mother saying it was the last week of school break. Canadian school children had their school break long ago. |
The film was purchased by an Black American and he kept the audience for a few minutes after the show to discuss some issues that will help him premiere the film in New York City. The film was made in Africaans, with English subtitles. It was interesting for me to see how much of the vocabulary I could make out in Africaans based on the subtitles. I enjoyed the film and if it was playing in a regular theatre sometime I would recommend you see it.
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| I never tire of the scenes at the waterfront. |
If you wish to see more beautiful scenes from around the world, please visit at
Scenic Sunday.
