FADAFILM Launch.
Screening of AFRICA SHAFTED; an award winning
documentary, an Ingrid Martens film.
Date: 19 February.
Time: 18:30 - 19:00.
Venue: FADA Amphitheater.
Ingrid Martens, producer, director and editor of the film will give an
introduction to the screening.
- Producer, director, camera, editor & web designer: Ingrid Martens
- Production manager: Bronwyn Nesbitt
- Assistant director: Mandla Mlambo
- On-line editor: Stephen Abbott
- Final mix: Brett Barnes/EarCandy
- Editorial advisors: Angie Kapelianis & Catherine Whitfield1st
- web designer: Chevon Erasmus Porter.
If South Africa is the economic hub of the continent, then
Johannesburg is it’s bank vault; a magnet therefore, of migrants from all
corners of the continent, searching for a better life – a slice of the “African
dream”. And planted in the heart of downtown Joburg, a majestic blip on
it’s turbulent landscape, The Ponte - iconic, rotund, infamous, feared by
most Jo’burgers – Africa’s tallest apartment building, a towering 54
floors, housing 4,400 men, women and children. Some South African, but
many from across Africa’s vast borders, the Ponte is Little Africa (image above).
“Long since a film has touched me this much.” Johannes Grober, Africa in Motion in Scotland
Shot painstakingly over five years, until the expulsion of tenants for
more lucrative property investment, and a month shy of South Africa’s
xenophobic attacks, AFRICA SHAFTED: UNDER ONE ROOF harmoniously,
humorously and lyrically, takes the viewer from the beyond the windows of a
concrete tower, revealing the humanity behind this often misunderstood and
reviled community.
Simple in its concept, AFRICA SHAFTED: UNDER ONE ROOF is
shot entirely within the confines of a lift. The lens becomes a
confessional or simply a witness to snippets of people’s lives, on their micro
journeys to and from their homes. Limited by the time a person enters and
leaves the lift, time itself becomes a vacuum. What people reveal
to the camera in moments, is often surprising, poignant, witty and sometimes shocking.
Conversations with each other, or simply watching the watcher, are completely
natural. Nothing is set up. Nothing is forced.
“My hands down favorite doc in the festival this year.” Hellura Lyle, New York Doc Watchers
Over months, some develop a relationship with the camera, enjoying the
funnel of the camera as a listener. Others remain still – the subtlety of body
language is enough to understand joy, or pain, that may never be
revealed. The lift allows a diverse number of people to enter the lives
of the viewer, from all over the continent, under one space. It also forces for
unique interaction and conversation to take place between people from different
countries. As their stories unfold, some people’s prejudices naturally
disappear as they talk to each other within the space of this communal,
claustrophobic vehicle.
This reinforces the universal message, that through dialogue and
understanding, respect starts to take root. The viewer ultimately, becomes an
active participant rather than a passive observer. They are forced to invade
the space of people, and at times, uncomfortably so, with the vulnerability,
resilience and strength of each individual that appears in front of the
camera. Storytelling doesn’t get much more up close and in-your-face than
this.
“A truly humane and entertaining look at our continent personified by its complex and beautiful people." Akin Omotoso, SA & Nigerian filmmaker
Reflecting the mood and vibe of the continent, the film is supported
throughout with rich tapestry of music that has and continues to be, the
thriving heartbeat of Africa’s soul. Harnessing both famous and
lesser-known artists from all over, including the voices of refugees and
migrant workers themselves, this rhythm complements beautifully the tempo of
what is being watched. The music completes the film and fulfills its intention
compellingly - a film not of containment but ultimately, one of liberation.
AFRICA SHAFTED: UNDER ONE ROOF is a film for now. By
capturing the views and opinions of ordinary Africans who have been seen as
scary, undeserving, criminal, drug sellers by so may in post-apartheid South
Africa. This unique experience allows for a deeper, and more comparative
understanding of the South African and the African condition.
Trish Malone and Ingrid Martens
I’M Original Productions
Executive Producer & Director
2010 – Present (5 years)
