Cinema alert: TheCapeRobyn watchlist for the 2022 Durban International Film Festival -#DIFF2022 – eight films to check out as a start


The Durban International Film Festival lifts off tomorrow – July 21 and is on until July 30, 2022 . The hybrid event includes screenings in cinema and online screenings. It is an incredible opportunity for South Africans, to watch online, from their own devices. Not only do we have online access to most of the films at #DIFF2022, but there is no charge to watch the online programme. This is the 43rd edition of DIFF. The diverse programme is packed with features, doccies and shorts. As with any festival, one can get flummoxed, deciding which films to watch. Here is TheCapeRobyn watchlist – starter watchlist. Details in box, regarding availability online and screenings at CineCentre, Suncoast Casino, KZN. Remember – although there is no charge to watch online, you need to book. Why? Some films may have limited release in terms of number of available tickets. Imagine, that you are in a cinema and there is capacity for a number of seats. The same holds for online. Some distributors may put a limit on number of tickets available for online viewing. Book as soon as the films are available. Once you have booked and have the films plonked in your library, on your device, you have two days to watch. If you don’t watch the films in time, you need to go back to the DIFF site and book again. However, you may find a pop-up, which announces that the film is ‘sold out’. Yeah, films may be free but they can and do sell out. Here we go. Enjoy #DIFF2022. Full programme: https://www.durbanfilmfest.com/

Durban International Film Festival, July 21 to 30, 2022 #DIFF2022- TheCapeRobyn watch-list

1. Music is My Life– Joseph Shabalala & Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Doccie (South Africa). 1 hour 30 mins. Available online, after live screening on Sunday July 24. The film is screening 4pm at CineCentre, Suncoast Casino at 4pm- so expect it Sunday evening. Booking link: https://www.durbanfilmfest.com/film/music-is-my-life/

2. Girl, Taken – doccie, directed by Simon Wood, tracking the Zephany Nurse story (South Africa). 1 hr 32 mins. Online from July 22. Booking link: https://www.durbanfilmfest.com/film/girl-taken/

3. The Talking Guitar – Themba Mokoena. Doccie (South Africa), on the guitar legend, Themba Mokoena, who “lives in obscurity, detailing how he inspired an entire generation of passed legends at the cost of his own health.” 1 hour 24 mins. Online from July 22. Booking link:  https://www.durbanfilmfest.com/film/the-talking-guitar-themba-mokoena/

4. Good Madam-directed by Jenna Bass (South Africa). Feature – horror/drama. 1 hr 32 min.  Online from July 22. Booking link:  https://www.durbanfilmfest.com/film/good-madam/

5. Tug of War– feature, directed by Amil Shivji, written by Jenna Bass (South Africa). “Coming-of-age political love story set in the final years of British colonial Zanzibar.” One hr 30 min. Online from July 22.  Booking link:  https://www.durbanfilmfest.com/film/tug-of-war/

6. You’re My Favourite Place– directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka (South Africa). Closing film of #DIFF2022. On the last day of their high school careers, Nelisa Vena and three friends from a township in East London,  “embark on a life-defining road trip by stealing a taxi and heading to the remote landmark of Hole in the Wall, where Xhosa legend has it you can talk to the dead.” This film is screening at CineCentre, Suncoast Casino, July 29, at 7pm.  Available online from July 29, from 8pm and available online, on July 30. Booking link:  https://www.durbanfilmfest.com/film/closing-film-youre-my-favourite-place/

7. 1960– directed by King Shaft and Michael Motumbo (South Africa). Feature/thriller/drama. “… the remains of an apartheid-era policeman are discovered 60 years after he went missing.” Opening film at #DIFF2022. The film is screening Thursday July 21 at 4pm at CineCentre, Suncoast Casino- so expect it online- Thursday evening. Booking link: https://www.durbanfilmfest.com/film/opening-film-1960/

8. Adam & Ida – Almost a Fairytale-  Directed by Jan Tenhaven (Germany). “Adam and Ida were three years old when they were separated during the Holocaust..” They were re-united. ‘ Is it a happy ending? Can history be overcome?” I hour 22 min documentary. Online from July 22. Booking link:  https://www.durbanfilmfest.com/film/adam-and-ida-almost-a-fairytale/    

Access for Online Screenings: Geo-blocked to South Africa  
 
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✳Featured image- Music is My Life– Joseph Shabalala & Ladysmith Black Mambazo, screening at #DIFF2022. Supplied. Related coverage on TheCapeRobyn: https://thecaperobyn.co.za/preview-durban-international-film-festival-2022-live-and-online-exciting-hybrid-presentation/