SA film wins recognition in Cannes

Written by Julie Frederikse and Madoda Ncayiyana, "Izulu Lami" follows the story of two young children who journey to the city from their rural homestead after their mother's death, in search of a better life.

“What is unique and compelling about "My Secret Sky" are the performances of the young children who star in the film,” says Julie Frederikse. “Children need a really good director to make it work and Madoda was able to do that.”

“The film is very authentic,” continues Frederikse. “It's very African...very KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and will be seen by audiences all over Africa. We are hoping that South African audiences will take ownership of this film as ‘one of their own' and come out to see it when it goes on circuit.”

“The award is terrific recognition not only for the people who made it but also for the fact that it is a truly African story that has appeal to any African audience who watches it,” says The Durban Film Office's (DFO) Toni Monty. “The fact that it was made in Durban makes us even more proud.”

Child stars of /Izulu Lami/My Secret Sky/, Sobahle Mkhabase and Sibonelo Malinga, in a scene from the film shot in Durban which won Best Feature Film at the Cannes Pan-African Film Festival.

The film, shot in the Inanda-Ntuzuma-KwaMashu area, showcases the locations that the region encompasses, including rural scenes shot around Inanda Dam, as well as in Durban's city centre and beachfront.

Produced by Dv8 Films and co-produced by Vuleka Productions, "Izulu Lami" is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the SABC, Ster-Kinekor Distribution, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Rebate, INK and the French film fund, Fonds Images Afrique.

Says Jeremy Nathan, producer for Dv8 Films, about director Madoda Ncayiyana: “Madoda is extremely compassionate and has brought a charm to the story unseen in South African films”.

"Izulu Lami" will be distributed by Ster-Kinekor Distribution nationwide in South Africa in August 2009. The film will then be available on DVD through Ster-Kinekor Home Entertainment thereafter. It will be broadcast on SABC towards the end of the year.