New SA movie makes history
The screening of the movie, Noem My Skollie, at Pollsmoor prison made history, as the first feature film in South Africa, to premiere at a maximum security prison before its national release in cinemas.
Last week the film was screened to an audience of about 150 people, including wardens, inmates from the Arts and Culture group, and invited guests.
The screening was a collaboration with Norwegian partners on a theatre project involving prisoners and parolees, called Help I am Free.
Another screening was held on August 17th, which excluded members of the public and media, in an attempt to reach more of the inmates. 130 male and female prisoners attended this event. The following day another screening was arranged for 130 prison wardens.
The atmosphere was loaded as the film started and kept the audience on the edge of their seats until the end. When the credits rolled, there was hardly a dry eye in the house.
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In the audience at the first screening, wearing the yellow attire of an awaiting trial prisoner, was one of the leading actors in the film, David Manuel, who had been on parole when the movie was shot and was picked up by police a few months ago for a petty crime, which he denied being involved in.
Luckily his case was heard earlier this week and all charges were withdrawn.
The the next time he sees the film will be as a free man and a bona fide actor that has also been cast in a leading role in a new local feature film.
Watch the trailer here:
- Press Release