The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) is showcasing their second African identity documentary project called Shades of Belonging, a youth film that gives thought-provoking insight on various issues that youth in South Africa are faced with. Speaking to VOC, Nosindiso Mtimkulu, the producer for the project, said the film will be screened at the District Six Museum as part of the museum’s Heritage Month theme. “I am quite proud of the team who helped put this piece together. It’s very touching and interesting to watch,” said Mtimkulu.
Although it was launched at the Museum, the filmmakers want to also showcase it at various community halls in Cape Town for interested people to view. The first African identity piece was screened nationwide in different communities across the country last year, revealing the extent to which South African youth where inspired by engagement and conversation about issues affecting them. Mtimkulu said the team chose to be more inclusive with their project this year.
“Regardless of race, religion and creed, we mostly had foreign nationals and black people last year. We decided to be more comprehensive this year and therefore it is mainly white South Africans who feature in this year’s film,” she said. The team gathered 17 participants from all over the country. Ten of them were from SA and the rest where foreign nationals who were based in Cape Town. Each participant was free to talk on their identities and the producers went around to different communities and schools to put the film together, she said.
“A lot of research was done and we made sure that they chose the correct people to feature in the documentary as well,” she added. Mtimkulu said the documentary filmmakers worked hard throughout the year to make the film a success. “We searched for these participants at various schools and universities. In order for them to have been part of the film they had to be over the age of 18 and below 35 years old due to the topic being so important,” she added.
During the time, they were taught certain skills like directing, camera work, script writing and sound. "Once they had the groove of it we sent them on stories and places of their choice to start filming their documentaries,” she said. “A lot of people asked us if this was a competition that the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation was running,” said Mtimkulu. “No it was not, but rather a gift from the Institute to give youth an opportunity and platform to discuss their identity..."
Even though the participants were trained, they had a professional film crew that travelled with them at all times in case anything went wrong. “Shades of Belonging is very powerful and different to last year’s one. I therefore encourage you to come and view it.” If you would like to know more on the Shades of Belonging documentary or how you can make an application to be part of the next documentary, you can contact Nosindiso Mtimkulu on 021 763 7174 or email Nosindiso@ijr.org.za . VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
Although it was launched at the Museum, the filmmakers want to also showcase it at various community halls in Cape Town for interested people to view. The first African identity piece was screened nationwide in different communities across the country last year, revealing the extent to which South African youth where inspired by engagement and conversation about issues affecting them. Mtimkulu said the team chose to be more inclusive with their project this year.
“Regardless of race, religion and creed, we mostly had foreign nationals and black people last year. We decided to be more comprehensive this year and therefore it is mainly white South Africans who feature in this year’s film,” she said. The team gathered 17 participants from all over the country. Ten of them were from SA and the rest where foreign nationals who were based in Cape Town. Each participant was free to talk on their identities and the producers went around to different communities and schools to put the film together, she said.
“A lot of research was done and we made sure that they chose the correct people to feature in the documentary as well,” she added. Mtimkulu said the documentary filmmakers worked hard throughout the year to make the film a success. “We searched for these participants at various schools and universities. In order for them to have been part of the film they had to be over the age of 18 and below 35 years old due to the topic being so important,” she added.
During the time, they were taught certain skills like directing, camera work, script writing and sound. "Once they had the groove of it we sent them on stories and places of their choice to start filming their documentaries,” she said. “A lot of people asked us if this was a competition that the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation was running,” said Mtimkulu. “No it was not, but rather a gift from the Institute to give youth an opportunity and platform to discuss their identity..."
Even though the participants were trained, they had a professional film crew that travelled with them at all times in case anything went wrong. “Shades of Belonging is very powerful and different to last year’s one. I therefore encourage you to come and view it.” If you would like to know more on the Shades of Belonging documentary or how you can make an application to be part of the next documentary, you can contact Nosindiso Mtimkulu on 021 763 7174 or email Nosindiso@ijr.org.za . VOC (Aishah Cassiem)
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