In this episode of Supernormal Film Society, host Vulane Mthembu engages with film critic Wilfred Okiche, exploring his journey into film criticism, the influence of film festivals, and the significance of representation in African cinema. They discuss the impact of musicals, proud moments in writing, and the global reach of Nollywood. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by African film festivals and the importance of supporting African filmmakers. Wilfred shares his top films that have shaped his perspective, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of African film history and the power of representation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wilfred Okiche

01:00 The Journey into Film Criticism

03:44 The Impact of Nollywood

06:18 Cultural Representation in Film

09:11 Notable Works and Achievements

12:00 Film Festivals and Their Importance

14:23 The Future of African Cinema

24:56 Challenges of Film Festivals in Africa

27:16 Impactful Films and Personal Favorites

35:34 The Joy of Cinema in African Context

41:23 Supporting African Cinema

43:36 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Takeaways

Wilfred Okiche's journey into film criticism began with a love for movies.

Film festivals play a crucial role in promoting African cinema.

Musicals have a significant impact on the film industry and audience engagement.

Writing about film can lead to unexpected opportunities and recognition.

Nollywood's popularity is not solely due to Nigeria's population but its relatable storytelling.

Authentic representation in film is vital for connecting with audiences.

African film festivals face challenges but are essential for showcasing talent.

Artistic expression in African cinema is diverse and evolving.

Understanding film history is crucial for filmmakers and critics alike.

Supporting African films is necessary for the growth of the industry.

In this conversation, Dr. Andreas Strohl, former director of the Munich International Film Festival, shares his unique journey into the world of film, discussing the impact of new media, the Dogma movement, and his personal favorite films. He reflects on the challenges of comedy in cinema, the distinct humor of Czech films, and the influence of Bob Dylan on film narratives. The discussion also touches on the art of filmmaking, the importance of editing, and the evolving nature of personal favorites in film. Dr. Strohl concludes with thoughts on the future of filmmaking and writing, emphasizing the need for exploration and creativity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr Andreas Strohl

01:05 Andreas Strohl's Journey into Film

04:36 The Impact of New Media on Film

10:22 Exploring the Dogma Movement

14:53 Discussing Influential Films

23:15 Favorite Comedies and Their Significance

26:06 Masterpieces and Personal Favorites

28:20 The Impact of Personal Connection in Film

30:54 Metaphors in Cinema: A Deeper Understanding

33:03 Exploring the Works of Werner Herzog

35:24 The Art of Film Editing: The Last Five Minutes

37:45 Comparative Analysis: Fitzcarraldo vs Aguirre

39:29 The Influence of Music in Film

41:16 Biopics and the Challenge of Representation

44:13 Reflections on Filmmaking and Future Projects

In this episode of the Supernormal Film Society, host Vulane Mthembu engages with filmmaker Karabo Lediga, exploring her journey into film, the importance of representation in storytelling, and the challenges of writing comedy. They discuss favourite films, the impact of Get Out on modern horror, and the nuances of black storytelling. Karabo shares insights on her upcoming feature film, Sabbatical, which focuses on mother-daughter relationships, emphasizing the need for diverse narratives in South African cinema.

Takeaways

Karabo Lediga's journey into film began with a childhood love for storytelling.

Representation in film is crucial to showcase the diversity of black experiences.

Comedy writing presents unique challenges that require innovation and authenticity.

Favorite films often reflect personal experiences and emotional resonance.

Cinematic language can be influenced by cultural backgrounds and experiences.

Get Out has significantly impacted the portrayal of black narratives in horror.

The importance of nuanced storytelling in South African cinema cannot be overstated.

Karabo's upcoming film, Sabatical, aims to explore mother-daughter relationships.

Diverse narratives are essential for the growth of South African cinema.

The conversation highlights the need for audiences to engage with and support local stories.

Keywords

film, storytelling, representation, comedy, favourite films, cinematic language, black stories, Karabo Lediga, South African cinema, Get Out

In this episode of Super Normal Film Society, host Vulane Mthembu engages with filmmaker Menzi Mhlongo, exploring his journey in the film industry, his early love for cinema, and the significant films that have shaped his perspective. Menzi shares insights into his career development, upcoming projects, and the importance of audience development in South African cinema. The conversation highlights the need for greater appreciation and consumption of local and African films, emphasizing the cultural richness and diversity within the film industry.

Keywords

film, filmmaking, Durban International Film Festival, animation, Spirited Away, Toy Story, audience development, South African cinema, Menzi Xlong, Super Nomad Film Society

Takeaways

Menzi describes himself as an average Joe with a passion for film.

His early experiences with VCRs and film rentals sparked his love for cinema.

Menzi's career began at the Durban International Film Festival, which fueled his ambition.

He emphasizes the importance of behind-the-scenes work in filmmaking.

Toy Story and Spirited Away are among his favorite films for their storytelling.

Goodfellas is praised for its engaging narrative and cinematography.

Stand By Me resonates with Menzi due to its nostalgic themes.

He encourages aspiring filmmakers to draw inspiration from existing works.

Menzi's upcoming project is set to be showcased at the Berlin International Film Festival.

He advocates for the development of a film culture in South Africa, urging audiences to support local cinema.

Kwanele's journey began with writing rhymes and evolved into journalism.

Hip-hop has been a significant influence on Kwanele's understanding of culture.

The importance of cultivating one's own voice in the arts.

Films like 'Last Days' challenge traditional storytelling methods.

Biopics often struggle with the complexities of representation.

Kwanele's film selections reflect a connection to tortured souls.

Slam poetry has roots in hip-hop and has influenced cinema.

Prison films serve as metaphors for freedom and societal constraints.

The role of vocals in music is crucial for situating the listener.

Korean cinema, particularly Bong Joon-ho's work, offers profound insights into societal issues.

Sound Bites

"The jewels can get unexpectedly dropped."

"I relate to the world and society like that."

"I love this guy's stuff."

Supernormal Film Society: Leviathan /Левиафан (2014) Review

In this engaging conversation, Vulane Mthembu and Manelisi explore the intersections of music, film, and storytelling. Manelisi shares his journey as a recording artist and arts administrator, reflecting on his late entry into music and the cultural landscape of Durban. The discussion delves into Manelisi's favourite films, their impact on storytelling, and the cultural reflections they provide. They also touch on the influence of iconic filmmakers like John Singleton and Spike Lee, the role of sneakers in film culture, and Manelisi's current projects in music and live performances.