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Hard to Get Catapults SA Film Industry

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This year’s Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) kicked off to a great start with the festival focusing on South Africa’s 20 years of democracy. Opening ceremony speeches clearly conveyed the depth of emotion many felt at this pinnacle moment in our history and a vast array of films have been carefully selected to highlight South Africa’s recent history. The festival also selected a local film, Hard to Get, to premiere at the opening ceremony to further illustrate this theme, but what it did was far, far more.

Having read the synopsis, I must admit that I was slightly underwhelmed by the choice of opening film but then we were introduced to a very young, charismatic director (Zee Ntuli), who piqued my interest. Could he convey that youth and charisma on-screen and provide us with something remarkably different? I wasn’t too sure. The opening scene was risky but unappealing … and then it all changed. Ntuli delivers an innovative, funny and all-round likeable piece of filmmaking. There are times when his experimental filmmaking can border amateur/not fully refined but for the most part, it works really well. Accompanied by a fun, local soundtrack that carefully enhances scenes and some downright good acting, this film showcased the great triumph that is South African cinema and the amazing talent that should be nurtured in this growing industry.

The film tells the tale of a carefree womaniser, TK (Pallance Dladla), whose plans to never rock the boat are thrown overboard when he meets thrill-seeking, petty criminal, Skiets (Thishiwe Ziqubu), who’s built so many walls around herself that it’s second nature for her to push everyone including TK away. In an effort to save themselves from the local gangster with severe anger management issues, TK and SKiets leave the only home TK has known to the vast unknown of Jozi. Skiets at first seemed to play a very Lady Macbeth role, nudging TK into a life of crime to serve their daily needs but this quickly changed as the fast-paced script threw them into increasingly more dangerous situations, with their only hope being each other. These two protagonists could not be more different with Dladla and Ziqubu giving such convincing performancez that helped you relate to each of them. Their performances were authentic, nuanced and the cast (not just the protagonists) had great all-round chemistry. Israel Makoe, Paka Zwedala and Jerry Mofokeng added great depth to this production but the lead couple definitely stole the show with their transformative characters. However, the star of the film for me was the humour. The film had such subtle humour, which takes a lot of skill to pull off and what impressed me the most from Ntuli was the trust he had in his audience to be subtle and faith that they didn’t need him to be in-your-face with scenes or script.

The film festival runs until 27 July 2014 and film enthusiasts should definitely catch the next screening of Hard to Get on 21 July at 15:30 at Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre or 23 July at Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. For more on the festival including a screening schedule, visit durbanfilmfestival.co.za

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Entertainment

Jeremy Loops to perform at Old Mutual Music at the Lake Concert at the Durban Botanic Gardens on Saturday 19 October.

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Durban, September 11th, 2024 ā€“ Get ready for an epic Spring celebration as South Africaā€™s beloved singer-songwriter, Jeremy Loops, returns to Durban for the Old Mutual Music at the Lake concert series. On Saturday, 19 October, the iconic Durban Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a vibrant festival of live music and fun for the whole family.

Gates open at 2 PM, with the concert wrapping up by 7 PM, making it a perfect afternoon of music in one of Durban’s most stunning outdoor venues. Tickets are limited and available onĀ Webtickets ā€“ grab yours before theyā€™re gone!

“Old Mutual’s sponsorship of the Music at the Lake series showcases our deep-rooted commitment to nurturing community spirit and celebrating both local and international talent. We believe in the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories. Our support for this series is our way of supporting the arts and the communities we serve. We are proud to create platforms where talent, family and joy can flourish in the heart of Durban’s historic Botanic Gardens,”Ā saidĀ Thobile Tshabalala, Head of Brand at Old Mutual.

Jeremy Loops brings more than just his live performance magicā€”heā€™s back with brand-new music!
His latest single, “Go Again,” gives fans a fresh anthem to vibe to before the show. Featuring his signature blend of soulful lyrics and upbeat melodies, “Go Again” is an empowering track about facing lifeā€™s challenges head-on.

In Jeremy’s words,Ā ā€œGo Again is my declaration to lean into positivity, to find strength in the storm, and to bring the sunshine, even when itā€™s raining.ā€ The song, co-written and produced with Edd Holloway (known for his work with Dean Lewis and Lewis Capaldi), marks Jeremy’s second release this year following “Dust Over Dunes” (August 2nd) and gives fans a taste of what to expect from his forthcoming album.

Donā€™t miss this incredible opportunity to experience Jeremy Loops live at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the perfect family outing, surrounded by nature and incredible music. Book your tickets now!

Event Details:

Old Mutual Music at the Lake with Jeremy Loops

Date: Saturday, 19 October
Location: Durban Botanic Gardens
Tickets: Available now via Webtickets
Capacity: Limited to 2500 attendees
Times:Ā Gates open 14h00 – Show ends 19h00.

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Attractions

Drakensberg Hikes with PathFinders_SA

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Explore the Drakensberg mountains with PathFinders_SA!

The purpose of PathFinders_SA is to provide more people with the opportunity to experience the majesty of the mountains and all they have to teach us. They achieve this through offering guided adventures in the Drakensberg, South Africa: their guides are qualified and registered with CATHSETTA. PathFinders_SA offer both calendar hikes (pre-planned adventures that any individual or small group may join) as well as customised group trips. We are able to guide anywhere in the Drakensberg, and are not limited to a few commercial routes. However, here are some of their community favourites:

Mnweni Circuit
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 30km, 1500m elevation gain
Level: intermediate
Cost: R2000pp including permits, guide and tents


Mnweni Circuit

Mafadi
Duration: 3-4 days
Distance: 52km, 1800m elevation gain
Level: intermediate to advanced
Highlights: Highest peak in South Africa
Cost: R2500pp including permits, guide and tents

Pillar Cave
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 5km
Level: beginner. Suitable for children
Cost: R1200pp including permits, guide and dinner and breakfast on the mountain


Pillar Cave

Rhino Peak
Duration: 1 or 2 days
Distance: 21km
Level: intermediate (2days), advanced (1day)
Cost: R1000pp including permits and guide


Rhino Peak

Didima Circuit
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 35km
Level: intermediate to advanced
Highlights: Tseketseke Hut and Roland’s Cave
Cost: R2200pp including permits, guide and tents


Roland’s Cave

Amphitheatre Adventure
Duration: 1 or 2 days
Distance: 12km
Level: beginner to intermediate
Cost: R2500pp including permits, shuttle to the start and guide


Amphitheatre

For more information or to book your next adventure, connect with us:

Website: www.pathfinderssa.com
Instagram: @pathfinders_sa
Call: 071 411 0768
Email: pathfinderssa@gmail.com

 

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Competitions

Win Tickets to Milky Chance in Durban!

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Milky Chance recently announced their long-awaited return to South Africa with their ā€œLiving In A Hazeā€ tour in February 2024 which will see them perform in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. The German Duo are excited to confirm that both Neon Dreams and Sean Koch will join them as support acts on the line-up for their shows in Cape Town (15 February) and Johannesburg (17 February), and Neon Dreams will also join Milky Chance in Durban (18 February) as support act.

Canadian duo Neon Dreams are no strangers to the South African music scene. Their 2019 single ā€œLife Without Fantasiesā€ reached the top of the South African viral charts amassing millions of streams in 2021 during the lockdown. The band connected with tens of thousands of fans online which led to their first sold out headline tour. They have continued to cement themselves in the industry here, having toured the country a number of times over the past few years and return in February 2024 to share the stage with Milky Chance in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

Sean Koch is one of SAā€™s most-loved indie-folk artists who brings a mixed bag of African and western, influence alongside messages of home, a connection to nature, the ocean and the people around him; to his storytelling, feel-good music. While rooted in his flowing-folk style, his music is diverse. From dance infused songs like ā€˜Lift You Upā€™ the standout single from his collection (including the Double MZK & G DOM remix) to the dreamier songs like ā€˜Feel the Energyā€™ that carry deeper messages of connection to the natural world and the people that surround us. There is something for everyone in Seanā€™s catalogue.

How to Enter:

Instagram
1. Follow Durbanite, Milky Chance & Breakout Events’ Instagram pages.
2. Tell us who Milky Chance’s supporting act is in Durban & tag who youā€™d take with if you win.

OR

Facebook
1. Follow Durbanite, Milky Chance & Breakout Events’ Facebook pages.
2. Tell us who Milky Chance’s supporting act is in Durban & tag who youā€™d take with if you win.

Closing Date:
Monday, 12 February 2024

Winner Announced:
Tuesday, 13 February 2024

Entries limited to 5 per day.
Winners will be selected at random from valid entries.
Durbanite Competition T&Cs apply.

Tickets are on sale from https://breakoutevents.co.za/ and are selling fast, so get yours now!


Neon Dreams

Milky Chance ā€œLiving In A Hazeā€ South African Tour 2024 details:

DURBAN

Date: Sunday 18 February 2024
Time: 11:00 – 18:30
Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens uMphafa Field
Address: 9A John Zikhali Road, Berea, Durban 4001
Line up: Milky Chance + Neon Dreams + final opening act to be announced
Tickets:
General Admission Phase One: R495 ex R35 Fee
General Admission Phase Two: R595 ex R35 Fee
Ticket Link: https://breakout.howler.co.za/events/milky-chance-live-in-durban-5c47
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/181914891636282/

#MilkyChanceSouthAfrica

For more info, go to:
Ticketing link: https://breakoutevents.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abreakoutevent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abreakoutevent
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abreakoutevent

Follow Milky Chance online:
Official Website: https://www.milkychance.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkychance_official/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/milkychancemusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/milkychance

Milky Chance ā€œLiving In A Hazeā€ South African Tour Dates:

15 February 2024 ā€“ Green Point A-Track, Cape Town
(supported by Neon Dreams and Sean Koch)

17 February 2024 ā€“ Marks Park in Emmarentia, Johannesburg
(supported by Neon Dreams and Sean Koch + final opening act to be announced)

18 February 2024 ā€“ Durban Botanic Gardens uMphafa Field, Durban
(supported by Neon Dreams + final opening act to be announced)

 

 

 

 

 

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