Glad to announce that one of our 2012 highlights will be getting a UK release this spring.
South African drama Otelo Burning, directed by award-winning filmmaker Sara Blecher, will be released in the UK this spring, courtesy of Aya Distribution, in association with the New Black Film Network. The emotional coming-of-age drama, set against the backdrop of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, all seen through the eyes of a child, will have a six-night theatrical release from the 16th until the 21st of April, screening in venues right across London.
Accompanying some of these screenings (some of which will take place in universities) will be scheduled music events, and panel discussions.
Aya Distribution Project Director says:
‘From the moment we watched Otelo Burning we were moved and inspired by the stories it portrays. Through captivating cinematography, cultural realism, and rare scenes of black South African’s surfing it shows the multi-faceted nature of Apartheid and the price of freedom. We are extremely passionate about releasing more African films into the UK market, and we are glad that this film will be marking the forefront of this endeavour’’.
Filmed on location in Durban, written by Blecher James Whyle and The Cast Workshop, Otelo Burning c stars some familiar South African actors attached to previous films we’ve covered, like Kenneth Nkosi (Paradise Stop and White Wedding – South Africa’s entry in the 2009 Oscars in the foreign film category). Meanwhile, newcomers in Sihle Xaba, Thomas Gumede, and Jafta Mamabolo (as Otelo) star as the young ones.
Otelo Burning arrives in the UK following a successful USA limited release, where it was released to strong reviews.
It has also played at over 50 film festivals in 30 cities around the world in the last year, winning awards along the way.
To pre- order your tickets you’re instructed to follow the links outlined in the program below:
Programme:
Event: UK Special Screening and Q&A
Date: 16th of April
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, 52 High Rd, London N2 9PJ
Pre-book tickets here: http://www.phoenixcinema.co.uk/whatson/?progid=3723449
Event: Panel Discussion: Taking African films to new markets followed by screening
Description: This event will draw on the experience and expertise of leading industry professionals, and discuss the distribution possibilities emerging for African films in the UK. Followed by a screening of Otelo Burning.
Date: 17th of April
Time: 6pm – 9.30pm
Venue: 15 Golden Square London W1F 9JG
Pre-book tickets here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/5829469099
Event: Lexi Cinema Screening
Date: 18th of April
Time: 6. 30pm
Venue: 194b Chamberlayne Rd, London, Greater London NW10 3JU
Phone:0871 704 2069
Event: Birkbeck Cinema Screening and Q&A
Description: Cinema screening of Otelo Burning followed by a Q&A with the Director and renowned South African filmmaker Sara Blecher.
Date: 19th of April
Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Venue: 41 Gordon Square (use entrance at 43 Gordon Square) Birkbeck, University of London London WC1H 0PD
Pre-book tickets here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/5938077951
Event: Horse Hospital Screening followed by DJ night
Description: The Horse Hospital is now a unique Grade II listed arts venue situated in an un-spoilt mews in the heart of Bloomsbury, midway between the West End and the art district of East London. This unique venue will provide the space for a screening of Otelo Burning followed by some fantastic African music and dance.
Date: 20th of April
Time: 7pm – 12am
Venue: The Horse Hospital Colonnade, Bloomsbury, London WC1N 1HX
Pre-book tickets here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/4882412427
