Cape Town is making international waves as a local short documentary, My Father The Mover, has won first prize in its category at the world-famous Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
The Tribeca Film Festival is held annually and serves as a showcase for a diverse selection of independent films. The documentary by South African born Julia Jansch, a writer/director/producer who is now based in New York but grew up on the Atlantic Seaboard, tells the story of 32-year-old single father Mthuthuzeli Stoan Galela, the Mover.
Galela offers movement and dance classes in Khayelitsha using African electronic “Gqom” dance and has helped many children to rise above the hardship of township life through dance.
My Father The Mover invites you on an exploration of Gqom dance and movement and introduces the audience to the crucial work of Stoan and his United Township Dancers.
“Dance and movement is more than just a physical exercise or a form of freedom and entertainment. It allows you to express yourself and dance can also inspire and motivate those who participate,” said Mayco Member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien.
The documentary has also been selected to screen at four Oscar-qualifying festivals.
“This achievement should serve as inspiration for everyone, whether aspiring film makers or dancers. We don’t need to be bound by our circumstances and I want to congratulate all those involved in this achievement. They have shown us the world truly is our stage,” added Badroodien.
Picture: Supplied