Life, Above All
First screened in January 2019
Director: Oliver Schmitz. Cast: Khomotso Manyaka, Lerato Mvelase, Keaobaka Makanyane, Harriet Manamela, Tinah Mnumzana, Aubrey Poolo, Mapaseka Mathebe, Thato Kgaladi, Kgomotso Ditshweni, Rami Chuene, Jerry Marobyane, Tshepo Emmanuel Nonyane, Johanna Refilwe Sihlangu, Vusi Muzi Given Nyathi, Patrick Shai, Nelson Motloung, Ernest Mokoena, Mary Twala, Themba Ndaba, Samuel Masilela, Charlotte Mphake, Bhekifa Isaac Nyathi, Foxy Riet, Mongezi Motaung, Xolile Gama, Martha Maphaka. Screenplay: Dennis Foon and Oliver Schmitz (based on the novel Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton. Twitter Capsule:
Moving South African drama centering black women and girls. Unevenly resists bathos and cliché in story and style.
VOR:③
Events, characters bear strong emotional claims. Story's emphases are welcome. Familiar style, predictable script beats keep it from being memorable.
