Realness 2019 Residents Bid Farewell to Nirox and Hello to Durban

The six-week residency at the Nirox Foundation has come to an end for the 2019 Realness residents. For their last week, the residents were once again joined by script consultants, Selina Ukwuoma and Mmabatho Kau, for a second week of consultations and to prepare for the Durban International Film Festival. 

On the 15th of July, the residency was opened to industry guests for a Open Day where they heard from the residents about their projects and their time at Realness. These guests included: Helen Kunn and Thandeka Zwana from Indigenous Films, Bridget Pickering, Refiloe Hlabioa from the NFVF, 2017 resident Sam Nell, and Realness partner, Bongiwe Selane. 

“It was indeed a wonderful opportunity to be with the Realness 2019 residents as they presented their projects 6 weeks after going into their residency, and to see how much input and development has gone into their stories. Although they all recognised the work that still needs to be done, they also showed a lot of confidence and appreciation for the intervention that has gone in to bring their projects that much closer to realisation. The inspiration has to have come not only from their mentors and fellow residents, but also from the serene and picturesque surroundings that the Nirox Sculpture Park provides.” says Bongiwe Selane.

Project selected for first round of awards

The following projects have been offered awards for their Realness project: Silas Miami’s project has been chosen to take part in the Meetings Event at the Torino Film Lab and will be represented by his producer, Carol Kioko. Athi-Patra Ruga and Iman Djionne have been selected to attend the Locarno Filmmaker’s Academy and Beza Hailu Lemma has been invited to the TIFF Filmmaker Lab.

Realness welcomes a new team member

Asanda Biyana has joined the Realness team as Project Manager. Also a director and writer, Asanda is placed well in relation to Realness. “Working with Realness has put me in the front seat of something special. This residency is a space where you are encouraged to question, challenge and push yourself and others in order to dig deeper and stay true the story that you want to tell. You learn, have fun and grow. I’ve seen this happen to the residents, consultants and have definitely experienced it myself.” 

Realness Alumni, Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese’s project to screen at Biennale 

Lemohang’s project has recently secured a North American premiere, and will be premiering at the Venice International Film Festival next month. “To have realised This Is Not A Burial, It’s A Resurrection after having met the project just two years ago at Realness feels extraordinary.” said producer and Realness co-founder, Cait Pansegrouw. “ Realness provided an incubator that not only allowed the script to flourish, but also created a space for mea asa producer to develop a deep understanding of Lemohang’s voice and of the story that he wanted to tell. It’s been wonderfully rewarding to have journeyed with the project rom the Realness womb, all the way to premiering the film at Venice next month."

Realness at DFM

Realness will be at Durban Film Mart hosted an information session on the 22nd of July at The Talents Story Junction. The six residents presented their projects and discussing their experiences at the residence.