Africa in Pictures
A sneak peak behind the scenes of Nollywood.
Commentary
Discussing cellphone filmmaking in Africa
Tutorial
Character development with Oladipo Agboluaje
Film Piracy in Africa
Effects of piracy on the African film industry.
With Emeka Mba
Director of NFVCB speaks on regulation.
On Mark of Uru
A look at an inspiring Nigerian animation.
Areaboys, the film
The film that's living a dream come true.
> Screen shot from White Wedding movie
> Screen shot of characters, Tumi & Rose
> Kenneth and Marcel in the pub scene
When a sensitive topic is taken, transformed into an unexpectedly refreshing screenplay, then kicked up a notch by a diverse cast of inspired actors, there is only two words for this: White Wedding.
This South African film has shone a different light on the African film Industry, proving to its audience, both nationally and internationally, that the African story is not just about ‘hard hitting drama’.
While managing to successfully represent the intricacies of the South African society, White Wedding uses comedy as a cushioned platform on which issues have been faced head on.
To win or not to win (an Oscar)
The film has been made South Africa’s selection for the 2010 entry for the Foreign Language section at the 82nd Academy Award (Oscars), making the romantic comedy a unique selection, following genres such as that of past nominees: Yesterday and Tsotsi.
Such uniqueness comes not only from the beautifully shot provinces of South Africa but more so through its creative approach to discussing sensitive issues.
The film cleverly tackles the issue of identity, while providing intervals of original comical scenes for relief. The Guardian UK, a leading newspaper, acknowledges the film’s subtle play on stereotypes and prejudices in ways very few South Africans have dared in the past.
Additionally, the film succeeds in reminding its viewers, irrespective of Africa’s woes, that the continent is and always has been full of colour and excitement.
White Wedding and South Africa in context
Going back a little in history, a few years following the end of Apartheid in 1994, untold stories and personal depictions of what went on at the time seemed to be what took over the South African film industry. Film almost became a window to the deepest thoughts of the South African.
So much so, it seemed that a successful feature film was mainly defined by its hard-hitting contents.
So when a film like White Wedding, adopts characteristics of both genres in question, new ways of exposing and discussing important issues through film is brought to light.
This is not to suggest sugar coating the problems Africans face daily, but rather to rejoice in the realisation that the aching wish for another side of Africa and its story can be enjoyed nationally, as well as internationally.
The wish for Africa to be identified not as a troubled continent but a troubled continent that is capable of happy endings, a wish to be known not just for its problems but also for its rich heritage and traditions.
White Wedding, therefore, should be acknowledged for its story telling approach. This is because the film doesn’t only discuss issues occupying conversations in South Africa; it does it with a pinch of ‘laughter’.
> Celebrations on the set of the romantic comedy, White Wedding
By Chinaka Iwunze | Photo courtesy of Joy Sapieka
South Africa's grand 'White Wedding' : Everyone is invited
