Events for South Africa from Fashion Store Openings to Music to Art Shows

New Fashion Store For Umhlanga

Thursday 31st July, 6pm, SAM Store, Umhlanga Centre, Ridge Road. 

Shannon Hope will be performing at the event. 

Big Music Event In Jozi

Virgin Mobile and SkyRoomLive have recently partnered to make SA’s first ever live-streamed music concert series a reality. Every month, for the remainder of this year, SA fans will be able to attend these exclusive music events in JHB or be able to live steam the sessions from pretty much anywhere in the world. In addition, online fans will be given the chance to interact with their favourite artists during their pre-performance interview – a once in a life time opportunity!

Rumour has it there are free general standing tickets here: 

https://twitter.com/skyroomlive and https://www.facebook.com/SkyRoomLive. 

The next Urban Sessions event is taking place on Saturday, 2 August, so be sure to get your tickets before they run out.

The event takes place at the new SkyRoomLive crib at Shine Studios in Braamfontein.

“Music lives in the Virgin brand DNA – it makes us who we are. We want everyone to experience the true power of music by bringing SA’s top talent live to everyone’s screens,” says Jason Hair, Virgin Mobile’s Chief Operating Officer. 

So whether you want to live stream these shows, download past events or need to get your hands on these Urban Session tickets, be sure to visit www.virginmobile.co.za or www.SkyRoomLive.com.

If you are unlucky and miss out on the live action, you can also catch us on SABC1 every Saturday at 10pm.

#SRL 

DALA Architecture at artSPACE durban

Opening 2 August 16h30 - 18h00

Interface2012-14 emerges out of Durban-based collective dala’s CityWalk initiative, and forms part of a larger engagement and artistic process. The project aims to conscientise civil society, while creatively engaging the local urban condition. The Interface2012-14 initiatives are focused on unearthing equitable socio-spatial solutions by developing alternative bottom-up ways of better understanding public spaces.

Six international and two locally established artists were invited to develop a conceptual methodology, comprising of dialogues and long term objectives that start to explore new possibilities for planning the future city of Durban and, more broadly, cities within South Africa.

Interface2012-14’s programme will comprise of a project space and exhibition at artSPACE durban (28 July – 7 August,), a colloquium on movement (4 August), dialogue (5 August) and dissidence (6 August) at artSPACE durban

artSPACE durban, 3 Millar Road (off Umgeni Road) 031-312-0793 

This edition by +Fred Felton

        

4 dynamic businesswomen to share insights in Durban

Four dynamic women from some of SA’s most driven industries will be sharing their wisdom to an exclusive gathering of women at the FNB Business East Coast Radio Ladies Breakfast in association with GIBS.

Bernice Samuels

The annual breakfast meet brings together women from all professions and industries in KZN who hope to take away valuable lessons and key insights from some of the country’s top women achievers.

Ferial Haffejee

This year, Chief Marketing Officer of FNB, Bernice Samuels, City Press editor, Ferial Haffejee, Nicola Tyler the CEO of Business Results Group and CEO of SABRIC, Kalyani Pillay will offer advice and share the lessons they’ve learnt while climbing the ladder of success in the banking, media and business industries.

Nicola Tyler

These courageous, determined and passionate women will be speaking around the theme “Empowering Together.” The event takes place at Durban’s ICC on 8 August 2014.

Kalyani Pillay

Tickets at Computicket but with only 500 seats available, space is limited.

Images: Supplied 

Article by +Fred Felton 

Interview with Actor Nick Boraine one of the stars of A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake

This week I managed to interview Actor Nick Boraine.  He is starring in 'A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake' which is showing at The Durban International Film Festival 2014.

I emailed him some questions and this is what he has to say:

Nick Boraine

Tell us about 'A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake' ?

The story follows a diverse group of South African Actors who, together with American Theatre Director Michael Lessac, create a play about the role of the translators in SA's TRC.  The Actors travel to other places that have experienced conflict and find themselves performing their theatre piece in Rwanda, Northern Ireland and the former Yugoslavia.  This extraordinary journey leads to the opening up of difficult conversations around reconciliation and forgiveness and brings together radically different experiences of conflict. 

Tell us how you created your character for 'A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake' ? 

The character was created out of endless improvisations.  We all had the luxury of time and all of us could explore, research and then improvise around a variety of scenarios.

Advice for aspiring actors?

Decide early on what you are doing in this crazy business and then rely on your instincts rather than your intellect. 

Which do you prefer: Theatre, TV or Film? 

They all offer such different things, all come with their own challenges and I love them all differently... but equally. 

Which actors inspire you locally and globally?

Geoffrey Rush, Kate Blanchet, Andrew Buckland and Charlie Chaplin.

What's the best acting advice you ever received?

Don't Act...Re-Act.

Where is home for you?

Greenside in Johannesburg.

Is this your first time at DIFF? As someone in the industry what are your thoughts about DIFF?

First time at DIFF and I think it is an extraordinary festival.  Wonderful to be in Durban and an exceptional opportunity for South African Film Makers and ordinary South Africans to make and watch their own stories. 

How has ever-changing technology impacted on the acting profession?

Yeah a lot over the years...pretty soon there will be a tiny drone hovering around my head to film my scenes...looking forward to that.

What project is next for you?

A couple of movies shooting in Cape Town - Looking forward to spending some time there.

Nick Boraine is one of the stars of 'A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake'. 

http://www.asnaketoasnake.com/

It is showing at the Durban International Film Festival.

Next Screening: Friday 25 July, Suncoast 20:15

Interview by +Fred Felton

Interview with Actor Tony Kgoroge one of the stars of Cold Harbour

Last week I sat down with Tony Kgoroge one of the stars of the new film 'Cold Harbour'.

Tony Kgoroge 

I asked him about acting, the film he stars in and all about his life:

What makes a good actor?
Talent, skill and hard work.

Tell us about your character in 'Cold Harbour' ?
He is trying to do something here.  He gets into compromising situations.  He does wrong to do justice.

Are you a fan of 'The Method' in acting?
I'm a fan of a system that works.

How did you create your character in 'Cold Harbour' ?
I read a lot about the SA Police and then I spent a great deal of time in police stations.  I asked many questions when I was there.  You sense the mood and attitude of them.  These guys work under messed up systems, some stations have no cars, even in Cape Town.  These guys are having to deal with gangsters and drugs.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the Free State and ended up performing at PACOFS.

Which actors inspire you?
John Kani, Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman.

Tony Kgoroge stars in the film Cold Harbour. 
http://www.coldharbourmovie.com/

Interview by +Fred Felton

Related articles

• Meet Carey McKenzie the Director of Cold Harbour

Find out about Journalism and Snakes with Max du Preez

Interview with legendary Journalist Max du Preez.

Max du Preez

I emailed him some questions and this is what he had to say:

What was your role in the documentary 'A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake' ? 

I was a consultant, especially because of my work with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

What has the whole experience of touring with the play to all these countries shown you?

I came back with a new sense of hope that attitudes among South Africans were not as hardened as in those other post-conflict countries, that we have a lot less hatred and suspicion and are able to talk and engage with each other.

What tips and advice can you give to young journalists starting out?

Be absolutely committed to the task of serving the truth and the public; keep your ear on the ground and understand what's happening in our society; and persevere.

Should journalists be using social media to break news stories?

Yes, if we are talking about events unfolding but follow it up with background and context in your newspaper/radio station/tv channel.

Where is home for you?

Africa. South Africa. I live in a village 70km outside Cape Town called Riebeek-Kasteel.

What is your preferred medium (print, documentary) and has the preference changed over the years?

I spend most of my time writing books on history and politics but making a documentary every now and then is very exciting.

What is the state of media in South Africa?

Under siege from the state and corporate interests.

Which South African media are doing journalism well?

Daily Maverick, Mail & Guardian, some Sunday papers, eTV's Checkpoint.  Our investigative journalism is still very strong.

What project is next for you?

A reality TV show called History Games and a book titled Of Rogues, Romantics and Rabble Rousers - Unusual Stories from South Africa's Past.


You can see Max in 'A Snake Gives Birth To A Snake' at the Durban International Film Festival. Next showing: Friday 25 July, 20:15, Suncoast Cinema. 
http://www.asnaketoasnake.com/


Interview by +Fred Felton

Meet Carey McKenzie the Director of Cold Harbour

This week I had the opportunity to interview Carey McKenzie the Director of the film 'Cold Harbour'.

(Film Director - Carey McKenzie)

I asked Carey some questions:

What does a Film Director do?

Be brave.  I remember once I found this second hand book from Elia Kazan and in it he mentioned that a director needs to know the weather, history, geography and almost all other subjects of life.  You have to observe people.  We are all different.  Keep a notebook and pen with you at all times.   Films are about human nature.  Learn.  Explore whatever interests you.  You need to have something to say.

What drew you to this film?

Well I'm the writer and director.  I'm also fascinated by the perlemoen poaching that goes on in the Cape. This is a film about a good man in a bad situation.  Do we remain true to our principles of struggle or is it every man for himself?

What makes a good film noir?

Well this film is a cross-genre.  It is immersed in femme fatale and film noir. This film is not just about him and her.

What do you think of The Durban International Film Festival?

It's my first time here and it's great.  It's wonderful to meet all these filmmakers from Africa here and you can be sure that the African Renaissance is now.

The Film 'Cold Harbour' is on at The Durban International Film Festival
Next showing: Tuesday 22 July, Ster-Kinekor, Musgrave Centre, 17h30.

http://www.coldharbourmovie.com/

Interview by +Fred Felton

Free Workshops For Filmmakers This Week At Durban International Film Festival

There are quite a few free workshops for filmmakers at the Durban International Film Festival this week.
Here are some of the highlights at the hub - Elangeni Hotel.

Monday 21 July

• 9am Meet the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission - Suite 5
• 9am Funding instruments available for TV Production - Suite 4
• 10am NFVF Co-Production Forum SA/Kenya - Suite 5
• 9am Opportunities presented by Co-Production and Partnership Treaties - Suite 3
• 3pm Feedback from Transmedia Lab - Suite 5
• 4pm Meet the Funders - Funding opportunities globally - Suite 5
• 4pm NFVF Training Initiatives - Suite 3

Tuesday 22 July 

• 9am Updates from Durban Industry Organisations - Suite 3
• 10am Local Initiatives - Innovative Durban Initiatives - Suite 4 

There are also many films that you can see for free at The Elangeni Hotel this week.  

www.durbanfilmfest.co.za 

Article by +Fred Felton 

Opening Night of The Durban International Film Festival 2014

It was a glam affair and everyone who knows everybody was there.  So many people they had to have an extra cinema because such was the demand to see and be seen.

Grab your popcorn.

AB Moosa - Avalon Group started us off.

(L-R 'Hard To Get' Director Zee Ntuli, MC Hlubi Mboya, Producers Helena Spring, Junaid Ahmed with Durban International Film Festival Manager Peter Machen)

As for the movie 'Hard To Get' well you are in for a treat, expertly directed by Ntuli this is wonderful to see. A great script, wonderful cast and some great action sequences.  See what happens when TK (Pallance Dladla) a young ladies man runs into Skiets (Thishiwe Ziqubu) a lady that eats men up for a living.  She lures him off to Jozi and step by step their relationship gets more intense.  Look out for some spectacular scenes and a proudly South African movie.

Next Showing at DIFF: 21 July Ekhaya KwaMashu 15h30; 23 July Sneddon 6pm

Review by +Fred Felton
Images courtesy Fiona Jane Photography

Tour details of The East Coast Radio Breakfast Tour, Events and Goodies Just For You

Details of The East Coast Radio Breakfast Tour

The dates and venues for The East Coast Radio Breakfast Tour are as follows:

18 July 2014 – Launch at Umlazi Mega City

21 July 2014 – Port Shepstone, near the Lighthouse

22 July 2014 – Nottingham Road, at Rawdon’s Hotel

23 July 2014 – Newcastle, at the Village Walk Shopping Centre

24 July 2014 – Pietermaritzburg, at the City Hall

25 July 2014 – Richards Bay, Waterfront

28 July 2014 – Eshowe, at the Fort Nongqayi Museum

29 July 2014 – Durban, Florida Road

Catch Darren Maule and The Breakfast Team in your neck of the woods.

The Durban International Film Festival Opens Tonight

#DIFF2014

The Samsung Store Gateway Brings you Samsung S4 training at 13h00 on Friday the 18th of July.

RSVP to Warren 0845130911 or warren@samsungstore.co.za

Free of charge, limited seats available.

Free Screening of Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom for Mandela Day.

Ster-Kinekor, Videovision, Nedbank and the Nelson Mandela Foundation invite you to a free screening.

Friday 18th July at 9h45.

Cinemas in Durban:  Gateway and Musgrave Centre 

Taste of Durban cares for the environment and we have a surprise for you dear reader

Caring Initiatives An Integral Part of Taste of Durban

This year’s Pick n Pay Taste of Durban is back at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World (Suncoast) from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July.  Chefs from a selection of Durban’s top restaurants will be creating special menus of starter-sized dishes, designed to reflect their individual philosophies, whilst showcasing seasonal and regional ingredients.  In addition to the exceptional food experience, this year’s show is embracing two initiatives,  as a contribution to a greener, more caring society.

“We are proud to be ‘green’ in so many areas of the show together with our environmentally aware sponsors, partners and exhibitors,” says festival director, Justine Drake.  “Taking the environment into account and ensuring best practice in terms of sustainability can only add to the  flavour experience that epitomises the Taste philosophy.”

Naming sponsor Pick n Pay places great priority on environmental issues and actively promotes and operationalise sustainability in their core activities.  Pick n Pay  is considered to be South Africa’s “greenest” retailer with multiple green awards to its name. Pick n Pay continues to research, innovate and apply its findings to business practises and ultimately share their journey with their customers, in order to assist them in reducing their own impact on the environment through adopting more sustainable lives.

The Pick n Pay Taste of Durban has also partnered with green companies such as Interwaste and Green Home in order to ensure a more sustainable event.  Interwaste provides the environmental management solutions for Taste Festivals by providing recycling facilities on site at the event and doing a carbon footprint assesment to ensure that the event’s carbon footprint is kept neutral. 

Green Home Products is South Africa’s leading biodegradable food packaging supplier and all plates, bowls, knifes, forks, and spoons are environmentally-friendly and made from natural and renewable resources that are 100% biodegradable after use.              

               

From a social and community perspective, The CTA Benefit Stage, a social responsibility initiative, Cape Town Angels, has teamed up with the organisers of Taste Festivals South Africa to bring a coast-to-coast charity challenge to Durbanites. They will host the all-new Call to Action (CTA) Benefit Stage, where a line-up of local artists will provide entertainment, donating their time and talent for free, as an act of active volunteerism.

In doing so, they will call foodies to do the same, by challenging them to support local charities showcased at the event with their own time and talent donations. One such organisation will be the KZN Branch of ASSITEJ SA, a NPO aimed at transforming society through children's theatre and so ‘changing the world one child at a time’.                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

TASTE OF DURBAN 2014 – FAST FACTS

What, Where, When, How…

Festival times:

-           Friday 25 July: 18h00 - 22h00

-           Saturday 26 July: 12h30 – 16h30; 18h00- 22h00

-           Sunday 27 July: 12h30 – 17h30

Taste of Durban Festival SCOINS

The South African Gold Coin Exchange is the official sponsor of the festival currency, Scoins. Scoins can be purchased at the festival from the Taste Bank or Scoin Sellers walking around the festival grounds.  Visitors use Scoins to purchase sample dishes and drinks from the various exhibiting restaurants, bars and exhibitors.  Each Scoin is worth R5.  Change is offered in Scoins only.

Tickets:

Tickets are limited and booking is recommended – for further information and bookings visit ITickets on www.itickets.co.za or Pick n Pay tickets on www.pnptickets.co.za

-           Standard Ticket – *R80 - Entrance to the festival including a glass

 -          Premium Ticket – *R180 - Entrance to the festival including a

            tasting glass plus R100 worth of Scoins (the official currency)


-          Taste Clubhouse Presented by DStv Ticket - R685 - entry to the festival, a free tasting glass, R150 Scoins, a private clubhouse to use as a base for the show with a complimentary bar service (wine, malt and soft drinks) plus a Taste of Durban Gift.

 The Umhlanga Life / Taste of Durban Giveaway

The good folks from Taste of Durban have given us 3 x double tickets to pass on to our readers.

Question: Where is Taste of Durban being held this year?

Send your answer, name and contact number and email to Fred

at falconscove@gmail.com 

Update: This giveaway is now closed. 

Interview with Julianne Alcott Author of 'The Ripmender'

We interview Julianne Alcott author of ‘The Ripmender.’

1.  What made you become a writer?

I started writing stories when I was about seven, and making them into little books with a staple to hold them together. I didn’t choose to become a writer; it’s just who I am.

2.  What is your advice to those that want to write a book?

Know which age group you are writing for, so that you get the language and style correct. Write about what you know, but also write about things you don’t know. Your book should take you on just as much an adventure as it does your readers. I have learned so many new things from researching the books I have written. Don’t be afraid to just write, and get it on the page. There is plenty of time later to edit it. Have a plan, and know where your plot is going. Have trustworthy, honest people who can read it and help you make it better.

3.  What advice do you have for writers who want to market their books?

Learn to think out the box. Try as many different angles and places as you can come up with, but always be respectful. Don’t annoy people by constantly advertising your books. I know of writers who post the same four adverts on Facebook every day. It gets kind of tedious.

4.  Tell us why you love Durban?

I love our sunshine, and I love the way people come out onto the beachfront and exercise. You get all shapes and cultures, doing everything from cycling, to Sunfit classes at Suncoast. It’s great to see people getting out of their houses and moving.

5.  What do you think of literary festivals?

I have never been to one, but they sound like they could be fun.

6.  Where do you like to eat out in Durban?

I don’t have a favourite place, but I have favourite meals from certain places. I love John Dory’s seafood, Marulas’ sushi, Mugg and Beans’ bacon and cheese muffins and the Hawaiian Rounder from KFC. And my friend Lauren is a culinary goddess, so any opportunity to eat out at her house is welcome!

7.  Which are your favourite writers?

Mary Stewart, for her adventure romances and incredible descriptions of places.

Dick Francis, for his amazing action.

Agatha Christie, for constantly pulling the wool over our eyes with her murder mysteries.

Jane Austen, for her satirical sense of humour.

John Flanagan, for his Rangers Apprentice series. He has inspired me to improve my battle sequences.

8.  Tell us about your book?

My book is called The Ripmender, and is a young adult science fiction romance. It is the story of an ordinary South African girl who becomes involved in a world she never knew existed. And of course, it is about a boy; the gorgeous young rock star Nathan Jake, who is definitely not what he seems to be. I had such fun writing it!

9.  Tell us about Wattpad?

Wattpad is an online bookshelf for writers to post their stories, and readers to read them. It seems like a very enjoyable place to go. I wish I had the time to work at it more, and read more of other people’s stories. But, I am trying to get a teaching degree, and studying prevents me from becoming more involved in things like Wattpad.

10.  What is next for you?  

I am working on the second and third books in the Ripmender series. After that, I have two completed romance novels that I need to tweak, and several others to finish. I am also working on a crazy fantasy book with the writing club at my school. Writing a book with twenty children is definitely an experience! It is fantastic to see how excited the children are about our story. I will be putting it on Wattpad once it is done.

Julianne Alcott lives in Durban.

She loves hearing from readers, so send her a Tweet @JulianneAlcott or visit her blog at http://juliannealcott.wordpress.com. She’s also on Wattpad  - julianneA, and every so often publishes stories for free.

You can buy the book on Amazon or on Kobo and soon on Kalahari

Exciting Events For Durban

There are some exciting events for Durban and surrounds coming up:

KZNSA 15 July 2014 at 6pm Exhibition Opening

Artisan Gallery - 16th July, 6 for 6h30pm.  Jane Bedford Exhibition

email - info@artisan.co.za 

Movie Screenings, Free Workshops for Film lovers and more. 

Durban International Film Festival 17 - 27 July 2014

www.durbanfilmfest.co.za

#DIFF2014

23 July - KZN Food Heroes Dinner - The Oyster Box 

TO BOOK CALL (031) 514 4000 OR E-MAIL restaurants@oysterbox.co.za

This edition by +Fred Felton 

Catch Beauty Ramapelepele in Umhlanga & Castings for Models

'Bend it like Beauty'
One night only!

This Friday 11th July 2014

L’Aperitivo Venue - 9 Aurora Drive, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban

Doors open at 7 pm - Start at 7:30 pm

Tickets R 250 (included Italian Aperitivo) – Reservation required

Call: 072 947 3804
or Email: info@abruzzo.co.za

Castings for Models

The Durban Fashion Fair 2014 is coming and they have just announced a casting call for prospective models.

You can find more details here: http://durbanlife.wordpress.com/2014/07/10/durban-fashion-fair-2014-open-casting/