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Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Wanted: 67 KZN pupils to honour Madiba’s legacy




In an effort to make an ongoing, meaningful difference that lives beyond Mandela Day, East Coast Radio has begun a province-wide search as part of its #ECR67Scholars initiative. The station has committed to paying the school fees of 67 Grade 8 pupils right through to Grade 12. The initiative is based on former President, Nelson Mandela’s fervent belief that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Launched this morning, #ECR67Scholars is the brainchild of East Coast Radio’s General Manager, Boni Mchunu, who is seeking a more sustainable offering that lives beyond just Mandela Day. “That means we are making a difference not just today, but every day,” explains Mchunu. “Education is the tool to success not only for individuals but in terms of the future of our country. I am a firm believer in the importance of education and the importance of encouraging our children to complete matric. #ECR67Scholars does its bit to make sure Madiba’s legacy lives on.”

In addition to harnessing Madiba’s passion for children and education, #ECR67Scholars also taps into the “building communities for good” ethos of East Coast Radio’s parent company, Kagiso Media. The station has called on Grade 8 pupils from around KwaZulu-Natal to submit their motivations on www.ecr.co.za for a chance to be among 67 pupils selected for a scholarship programme. 

Entries close on 31 July 2016.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Tala Collection Private Game Reserve Photography Competition


 

Tala Collection Private Game Reserve is running a photography competition

 


 

HOLIDAY FUN AT TALA COLLECTION PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

 

With more than two weeks of school holidays left, the Tala Collection Private Game Reserve has some fun activities on offer to keep the kids busy.

 

Plus a Fun Competition is happening in July with an awesome prize to be won – worth more than R18 000! Situated between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the more than 3 000-hectare Reserve is easily accessible – keeping travelling time to a minimum for the youngsters in the back seat!

 

Tala’s competition – “Tracking for Tala Treasure” – can involve the whole family. It’s “I-Spy” with a twist!

 

Here’s what you have to do: Drive around Tala, find and take a photograph of each of the following: 1) Stewart the Giraffe (ask the staff at reception for his description!); 2) A bird at Acacia Dam; 3) The Rock Pools; and 4) An aloe at Aloe Lodge.

 

Once all four photographs have been taken, post them on the Tala Collection Facebook Page – and include the hashtag #TrackingTala. The winner’s prize – worth more than R18 000 – is aWeekend at Figtree House (Bed & Breakfast), dependent on availability.

 

Figtree House has an old-world farmhouse atmosphere, is fully serviced (not self-catering), consists of five en-suite bedrooms (can accommodate a group of ten), a spacious lounge and a verandah with stunning views.

 

Please note the photographs must be taken at Tala during July. The competition runs for the month of July. The judges’ decision is final. Terms and conditions apply.

 

Pack the mountain bikes as well and tackle the Reserve’s new MTB trails. There are three different distances – 3,5km, 5km and 10km – with the shortest one being perfect to do with the kids. Cycling with viewing the game along the way will certainly give the youngsters something to talk about when they return to school. Don’t forget to pack your cycle-helmets and water bottles and enjoy a family outing to remember.

 

There is a rock pool braai area – to relax for a lunchtime picnic – or Tala’s Aloe Restaurant, where the family can share a delicious meal together.

 

A diverse choice of accommodation is also available for a short affordable holiday break – these range from rustic to luxury and can suit any budget.

 

Special holiday rates are on offer – applicable for July only. Contact Tel: (031) 781 8000, email:info@tala.co.za  or go to www.tala.co.za for further information.



Friday, June 24, 2016

Review: Nobody's Died Laughing



Proof that comedy is a serious business





Documentary: Nobody’s Died Laughing

Director: Willem Oelofson

This is a documentary all about comedian, satirist and activist Pieter-Dirk Uys.
Everyone knows him as the alter ego of Tannie Evita.  This documentary goes behind the scenes and shows you what it is like for this artist to perform all over South Africa and all over 
the world.

The documentary also shows you the evolution of Pieter-Dirk Uys how he has moved from satire to now providing children with free Aids-awareness entertainment programmes.

The documentary goes back and forth in time and shows you how he got his first break and how he has acted in many shows all over South Africa.  We also get to see where he stays in Darling and how he has helped the community of Darling not only with a Theatre but he has also helped out with costs towards the swimming pool. 

The documentary is very well shot and features some very famous people who share their insights about Pieter-Dirk Uys.  We get some interesting information about this star from the likes of Charlize Theron, Desmond Tutu, Janet Suzman, Zapiro, David Kramer and even Sophia Loren. 

The documentary follows Pieter-Dirk Uys around the Grahamstown Festival, we see him in England and in Berlin. 

At times deeply thought provoking, at other times emotional and in many instances very funny.  Learn what satire is all about.

For artists this documentary is highly recommended, you will certainly learn what it takes to perform in your own shows. 

This is a man who has done over 7000 performances of a 1 man show.

Rating: Highly Recommended

The documentary is showing at the Durban International Film Festival.

Next showing: 26 June | 21:30 | Playhouse

For more info visit www.durbanfilmfest.co.za  | #DIFF2016

Review by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Interview With Film Director John Barker

Last week I managed to sit down with the director of 'Wonderboy For President' John Barker.

I asked him some questions on directing.

What does a director do?

You work with actors, get a good script and get the best performances out of the actors.

Tell us about the film?

5 years ago we wanted to make a film about politics. It revolves around 2 guys who run the ANC's Braamfontein offices. 

How did you fund it?

Through friends and our own money.

What advice do you have for young film makers starting out?

Get a decent story, a couple of characters, a 2 handler, sell the people on the idea.

'Wonderboy For President' is showing at the Durban International Film Festival.

Next screenings

22June 12pm KCAP KwaMashu
23 June 12pm Umlazi W Library
24 June 12pm Creative Arts College
25 June 2pm Playhouse

For more info visit www.durbanfilmfest.co.za

This article by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton 

Sunday, June 19, 2016

Filmmaking Tips by Todd Brown




The Durban FilmMart has some amazing workshops on the go.  I sat in on one of the workshops with filmmaker Todd Brown from XYZ Films. 




He shared some advice for aspiring filmmakers on how to build their brand and audience.  Here are some of his tips:

‘If you’re not making something you are not a filmmaker’

‘Go out and make something’

‘Be strategic and produce quality stuff’

‘If you want a festival to possibly select your short film for screening the short film should be around 8 – 12min’

‘Put your short films online, short films online should be around 6min or a bit more’

The Durban FilmMart has some more amazing workshops and panel discussions for filmmakers and is on till Monday 20 June 2016.

For more info visit www.durbanfilmmart.co.za


This edition by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton  

Friday, June 17, 2016

Your Weekend Event Guide Durban


Plenty to do and see this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday





The Journeymen Exhibtion

See the photographic exhibition from the team that brought you The Journeymen and see their visual encounter of South Africa only at the KZNSA, 166 Bulwer Road.  The KZNSA is also the hub for the Short Films on show at the Durban International Film Festival.

Sunday



Enjoy a free wavescape film on the Bay of Plenty Lawns on Sunday.

 
 




Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Win Tickets To Dora's Pirate Adventure




This adventure stage show is just around the corner.  Come and see Dora the Explorer Live!
The show runs in Durban from 1st to 3rd July at the Durban ICC.




Bookings at Computicket. 

Families and kids are invited to join Dora and her pals Boots and Diego on a voyage of discovery as they embark on an exciting trip to Treasure Island in search of the ultimate pirate party.

For more info go to www.nickelodeonafrica.com
Follow them on Twitter @NickAfrica
Like them on Facebook at Nickelodeon

#DoraLiveSA

The good folks at Dora’s Pirate Adventure have given us some tickets to the show just for you.*
All you have to do is answer this easy question
Who is Dora? Is she:
A.      Dora The Architect or
B.      Dora The Treasure Hunter or
C.      Dora The Explorer

Email your answer with your name and contact details to falconscove@gmail.com
Please put Dora in the subject line
Good luck!
*Ts and Cs apply.