Intonga, a heartwarming film about boxing and courage, which was co-produced by the CPUT Film Department and Swayani Films, is set to make its debut on the big screen in May.
The distribution rights of the film, which was shot on a shoestring budget, were recently bought by Nu Metro. The film will be included in the Nu Metro “Inspire” film festival, along with several other local films.
The Inspire campaign, which will be launched in mid-May, aims to take inspirational movies to the South African public.
Head of the CPUT Film Department, Jared Borkum said the film, which was shot in Fort Beaufort and Mdantsane, portrays a positive message.
“In terms of a South African Film, it is very positive. The message of the film is that if you work hard you can achieve your goals,” he said.
Borkum said many locally produced films glorify crime and gangsterism.
“This film has none of this,” he said.
The film is also the first full length isiXhosa feature film to be shot in South Africa with English subtitles. It is also the first time in South Africa that a full length feature film co-produced by a teaching institution is being distributed country-wide.
The film, which was written and directed by JJ van Rensburg, a part-time Film lecturer at CPUT, tells the story of Siviwe, a young stick fighter from Fort Beaufort, who moves with his mother to Mdantsane.
Siviwe is bullied at school, by Knuckles, a local boxing champion.
One day while running away from the bully, Siviwe meets a priest, who offers him shelter from Knuckles. A friendship develops between Siviwe and the priest, who is a former boxer. The priest guides the young stick fighter on his challenging journey into the boxing world.
Apart from six industry professionals who were involved in the production of the film, the crew consisted of CPUT students.
“The hard work and passion of the crew during the 11 days of shooting was amazing. The CPUT students were determined to get the film done,” he said.
Borkum said they had to brave cold conditions in the Eastern Cape and worked long hours.
“What is amazing about this film is that we shot it over 11 days,” he said.
Borkum said the film received funding from CPUT, which allowed them to add an original soundtrack and maintain the High Definition picture quality.
“Cedric Sampson, a professional musician wrote the music. It is an amazing soundtrack,” he said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Anthony Staak, said CPUT supported the filming of Intonga.
He said the institution aims to provide students with opportunities to integrate the theoretical component of their course with practical experience in the workplace.
“For students in the Film Department what better way to achieve this than to be involved with the production of a full length feature film,” he said.
Prof Staak said the fact that Intonga has been bought by Nu Metro is “a bonus” and a wonderful achievement for staff and students.
The film is set to be released nationally at Nu Metro cinemas in May 2009.
By Candes Keating
Photos: (top, clockwise) The lead actor and the actor playing the priest rehearse a scene; A film student and one of the extra crew members display the film's clapper board; Craig February, a third year Film student in 2008, was an assistant cameraman on Intonga.
Written by CPUT News
Email: