 Screen Africa Speaks to Ma-Afrika about Cannes and the South African Film Industry
What do you hope to achieve at the Cannes Film Festival?
Ma-Afrika Films has spent several years focusing on acquiring and / or developing a bouquet of screenplays based on original stories which are now primed to go into production. These stories mark our return to the industry as active producers.
At Cannes, as in several other international territories, we will seek out co-production partners and hope to initiate pre-sale agreements for our South African productions. These include "e'Lollipop II - Muntu’s Story”, “The Word of a Gentleman”, “When the Lion Feeds” and “Zoyatchka”. All of these productions, bar "Zoyatchka", will be entirely produced in South Africa. We will also be announcing a television series "e'Lollipop III - A Taste of Life" targeting younger audiences (8 - 16 years).
We will, of course, also actively be selling South Africa as one of the worlds leading emerging film opportunities.
Your films (André / Phillip) will be screened at the Festival, what do you envisage for the films and who have you invited to the screenings?
This is a very special moment for us.
The recent selection of our film "e’Lollipop" by the National Film and Video Foundation to represent the very best of the history of South African Film at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival is, furthermore, a very exciting opportunity.
“What do we envisage?” First and foremost, we envisage a celebration of the fact that we have found our friend Muntu Ndebele, the childhood star of "e’Lollipop". His life story is truly a remarkable one and we are so fortunate to have found him four years ago, following his "disappearance" 22 years ago. He was in a dreadful state. He now has an incredible future ahead of him, God willing. The telling of his life's story in a film, is what "e'Lollipop II - Muntu's Story" is all about. Secondly, we are celebrating the fact that we have had the privilege of being associated with the film industry for the past 40 years in South Africa. And thirdly, we envisage an extremely strong response to the announcement that "e’Lollipop" will be available for the first time ever on DVD and VHS.
The rights for theatrical, television and home entertainment will be offered to all the countries who had previously been unable to screen South African film due to the country's apartheid policy.
We have just recently been notification of our invitation to the festival, therefore our exact guest lists are still being finalised. We have however invited government officials, media representatives and of course Muntu Ndebele, Norman Knox and the director, Ashley Lazarus from New York.
What are some of your main objectives and who will you be meeting at the festival?
We look forward to renewing our acquaintance with Michael Williams-Jones, recently appointed head of Miramax Film International Inc. Mr Williams-Jones started his career in film as an executive in Ster Films, when I was the then CEO who hired him.
We will be seeing Ms Adriana Chiesa who will hopefully become our sales representative in Europe. Ms Chiesa is amongst other a member of the Board of EFA (European Film Awards).
We are in the process of arranging a meeting with Ms Barbara Broccoli, producer of the James Bond series, on a project based on a famous South African book, yet to be disclosed.
Another meeting will be with Mr Paolo Ferrari, a former colleague of mine, now Managing Director of Warner Bros Inc in Italy, to discuss the co-production opportunity on "When the Lion Feeds" by Wilbur Smith.
This is the biggest SA delegation going to the festival and the largest number of SA films seen at the festival – any comments on SA industry development and the future of the SA industry?
Fantastic - long overdue. Our industry has acted responsibly by attracting serious production over the past few years -quality instead of quantity. The rewards are upon us!
SA celebrates 10 years Of Freedom – what do you think the importance is of this celebration and the effect that it will have on the international market?
There is obviously a lot of excitement around. Indeed, we have an extraordinary story to celebrate and the world media remains fascinated by the peaceful transformation, the racial harmony, example and leadership produced by our political experience in South Africa. It’s important that we never forget our history, not so that we can remain there but so that we can learn, forgive and move on as better people. And that’s why e’Lollipop is so special. We think; it tells that the seed of this magic existed and how it germinated to deliver the peace evidenced by the friendship between Mr Nelson Mandela and Mr F.W. de Klerk.
Excitement however does not necessarily make movies and we should not expect to be treated any different on the world stage because of our “success story”. When it comes to film, we are as “special” as the stories we create and how we go about the unforgiving business of film.
Are you excited about the SA industry and what do you foresee as the future of the industry?
Yes, very excited. Challenges face our industry. More Government support for attracting foreign production would go a long way towards overcoming fragmentation and inexperience. The various professionals within motion picture process – from the scriptwriter to the financiers – still do not have sufficient understanding of their associates' interdependent and essential roles. Together the industry could secure Government incentives such as allowing tax rebates to investors in film, tax rebates on profits generated by films produced in South Africa and VAT reductions payable on ticket sales earned by films imported from Hollywood studios supporting South African productions.
I think the future of the South African Film Industry presents dynamic opportunities though; an increase in original stories that will appeal to international audiences will attract international Talent and Producer partners. The challenges are that we should identify those who have the “courage” and ability to assist us in maximising each production opportunity. South Africa should no longer be only a “destination” or “facility” but should mature as a “producer” and “originator” of and contributor to original stories. Fortunately we are enjoying increased co-production opportunities provided by private funding, government co-production treaties and various organisations such as the IDC, NFVF, DV8 and others.
SA is now an international co-production partner – how has this opened up the industry now that we can be equitable partners in the global industry?
These treaties are new and should be explored. Hopefully Cannes will help to convert South African opportunities into real and sustainable production.
CHILD STARS OF E’LOLLIPOP RE-EMERGE AT WORLD’S LEADING FILM FESTIVAL
Amongst the extraordinary hype of its re-release, e’Lollipop and its child stars are to re-emerge at the world’s leading film festival as star guests.
e’Lollipop - the heart-warming story of two South African children, Tsepo (Muntu Ndebele) and Jannie (Norman Knox) – has been invited to represent the best of the history of South African Film at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. It will be opening the South African Retrospective at an exclusive event attended by international media, government officials and the president of the Cannes Film Festival, Mr. Gilles Jacob.
“We are honoured”, says producer and creator of e’Lollipop, Andre Pieterse. “Because of the phenomenal public demand, we always knew that we had created something very special in e’Lollipop. What we didn’t know however, was just how profound its impact would be not only on audiences but also on its child star Muntu Ndebele. It saved his life. Cannes is a momentous occasion for all of us.”
Says Muntu, “I cannot wait. The last time I went overseas was with e’Lollipop 27 years ago! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, especially after I nearly lost my life to crime and drugs. I never thought I’d be back in the spotlight. Thanks to Uncle Andre’s intervention, I feel like a new man and want to give back what I’ve taken from society. We will be re-releasing e’Lollipop for the first time ever on DVD and VHS and part of the proceeds will go to a charity for orphans to be chosen by e’Lollipop fans. It’s my way of giving back. We are also working on a film script based on my life story. We plan to start production later this year. You’ll find details about the film, as well as never seen before e’Lollipop pictures and news on what Norman and I have been up to for 27 years at www.elollipop.co.za. We hope that it’s not too much of a shock!”
e’Lollipop is the extraordinary motion picture story of two South African children and their dog Sugarball, that touched the hearts of audiences around the world. Despite the fear, hatred and brutality that plagued South Africa in the late 70’s, e’Lollipop told a story of friendship, love and commitment that transcended racial boundaries. After nearly being banned under apartheid, it became a cult classic . Shot in Southern Africa, Lesotho and New York, e’Lollipop was seen in over 40 countries and starred local and international talent including the late Ken Gampu, Academy Award and Golden Globe Winner Jose Ferrer and Golden Globe Nominee, Karen Valentine. The film was beautifully directed by Ashley Lazarus, helped by a brilliant musical score created by Lee Holdridge and performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tsepo (Muntu Ndebele) stole the nation’s heart as he gave his life to save orphaned friend Jannie (Norman Knox). In the late seventies, both child stars, were mobbed by adoring fans wherever they went in South Africa.
Despite their strong real life friendship, Norman and Tsepo tried in vain to stay in touch after the release of e’Lollipop. It ultimately proved impossible under the then apartheid laws for a white and a black child to simply be friends. Shortly after e’Lollipop’s release, Muntu disappeared.
22 years later, Andre Pieterse, burdened by the feeling that Muntu may need help, for the umpteenth time initiated a search for him and asked Norman to assist. Several leading newspapers generously donated editorial space to finding the childhood star who had been missing for more than two decades. The response from fans was overwhelming. Pieterse and Norman were inundated with hundreds of calls from all over South Africa, but no one was able to produce Muntu or a worthwhile lead. Muntu’s sister Lindi responded, saying Muntu did not want to be found! “At least we now knew Muntu was alive. With Lindi as a go-between, after several weeks we eventually made contact with Muntu. We were shocked by what we found.”
Muntu had descended into a life of crime and drugs. Now 39-years-old, he was living in a derelict flat in Hillbrow, missing teeth and weighing a gaunt 48 kg. The future looked bleak for this most popular of all child stars. After an emotional reunion, Andre, Norman and Muntu’s family decided to get him back on track. During three years of recovery and transformation, Pieterse supported Muntu financially and challenged him to embark on a new lifestyle of health, fitness and spiritual awakening whilst writing an outline incorporating his life’s story.
As part of his transformation, for the past three years, Muntu has written a letter a month to “Uncle Andre Pieterse” , updating him on his new lifestyleand including several pages of his life’s story.
From these pages, it became evident that during his darkest years, e’Lollipop was a profound source of hope for Muntu. Firstly, his experience as an actor in e’Lollipop inspired him to believe that one day he would be able to write and star in his own story. Secondly, after his dramatic rescue, many months of recovery followed and e’Lollipop again provided a source of inspiration for Muntu and affirmed that the road to recovery was worth it. He believed that he could give back to society by sharing the values of e’Lollipop to a new generation and raise money from its re-release and from the proceeds of his own life’s story
“We wholeheartedly support Muntu’s aspirations and are assisting him with developing a screenplay based on his life story. We are also very excited to announce the re-release of e’Lollipop. The film will be available on DVD and VHS for the first time ever, and”, says Pieterse, “we will announce details of its availability in June, soon after our return from the Cannes Film Festival. See www.elollipop.co.za for details; part of the proceeds will go to an orphan charity to be chosen by fans and they can win an opportunity to meet the stars of e’Lollipop as well as download pictures never before seen and get in touch.”
Says Muntu, “I am very fortunate to be alive, especially after 22 years of crime and drugs. If my life can be turned around, so too can the lives of others. I believe that my survival is, in a way, linked to the lessons that made e’Lollipop the classic that it is today. Commitment, friendship and love that are bigger than any racial divide are what saved me and had made e’Lollipop the success that it is. And as for our new motion picture, you can expect to see the reality of crime, drugs, friendship and the miracle of a second chance on life, a real slice of life.”
Of his intention to get back into the spotlight, Norman Knox says, “I have always been reluctant to be in the limelight, especially after the intense public interest in my life after e’Lollipop. As my friends and family will tell you, I’ve been enjoying my anonymity of late! But who knows what the future might hold. Right now though, I am so happy that Muntu’s life is back on track and wish him all the very best for his rediscovered film career. I am pleased that we have found our friend and that the two of us are going to Cannes, representing the best that South African Cinema is able to offer.”
Ma-Afrika Films, the producers of e’Lollipop, are committed to bringing Muntu’s story to life in a soon to be produced film entitled, Tsepo’s Story - e’Lollipop 2.
For more information, go to www.elollipop.co.za
e'LOLLIPOP STAR BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT - AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
The childhood star of e'Lollipop, Muntu Ndebele, returned to red carpet treatment on Friday night after being "lost" for more than two decades. The South African Classic e'Lollipop, in which he starred, opened the prestigious South African Retrospective at The Cannes Film Festival. The glittering pre-screening event was attended by international media, film executives and government officials, including the president of the Cannes Film Festival Mr Gilles Jacob who is reported to have loved the heart-warming story.
"It was the most exciting moment of my life," says Muntu. "I am still not sure if this is all actually happening after the life I led. I am so grateful to Uncle André Pieterse for rescuing me and to the Cannes Film Festival organisers and the National Film and Video Foundation for putting e'Lollipop back on the red carpet. It was also very special being there with my co-star and friend Norman."
Also in attendance were e'Lollipop's original writer and producer André Pieterse, director Ashley Lazarus and executive producer Philo Pieterse.
Says André Pieterse, "Muntu was born a star and despite his tragic life, he certainly hasn't lost any of his star quality. The audience absolutely loved him! We are so blessed to see him returned to health and look forward to announcing the first ever release date for e'Lollipop on DVD and VHS upon our return from Cannes. www.elollipop.co.za will keep you up to date."
Ashley Lazarus, e'Lollipop's multi-award winning director, who jetted in from New York to be part of the showcase celebrations, said, "I wouldn't have missed this for the world and I can't express how wonderful it is to see Muntu, Norman, Philo and André after all these years. Little did I know then that e'Lollipop would have the impact it did on South Africa and of course, Muntu."
André Pieterse announced plans for Ma-Afrika Films to produce e'Lollipop II - "Tsepo's Story", a film based on the extraordinary story of Muntu's life - from becoming the most successful of child stars to a life filled with resentment towards the apartheid regime, hopelessly lost and driven into in a spiral of drugs, crime and despair, to being given a second chance and to now standing in front of an admiring audience at the Cannes Film Festival.
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