Celebrating democracy: Diepsloot community hosts pop-up cinema experience

In celebration of South Africa's 30 years of democracy, the community of Diepsloot and Northern Farm, also in Diepsloot, came alive as young people in their numbers showed up for the pop-up cinema experience at the Diepsloot Youth Centre and Maspala, Northern Farm Hall on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

This is where film screenings and acting masterclasses by leading figures in the film industry were the order of the two-day programme.

The film screenings of Poppie Nongena, a South African film that tells a compelling story that reflects the community's hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future, served as the perfect backdrop to the story of Diepsloot, one of Johannesburg's dynamic and diverse townships.

Based on a true story, Poppie is a black woman who suffered immense hardships during the 70s.  Declared an illegal resident in her hometown, she struggles to keep her family together in a desperate struggle with the authorities for permission to stay with them.

The film, produced by Helena Spring and directed by Christiaan Olwangen and Saartjie Botha, features renowned actors including Clementine Mosimane, Anna-Mart van der Merwe, Chris Gxalaba, Nomsa Nene, and Rolanda Marais.

Reflecting on the experience of having a big film screened right in her own backyard, Faith Mohale, a 23-year-old aspiring actress from Northern Farm, indicated that while opportunities such as this one are few and far between for young people, interacting with actors with years of experience in the country's tough acting and film industry left her inspired to continue pursuing her passion for acting.

"I have been left feeling encouraged and inspired because we, as young people from the township, never get to experience cinema right in front of us. This was indeed a unique experience that has left me inspired to continue on my journey to becoming a professional actor.  As someone who wants to pursue acting as a career, I am grateful to have had this kind of opportunity where I could watch a local film and interact with those already in the profession. All I can say is that we want to see more such opportunities in our townships," she said.

Actor and TV and film director Neo Ntlateng shared some of his experiences as a young filmmaker, indicating that like any other profession, acting and filmmaking take time and skill, but they are mostly about talent and hard work.

"There are many ways young people like yourselves can use to get into this profession. One is through school, and the other is through sheer talent and skills. Many colleges, universities and other institutions cater to acting and filmmaking. Therefore, there are other avenues like script writing that you can venture into within this industry," the former Zone 14 actor said.

Community leader Elizabeth Mfihlo says this experience has meant a lot to her as a leader and eager young person.

"We are happy with the programme that we had today. As a community leader, this was the best way for our young children who are on school holidays to spend their time. I wish we could have many more similar events to ensure that our young people are engaged and busy with positive things," she said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za