It is with great sadness that Screen Africa heard of the tragic death of Richard Ishmail, former MD of the Sithengi Film and TV Market and The Big Issue, who was stabbed in his Woodstock home in Cape Town on Saturday, 7 January.
According to the Cape Argus, Ishmail was found on Sunday in a critical condition by his housemate, having sustained injuries to his left kidney, spleen and intestine. He was rushed to Groote Schuur Hospital. On 10 January, Ishmail’s family took the heart-breaking decision to turn off his life support system.
Ishmail played an active role in the industry as one of the founders of Sithengi, which facilitates the development and growth of the film and television industry. He also contributed through his work at the Film Resource Unit (FRU) and UIP Distribution. In 2006, as part of Sithengi’s 10th anniversary, Ishmail was honoured for his role as former chairperson and CEO.
Known as an activist with a social conscience, Ishmail served the community in his role as MD of The Big Issue magazine, in which capacity he served until last month.
Screen Africa extends its sincere condolences to Ishmail’s family.
Funeral arrangements had yet to be confirmed at the time of writing.
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