In line with its support of productions that promote the history of Gauteng and utilise the province’s skills, the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) is to provide assistance for the marketing of The Bang Bang Club.
The movie, which recently completed filming in Gauteng, South Africa, a powerful real life story about four remarkable photographers who risked their lives to capture the harrowing political violence that erupted in the townships of Thokoza and Enhlanzani Hostel in Soweto in 1994 when the first democratic elections were held.
The film addresses the moral questions that lie at the heart of the four: Just how far one should go to pursue an image? When should journalists put aside their impartiality and get involved in the tragedy unfolding before them? (See the May Screen Africa magazine for full story)
Portraying the story as it unfolded 15 years ago, The Bang Bang Club showcases scenes brilliantly shot to create the real atmosphere of that event, centring on the confrontation between African National Congress (ANC) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) fighters.
“The film tells a very Gauteng story, it is based on a pivotal moment in our history so we felt that it fits perfectly with our ‘Made in Gauteng’ campaign, which supports productions and stories with a Gauteng flavour. In addition, it has a sterling cast and as a Canadian-SA coproduction shows how the province and our cities are home to quality international filmmaking,” explains Jacques Stoltz, GFC Senior Marketing Manager.
“GFC will provide assistance with the marketing of this film. This will involve raising awareness of the project at this year’s Cannes Film Festival as well as the local release. Our support began early in the project, as we assisted the producers with securing the necessary filming permits,” adds Stoltz.
