South African-born Oliver Schmitz has a good record at the Cannes International Film Festival, currently underway in Cannes, France. Two of his previous films, Mapantsula and Hijack Stories, were selected for the festival’s world cinema showcase, Un Certain Regard. On 18 May, his latest film, Life Above All, screened at this year’s Un Certain Regard and generated a 10-minute standing ovation.
Schmitz was joined at the screening by producer Oliver Stoltz, cast members Lerato Mvelase, Harriet Manamela and Khomotso Manyaka, South African Minister of Arts and Culture Lulu Xingwana, and CEO of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) Eddie Mbalo.
Shot on location in a small town of Elandsdoorn in Johannesburg, the film is based on the international award winning novel Chanda’s Secret by Allan Stratton. It is an emotional and universal drama about a young girl who fights the fear and shame that has poisoned her community. The film captures the enduring strength of loyalty and a courage powered by the heart.
Schmitz believes that films should first and foremost convey stories that evoke emotions that people can relate to. He further states that “If they change people’s consciousness in a positive way, then that’s a great accomplishment. Obviously, Life Above All sends a strong message, but first and foremost, it’s Chanda’s story.’
Second and third festival screenings of Life Above All will take place on Wednesday and Friday the 19th and 20th of May 2010.
