The world premiere of Wembley to Soweto, the extraordinary photographic journey of over 50 images shot in summer 2010 by disadvantaged teenagers from the Johannesburg townships, takes place in London on 7 July followed by an exhibition which runs until 24 July.
This multimedia international project also comprises a documentary film of the same title made by Paperpush Productions from Soweto. London based Wilton Pictures Creative Film Productions in association with Johannesburg’s Umuzi Photo Club conceived the project.
The images in the exhibition result from director of Wilton Pictures David Westhead’s invitation to internationally renowned photographer John Cole to run a four-week intensive photography course in Johannesburg in 2010. The course, run in conjunction with Umuzi Photo Club, afforded an opportunity for eight teenagers from the townships to work alongside one of the world’s best photographers.
Says Westhead: “The course was not solely about taking striking images; it was about how to feed your family using a camera as the tool of your trade. John Cole’s teaching has resulted in wonderful work, produced by wonderful students with a thirst for knowledge that is second to none.’
The film and photo project has its roots in 1988 when Cole developed the idea after taking photographs of Nelson Mandela at the Wembley Stadium concert to celebrate the iconic statesman’s 70th birthday. The photograph of that momentous day now hangs on the wall in Mandela’s home.
