To mark the fifth anniversary of the 2008 xenophobic attacks in South Africa, The
Bioscope Independent Cinema in Johannesburg hosts a special exhibition and
screenings entitled Tell Them We Are From Here from 10 to 19 May.
Man on Ground, Akin Omotoso’s award-winning film is used as the point of departure
for this interactive exhibition to stimulate continued dialogue about xenophobia
within South African communities.
The film Man on Ground was inspired by a photo that was taken of Ernesto
Nhamuave, a Mozambican man who was burnt alive during the 2008 xenophobic
attacks. The image became a symbol for the riots and Nhamuave became known as
“The Burning Man’.
Earlier this year, another Mozambican man was dragged by a police van and he later
died.
These incidents highlight the importance of keeping the dialogue around identity and
belonging alive and vibrant.
The exhibition, timed to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the 2008 attacks,
includes three two-minute films, photography and text – all revolving around the
theme of xenophobia. The short films are based on the responses from the screenings
of Man on Ground in communities in Cape Town, Durban, Musina and Mpumalanga.
The event starts with the opening of the interactive exhibition, which will be
introduced by Akin Omotoso on Friday 10 May.
On the night, The Burning Man – Ernesto Alfabeto Nhamuave by Adze Ugah (24
minutes) and Man on Ground (80 minutes) screen, followed by a discussion.
Visit www.thebioscope.co.za for more information.
