South African film Ayanda by award-winning director Sara Blecher
(Otelo Burning) and starring Nigerian actor OC Ukeje, will be
screening at the Cannes Film Market on 17 May.
The film tells the story of 21-year-old Afro-hipster Ayanda, who has a knack for
taking neglected pieces of furniture and “bringing them back to love’. Eight years
after her father’s death, she is determined to revive his prized garage, which is in
deep debt and in danger of being sold.
Blecher’s work captures a contemporary South Africa where cooperation trumps
xenophobia. The film makes use of still-frame montages inspired by the possibilities
of a modern African aesthetic and documentary-like techniques to explore its core
theme: how do we let go of the things and people we love?
Alongside Ukeje, winner of the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best
Actor, Ayanda also stars Fulu Mugovhani, Thomas Gumede, Nthati
Moshesh, Kenneth Nkosi, Jafta Mamabolo, Sihle Xaba and Vanessa Cooke. It was
produced by A Leading Lady Productions with the support of the National Film and
Video Foundation (NFVF), Africa Magic and the South African Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI).
Worldwide sales (excluding South Africa) will be handled by Tendeka Matatu of
Ten10 Films Limited, the sales and distribution division of African studio Restless
Global.
For worldwide sales contact tendeka@restless.global
Visit the Restless Global website for
more information.
