Spotlight: Laugh, Cry, Think… the Silwerskermfees 2016 experience

This week I swapped the traditional theatre for the cinematic theatre experience, as the Silwerskermfees 2016 (presented by kykNET at The Bay Hotel) took Cape Town by storm with the smell of popcorn and the electric energy of creative talent in the air.

I had the privilege of experiencing three very unique and diverse screenings:

Dis Koue Kos, Skat Producers: Aimee Dherman, Wayne Kriel, Lida Meyer, Diony Kempen Executive Producer: Marita van der Vyver, Deon Meyer, Diony Kempen Director: Etienne Fourie Script: Marita van der Vyver, Etienne Fourie Starring: Anna-Mart van der Merwe, Deon Lotz, Elzabé Zietsman, Frank Opperman, Angelique Gerber, Deàndré Reiners

A witty, empowering reflection of a woman’s journey as she takes a stance to reclaim her passion for life, cutting all emotional ties with her ex-husband in a very flavoursome fashion… as revenge is a dish best served cold. Anna-Mart van der Merwe plays the chef with attitude that takes back control of her life, by not only getting over her ex-husband, but also her jam making addiction with the help of her friends, children and a charming Greek who knows how to court a woman with vegetables as only Frank Opperman can portray. Get yourself to your closest cinema and enjoy a movie with taste. In theatres from 26 August 2016.

Op Pad Producer: Niel van Deventer Director: Charlenè Brouwer Script: Dana Snyman Starring: Dana Snyman

Dana Snyman grabs you by the heart and invites you along on a journey in search of hope, as he travels the country to find out what makes South Africa home to so many. A gripping documentary about people, their lives and our unique South African collective identity, viewed through diverse perspectives. It will make you laugh and cry as the emotional depth of this exhibition of reality hits you in the feels. It is an experience that nourishes the soul. You can also follow Dana's journey on Via (DSTV Channel 147)

Shepherds and Butchers

Producers: Anant Singh, Brian Cox Executive Producers: Robert Naidoo, Sudhir Pragjee, Sanjeev Singh, Andrew Bonamour, Andrew Gill Director: Oliver Schmitz Script: Brian Cox Starring: Steve Coogan, Andrea Riseborough, Garion Dowds

South Africa’s answer to the Green Mile, it is not an easy movie to watch, but one everyone should see at least once. It examines the shocking reality of the death penalty on both sides of the noose, in the context o a gripping court drama in which human rights Advocate John Weber (Steve Coogan) defends a traumatised 19 year old warden on trial for the murder of seven men. Inspired by true events, it is equal parts brilliant and brutal; a poignant telling of an issue that still haunts the world today. It releases at cinemas countrywide on the 28 October 2016. Don’t miss this one!

Apart from these three amazing productions, there are many others showing at the #Silwerskermfees2016 that has Cape Town (and specifically twitter) buzzing, all worth keeping an eye out for on the big screen:

Unfortunately, even though the festival is still on today (27 August 2016), tickets are all sold out, but use the reactions of the lucky ones to have grabbed their tickets in advance to plan your next movie night out. You won’t regret supporting local productions. The standard is truly world class!