VISIONS OF/FROM SOUTH AFRICA

In our fourth annual installment of specially curated themed sidebars, Fantastic Fest partners with Durban International Film Festival to present five short films from South Africa. Across genre, time, and place, each explores themes of identity, how we come to be who we are, and the choices we must each make to be true to ourselves.

*Please note: films listed in alphabetical order, not in order of appearance in the block.

BEING YOU - Dir. Minenhle Luthuli

Sheila, an acclaimed screenwriter, has just won an Oscar yet finds herself overwhelmed by the attention. Unable to reconcile lived trauma with present success, she is presented with the opportunity to confront her younger self, desperate to reset the past.

B(L)IND THE SACRIFICE - Dir. Nakhane

A spiritual leader. A rebellious son, discontent with the status quo. Generational conflict threatens to unravel tradition, religious zealousness, and the stability of the family, questioning faith and devotion to their core.

FLEAS - Dir. Jordy Sank

Two young Zimbabwean boys live in a South African township, unwelcome as immigrants to say the least. As they wait for their mom to return, the younger brother is in dire need of water. The older brother sets out under dark of night to collect the precious resource.

THE HOUSE THAT NEVER SLEEPS - Dir. Sean Mongie

An aspiring writer finally gains access to the world of his literary hero, a reclusive author and book binder, who's guarding a variety of secrets within the walls of his family home. A contemplation on the nature and source of the creative spark.

SWIM HARD - Dir. Mark Penwill

David hires Jess to document his swim team's dream: competing in a new event in the 2028 Olympics. Among other hurdles to overcome in their quest, the coach's event is strictly on shore, no water allowed.