Masizakhe: Building Each Other 
| Starring: | Thabang Queench |
|---|---|
| Country: | U S A |
| Created: | 2008 |
| Runtime: | 80 min. |
| Also Listed In: |
Eugene International Film Festival 2007 |
| Member: | OpenHandReel |
Average rating: 5 by 2 users
Film Description:
Synopsis
Filmed in the townships and center of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, 'Masizakhe: Building Each Other' focuses on a new generation of activists who have taken the mantel from activists before them, who were instrumental in freeing South Africa in 1994. The past eleven years of freedom have proven extremely difficult and the effects of apartheid are still a reality for the majority of the South African people, especially for Black Africans. Much of the work that these new activists are doing revolves around building community through music, hip-hop, spoken word, and radio. Two featured activist groups are 'Ghetto Youth Uprising' and 'S.W.A.M.' The film also looks at the experience of some people whose communities were destroyed when they were forced from their homes by the National Party in the 1970s. One interviewee is JBux, a radio DJ and Hip-Hop artist who comes from the 'colored' community and is struggling with issues of identity as an African. White and Afrikaans South Africans are also part of this film as they are dealing with their role and legacy in the country.
Forms: Documentary
Genres: Educational, Human Rights, Independent, Culture, Art, Hip Hop
Niches: African, Native/Aboriginal Peoples, Black, Third World, Youth/Teen
Screenings & Events
Pan African Film & Arts Festival 2007
Film Festival
Los Angeles, U S A
February 2007
Independent Black Film Festival in Atlanta
Film Festival
Atlanta, U S A
March 2007
Ybor Festival of the Moving Image
Film Festival
Tampa, U S A
April 2007
ReelHeART International Film Festival
Film Festival
Toronto, Canada
June 2007
Globians Film Festival
Film Festival
Potsdam, Germany
August 2007
Roxbury Film Festival
Film Festival
Boston, U S A
August 2007
Cast & Crew
Angelica Macklin (Producer (1st Feature), Co-Director (1st Feature)), Scott Macklin (Co-Director)
PerformanceThabang Queench (Lead Actor)
RepresentationAngelica Macklin (Agent)
Masizakhe has not yet posted any blog entries.
Spoken Word and Artist Movement
Nolitha
Ghetto Youth Uprising in Motherwell
J-Bux, hip-hop artist and DJ
Masizakhe: Let us Build Together
'Masizakhe: Let us Build Together' is a documentary film focused on the role that cultural activism is playing in shaping the future of South African society. The film gives voice to students, artists, teachers, and principals, who are using their work and talent to build one another up and re-establish individual and cultural identities. A major part of that identity includes expression through spoken word, hip-hop, and music. These rich elements are woven throughout this film to showcase the soul of South Africa and its people.
7 Comments about Masizakhe: Building Each Other
May 14, 2007 10:42AM
masizakhe: is what will lead the next revolution of visionaries.
Scott whats up i heared that you had an accident wish you well cant wait to see the documentary in South Africa soon, O by the way i am sebz from the Hip-Hop community in Port Elizabeth KQFM presnter and thanks for sharing your life's with us 1love(The Voice of Hip-Hop)
Mar 22, 2007 06:07PM
See you in Tampa, Florida!
"Masizakhe: Let Us Build Together" will be showing at the 2007 Ybor Festival of the Moving Image.
Visit http://www.yborfilmfestival.com/ for more details.
Feb 03, 2007 11:50AM
See you in Atlanta!
"Masizakhe: Let Us Build Together" will screen at the Independent Black Film Festival in Atlanta in March. If you are in town come see our film and hear some inspiring spoken word from our friends in South Africa.
Visit www.indieblackfest.org/info.htm for more info.
Jan 13, 2007 10:08AM
See you in LA!
"Masizakhe: Let Us Build Together" will have its world premier at the Los Angeles Pan African Film Festival on Monday, February 12 at 3:15 p.m. and Friday, February 16 at 1:05 p.m. at the Magic Johnson Theatres. Come check it out.
Visit www.paff.org for more information.
Dec 13, 2006 08:25AM
In times of disparity and hardship thats when a persons real fighting spirit arise,Masizakhe explores the role that EVERYDAY people like educators and artist have in shaping the front of South Africa!Masizakhe is a powerful narration by the actual artist and educators that there is still hope and that through that collective effort "change will be brought about"-Rushay
Dec 07, 2006 10:08AM
'We are using our cultural activism as a form of struggle of memory against forgetfulness and as means to excavate our past for the future…we know it is very challenging, but we are trying, we are trying…'
– Thabang Queench Student Activist, Nelson Mandela University
Dec 07, 2006 10:07AM
Masizakhe: Let us Build Together' is a powerful, engaging, incisive, and hopeful chronicle of the journey of South Africans to overcome centuries of oppression and a testament to the strength of the human spirit to survive and envision possibilities against great odds.'
– James A. Banks Professor and Director of Center for Multicultural Education, UW
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