Press Release
*For Immediate Release*
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) congratulates the South African films selected to participate at the Toronto International Film Festival (tiff)
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture congratulates; High Fantasy, The Number, Silas and Five Fingers for Marseilles for being officially selected to participate in this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (tiff), 7 – 17 September 2017.
“High Fantasy” directed by Jenna Bass
Four friends on a camping trip at an isolated farm wake up to discover they’ve all swapped bodies, from the get-go, their jovial antics are interspersed with cutting conversations about race, land claims, and gender relations. Against starkly beautiful desert landscapes, the group captures these debates on their phones (between performing party tricks and hitting joints). But when they wake up the next day, they’ve inexplicably swapped bodies. Now, the discussions from the day before take on painful, and potentially destructive, new meanings.
High Fantasy screenings:
| Date | Time | Venue |
| 08/09/17 | 10:00PM | Scotiabank 11 |
| 10/09/17 | 5:00PM | TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema 4 –
Paul & Leah Atkinson Family Cinema |
| 16/09/17 | 9:30PM | Scotiabank 8 |
“The Number” directed by Khalo Matabane
Based on the life of actual gang defector Magadien Wentzel (played by Mothusi Magano). The Number finds Magadien at a crossroads. Part of the 28s — the “warrior” faction of The Numbers — Magadien has risen to the upper echelons of power. But when a young recruit is killed, the hardened prisoner begins to question his allegiance to his family on the inside, which has cost him his family on the outside. Now under the watch of a new warden, Magadien has the chance to make early release if he can turn his back on the 28s, and if he can find the strength to face himself.
The Number screenings:
| Date | Time | Venue |
| 07/09/17 | 9:00PM | Scotiabank 4 |
| 08/09/17 | 7:15PM | Scotiabank 2 |
| 14/09/17 | 9:45PM | Scotiabank 11 |
”Silas” directed by Hawa Essuman and Anjali Nayar
Liberian activist Silas Siakor is a tireless crusader against illegal logging. He’s watched multinational corporations wreak havoc on the environment while enriching themselves and impoverishing Liberians. This kind of corruption has gone on for so long that it can induce fatigue. But Silas is a tribute to the power of citizens to fight back.
Silas screenings:
| Date | Time | Venue |
| 11/09/17 | 7:15PM | Scotiabank 10 |
| 13/09/17 | 11:30AM | TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema 3 |
| 16/09/17 | 6:30PM | Scotiabank 14 |
“Five Fingers for Marseilles” directed by Michael Matthews
Near the colonial town of Marseilles in the rugged Eastern Cape of South Africa, a group of rebellious friends dubbed the Five Fingers use well-placed eggs and slingshots to drive off the oppressive police force. But when the cops seize quick-tempered Tau’s childhood love, Lerato, he goes from throwing eggs to shooting bullets. Scared of capture or worse, Tau flees, returning 20 years later to a town, and friends, transformed by the violence caused that day. With the crooked cops now replaced by a caustic gang, Tau must marshal what remains of the Fingers to once again defend their home.
Five Fingers for Marseilles screenings:
| Date | Time | Venue |
| 09/09/17 | 9:45PM | TIFF Bell Lightbox Cinema 4 – Paul & Leah Atkinson Family Cinema |
| 11/09/17 | 9:30AM | Jackman Hall |
| 16/09/17 | 3:00PM | Scotiabank 9 |
“It is exciting to see the growth and the strides that our industry is making. To have four films; High Fantasy, The Number, Silas and Four Finger for Marseilles, selected in the official programme at tiff is an incredible achievement. The diversity in the genres is a true a representation of the rich and authentic stories that our country has to offer. The delegation is a good blend of directors, producers and some of the talent. Every time one of our films is screened or premiered internationally, we move a step closer towards solidifying our position as a contributor to the international film industry.” says NFVF CEO, Ms Zama Mkosi.
The NFVF will host the South African pavilion which will serve as a home for the South African delegation as well as represent the South African film industry at large. South Africa’s presence at tiff concludes the 20 year anniversary celebrations of the audio visual treaty between South African and Canada.
”The 20 year relationship between South Africa and Canada is profound, it was the first audio-visual treaty signed by South Africa. It has paved the way for fantastic film and television collaborations between the two countries. The treaty has produced over 23 projects, one of the most memorable being the television series Molo Fish which was followed by many projects including Jozi H, The Bang Bang Club, Hatch, Book of Negroes, Indian Detective and many more. The celebrations of the 20th anniversary began at Hot Docs, continued at Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) where we hosted the Canadian delegation and it is only befitting that the culmination is at tiff.” said NFVF CEO, Ms Zama Mkosi.
**Ends**
Contact person:
Peter Kwele
Head Marketing and Communications
peterk@nfvf.co.za and xolelwan@nfvf.co.za
Tel: 011 483 0880
Website: www.nfvf.co.za
Social Media: @nfvfsa