Does a single ‘Tsotsi'-like act of integrity define Mabuza, or a lifetime of scandal?
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IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra to premiere Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 concert film
The Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra Image: Supplied The Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra (Mzansi Philharmonic) is set to take audiences on a captivating cinematic journey with the world première of its concert film, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Francois Verster, this remarkable film will hit screens across South Africa from 25 to 30 July 2025. This screening represents a momentous occasion in South African cultural history, marking the first time this monumental symphonic work is presented nationwide by a South African orchestra in such a cinematic format. Conducted by the esteemed Marin Alsop, the film was captured live at the iconic Cape Town City Hall in 2022. It promises to offer a fresh interpretation of Beethoven's timeless Ode to Joy, infused with a uniquely South African essence. Bongani Tembe, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Mzansi Philharmonic, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, 'This historic presentation will showcase the iconic Ode to Joy, reimagined with a unique South African soul.' He highlighted the collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Wouter Kellerman and his ensemble, which adds depth to the performance by integrating the Zulu language alongside the original German text, thereby reflecting the nation's rich linguistic diversity and artistic expression. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading For the first time in South African history, Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 will be presented in cinemas nationwide — performed by the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra and brought to screen in partnership with Ster-Kinekor. Image: Supplied Lynne Wylie, Head of Marketing at Ster-Kinekor, echoed this sentiment, stating, 'We're incredibly proud to partner with South Africa's national orchestra to bring this world-class cultural event to cinemas across the country. At Ster-Kinekor, we believe in the power of cinema to connect audiences with powerful stories, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 Concert Film is exactly that: a story of joy, unity, and the beauty of cultural fusion.' With its unique artistic vision, this film promises to resonate deeply with South African audiences, bringing the magic of live orchestral performance to the big screen. The cultural significance of this initiative goes beyond entertainment; it aims to foster civic pride and engagement among South Africans. By reaching diverse audiences, from students to culture enthusiasts and the general public, the concert film encourages greater participation in the arts, paving the way for a new generation of South African musicians and artists. Nicole Haynes, Business and Tour Manager of Mzansi Philharmonic and associate producer of the film, articulated the orchestra's mission, stating, 'This project represents a landmark in our mission to make world-class orchestral music accessible to all South Africans.' She emphasised the universal themes of hope, joy, and resilience embedded in Beethoven's music, inviting every audience member to connect across backgrounds. Francois Verster, reflecting on his experience as part of this collaborative project, remarked, 'Being able to make a film of a performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony during the Mzansi Philharmonic Orchestra's first nationwide tour has been a wonderful opportunity. Full symphony concerts are rarely viewed in cinemas, and what we have attempted with this film is to offer a new way of presenting a concert within the cinema space. This project aims to interpret the music while emphasising the musicians' experience, creating an immersive atmosphere that places viewers on stage with them.' In addition to its artistic merits, the concert film is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for South Africa's creative sector. The arts contribute significantly to the nation's economy, supporting thousands of jobs and driving cultural tourism. During the Mzansi Philharmonic's successful first national tour in December 2022, over 250 artists were employed, including musicians, choristers, visual artists, and performers. This film project, alongside the orchestra's national tours, aims to widen access to orchestral music, stimulate interest in the arts, and showcase South Africa's cultural exports on a global platform.
IOL News
8 hours ago
- IOL News
Michael Douglas takes a bow: why this Hollywood icon is stepping back from the spotlight
Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas has indicated he may be retired from acting, stating he has "no real intentions" of taking on further projects. Image: Instagram. At the prestigious Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas opened up about his thoughts on retirement and the meaning of creativity after an illustrious career spanning nearly six decades. The 80-year-old actor is well known for his roles in iconic films such as "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", "Wall Street" and "Basic Instinct". Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Douglas, who has graced the silver screen for nearly 60 years, conceded that it was time to slow down. 'I've had a very busy career. Now, I have not worked since 2022, purposely because I realised I had to stop. I'd been working pretty hard for almost 60 years and I did not want to be one of those people who dropped dead on the set,' Douglas shared at the 50th anniversary screening of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", which he won an Oscar for producing. Douglas's last screen appearance was as President Benjamin Franklin in the forthcoming Apple TV+ series "Franklin", which was filmed in 2022. 'I'm very happy with taking the time off. I have no real intentions,' he said about taking on another performance. However, he left the door open, stating he would 'go back' if something particularly special came across his path. The actor, whose film lineage traces back to his father, the legendary Kirk Douglas, said he prefers to now watch his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones, thrive in her career. "I just like to watch my wife work," referring to her upcoming role as Morticia Addams in the second season of Netflix's "Wednesday". Douglas's conversation also touched upon pertinent issues beyond cinema, highlighting his concerns regarding the state of American democracy. "I hope that what we're struggling with right now is a reminder of all the hard work the Czechs did in gaining their freedom and independence." He also expressed that democracy is fragile and must be continuously protected. As a significant figure in Hollywood, Douglas has also been an influential producer behind notable projects, including "Starman", "Flatliners" and "Face/Off". With his company, Further Films, founded in 1997, he hopes to continue his contributions to the industry by developing more independent films. In 2010, Douglas was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment. "Stage 4 cancer is not a holiday, but there aren't many choices, are there?' he said. 'I went with the program involving chemo and radiation and was fortunate. The surgery would have meant not being able to talk and removing part of my jaw and that would have been limiting as an actor.'
IOL News
17 hours ago
- IOL News
Rani Sitaram: A Rising Star in South African Cinema
Rani Sitaram, the producer of Greytown Girl. Image: Supplied HAVING received two nominations at the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards in the category of Best Supporting Actress – Film, Rani Sitaram, the producer of Greytown Girl, believes this further affirms her status as a creative force committed to impactful storytelling. Her latest project is not only making waves globally, but it has further cemented her reputation as a filmmaker dedicated to telling stories that matter. Funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), her journey exemplifies how targeted investment in local talent can produce content that resonates across continents. Greytown Girl has already garnered international acclaim, winning a string of awards. The film scooped Best Feature Film at the Los Angeles Movie and Music Awards, Best African Film at the 2025 Cannes Film Awards, with prestigious selections earned at the Nelson Mandela Children's Film Festival, the 30th International Human Rights Conference, as well as at festivals in Barcelona and New York. Yet despite this global recognition, Sitaram says that being nominated for a Simon Mabhunu Sabela Award holds a deeply personal significance. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Greytown Girl has already garnered international acclaim, winning a string of awards. Image: Supplied 'It's really heartwarming to be acknowledged by our home province and country,' she shares. Central to the success of Greytown Girl has been the support of KZNTAFA. For Sitaram, this backing was 'vital and invaluable,' enabling her to maintain high production values and build a story with strong local relevance and global appeal. The impact was not just financial. 'KZNTAFA has created a support structure around me,' she says. 'As an independent producer, this amazing 'holding space' allowed me to eliminate challenges and draw on the expertise of seasoned professionals.' Committed to developing the creative economy of her province, Sitaram ensured that more than 75% of the suppliers and service providers for the film were based in KwaZulu-Natal. Through her company, East Coast Media, which includes a fully accredited training institution, she has created opportunities for the youth and underrepresented communities, including the disability sector. As she continues to write, produce, and mentor from her KZN base, Sitaram is already working on new projects. Her advice for potential filmmakers is to: 'Start with a story that matters and stay rooted in your region.' Thanks to the catalytic support of KZNTAFA, Sitaram is not only raising the flag for KwaZulu-Natal's film sector but she is also proving that local stories, when authentically told, can find a place on the world stage. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
