Ex-Volkie student makes name in US with filmmaking
Blake Bodlak from Nebraska, USA, and former Volkie student Anja Oelofse from Heidelberg won the excellence award at the Bison Bison Film Festival for their student film The Bittersweet Truth About Parking.
In 2019, Oelofse attended a six-week film and acting course from Renier Weideman, the producer of Gebore Talente. After the course, they shot a short film, I Can Do This, in which Oelofse starred.
Her love for filmmaking led her to Kansas, USA, where she enrolled at the Wayne State College.
Bodlak, a Wayne State College graduate, and Oelofse produced, wrote, directed and were the cinematographers of The Bittersweet Truth About Parking.
The film is a comedy short story that follows a man's unique relationship with a parking spot, which leads him on a journey of self-reflection. It was released in February.
The festival on April 4 and 5 was held in Arkansas City, Kansas, at the Burford Theatre.
According to the college, the festival celebrates film by bringing together local, national and international artists and filmmakers.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
04-07-2025
- IOL News
Michael Owen's grand gallop: sharing his anticipation for the Hollywoodbets Durban July
Legendary soccer player and current racehorse trainer Michael Owen arrived in the city to engage with fans at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment and share his passion for horse racing. Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers Former football superstar Michael Owen is in South Africa, embracing the vibrant atmosphere of his inaugural Hollywoodbets Durban July. The ex-Liverpool striker is eager to immerse himself in South Africa's most anticipated horse-racing event, although he admits he still hasn't decided what to wear for the occasion. "Independent Media Lifestyle" caught up with the charismatic SunBet ambassador at the Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, where he expressed his excitement about experiencing the annual racing spectacle that draws attention from across the region. "The first thing I've noticed about the city is that it's very similar to the UK in terms of lots of greenery, trees and land, it was nice to see. We've come in winter so it's a little bit colder than I thought it was going to be, I only brought one top!" Despite the chill, Owen's enthusiasm was unmistakable, especially as he looked forward to the main event. "I'm looking forward to more of the city, and the Durban July is going to be the biggest attraction for me, so I can't wait to see that tomorrow as well." "We've already been to various places. We did an event last night, we've got different dinners, we've got meet and greets with fans, we went to see the training centre (Summerveld Horseracing Clubhouse) this morning, which was exciting, so there are a few things on the agenda over the next few days." Legendary soccer player and current racehorse trainer Michael Owen arrived in the city to engage with fans at Sibaya Casino & Entertainment and share his passion for horse racing. He also signed autographs at a meet-and-greet with fans. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers While fashion often takes centre stage at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Owen appears more keen to appreciate the full experience. "I'm not really a fashionista, I'm looking forward to the whole day. I love horses and I'm looking forward to seeing the big race, but I like to see everything, and see people enjoying themselves, I may possibly get down with the locals. "That's the good thing about horse racing, there is something in it for everybody, whether you're into fashion or horses, competition or gambling. It's a family event so I'm looking forward to the whole day." His insights into the racing field are great, especially as he brings his perspective from a recent stint at the prestigious Royal Ascot in the UK. "I listened intensely last night, and Eight On Eighteen is the favourite, sounds like everybody is keen on it. I actually like the look of the No.1 horse, Oriental Charm, who won it last year, drawn well, it's an older horse so more robust, I guess, but I'm guessing." "I'm interested in seeing what the differences are. I've just come off the back of doing five days of Royal Ascot, which is our showpiece in the UK. We've got a lot of festivals, but I think Royal Ascot is the one we're most proud of and I'm told that the Durban July is the big one over here that excites the nation. "I've seen some of the best horse racing events in the world, and obviously this will be different, but it will be amazing in your own way, which is the beauty of going to different countries and seeing how each country does it." "Lots of people will be there, the racing is great and I'm looking forward to seeing what else is great. There'll be the fashion, people and the excitement and the social environment so looking forward to seeing it.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- IOL News
Keke Palmer bares her soul in 'Just Keke': a musical memoir of heartbreak and healing
Keke Palmer is embarking on a heartfelt journey through her newest visual album, 'Just Keke'. Image: Keke Palmer Instagram Keke Palmer has embarked on a heartfelt journey through her newest visual album, 'Just Keke', which was released on Friday, June 20. The 31-year-old multi-talented star uses this vibrant work to process her recent public breakup with ex-Darius Jackson, illuminating the complex emotions entwined in their past relationship, from loss to liberation. With a two-year-old son, Leo, who remains at the heart of her creative narrative, Palmer invites listeners to witness her transformation into an empowered artist and mother. The album, inspired by Palmer's previous BET talk show of the same name, is designed as a high-concept variety programme. Each of its 18 tracks is accompanied by striking visuals, delving into Palmer's rich experiences and artistic influences, with nods to legendary artists such as Whitney Houston and Brandy. The project also features cameos from her family and actress Issa Rae, enriching the emotional landscapes Palmer has navigated. 'Just Keke' captures the essence of vulnerability in the face of adversity. In her lyrics, Palmer reflects on the raw complexities of love and the challenges that come with it. She candidly addresses the end of her romantic relationship while simultaneously celebrating the joy her son brings into her life, intertwining these contrasting feelings into a powerful narrative. Palmer's ability to articulate personal pain through art serves not only to reclaim her narrative but also to foster a deeper connection with her audience. In a recent Instagram post, Palmer characterised 'Just Keke' as more than just an artistic endeavour. 'This is my real life,' she asserted, revealing the meticulous effort she invested in the project. 'Each character is a tool to dismantle perceptions around identity,' she explained, emphasising how the album is a testament to her journey as a young black woman navigating the public eye. 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 ✕ With such introspective themes, Palmer invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside her. The intricacies of her relationship with Jackson are particularly evident in tracks like 'Off Script', where she touchingly sings, 'You still think I don't love you / Even when I let you get me pregnant.' Here, Palmer is firm in her exploration of love and misunderstanding, tackling the twin realities of motherhood and heartbreak with honesty and wit. Another standout track, 'My Confession', spotlights the turbulence of her relationship, rooted in a crucial moment captured in the public eye that showcased the unravelling of her love story. As Palmer navigates through the manifold emotions portrayed in 'Just Keke', she also takes time to celebrate personal growth. 'This project is about the shifts, the stretch, the surrender,' she expressed, referring to the interplay between her artistic persona and her true self. The duality of life and art echoes throughout her work, as she illustrates her evolution not just as a performer, but as a woman and a mother, reinventing herself under public scrutiny. Despite the trials endured during her romantic relationship, Palmer also expressed a spirit of gratitude as she and Jackson co-parent Leo with mutual respect and understanding. In her final words on social media, she shared, 'Life is so many things, but art allows me to process and time stamp and move on ... this is my greatest walk yet!'
IOL News
13-05-2025
- IOL News
Immerse yourself in 18th-Century French Repertoire with the Cape Town Baroque Orchestra
Leon Schelhase (harpsichord). moved to the USA in 2006, and has been on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia since 2012. He will be part of several musicians who will be performing in a chamber concert of 18th century French repertoire Image: Supplied The Cape Town Baroque Orchestra (CTBO) invites music enthusiasts to immerse themselves in an exquisite chamber concert titled Enlightened France, celebrating the elegance and innovation of 18th-century French repertoire. Held in the comfortable and intimate setting of St Andrew's Presbyterian Church in De Waterkant, Cape Town, this concert promises to enchant audiences with its rich historical context and vibrant musical expressions. The concert features an impressive array of compositions showcasing the talents of three distinguished artists: Annien Shaw on the baroque violin, Sarah Cunningham on the viola da gamba, and Leon Schelhase on the harpsichord. Together, they will breathe life into works by renowned composers such as Marin Marais, François Couperin, Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, Jacques Duphly, and Jean-Philippe Rameau—names that resonate with the grace and brilliance of the era. 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 ✕ Annien Shaw (baroque violin) Image: Supplied CTBO's mission extends beyond mere performance; it provides a vital platform for South African musicians working abroad in Historically Informed Performance to reconnect with their local roots and share their invaluable experiences. This concert is particularly special as it marks the return of ex-Capetonian Leon Schelhase, who moved to the United States in 2006 and has been imparting his expertise as a faculty member at the Curtis Institute of Music since 2012. Joining him is Sarah Cunningham, a distinguished viola da gamba player whose career has seen her perform in prestigious venues worldwide and who currently teaches at The Juilliard School in New York. Accompanied by CTBO's concertmaster Annien Shaw on baroque violin, this trio of international talent will explore a repertoire not often performed in Cape Town, allowing audiences to experience the nuances and complexities of 18th-century music. This concert is a rare opportunity to witness their collective artistry and deep musical conversations—a treat for both esteemed connoisseurs and curious newcomers to classical music. Sarah Cunningham (viola da gamba) Image: Supplied In addition to the breathtaking music, guests can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine after the concert—a testament to CTBO's commitment to fostering an inviting and convivial atmosphere where art and community can flourish together. This enchanting concert is made possible through the generous support of the Rupert Musiek Stigting. Tickets can be reserved through the following link: Enlightened France tickets. For inquiries, please contact info@
