I’ve been waiting for this day for over a month now, and while I wasn’t at the first official screening, I do plan to watch Otelo Burning this weekend.
I really am so excited about South African film. It’s good to see that the actors in this film are not just the country’s “celebrities”, but they are also known for their outstanding work.
Jafta Mamabolo (currently of Generations fame), Kenneth Nkosi (White Wedding), Thomas Gumede (Remember SABC 1’s Bay Of Plenty? Or maybe just David Kau’s So You Think You’re Funny) and Hamilton Dhlamini (a familiar face of many SA TV dramas, but probably most recognisable at the moment as Mojo on SABC 2’s Stokvel) are just a few of the cast whose performances I think will be well worth watching.
The story is partially based on the true life experiences of Sihle Xaba (also of Bay Of Plenty, and an actual lifeguard for the eThekwini Municipality), who discovered surfing as a form of personal freedom at a time when the country was in turmoil.
I really look forward to seeing this. I don’t doubt that this movie will live up to all its hype!
Nkhensani Manabe 