Bok skipper Siya Kolisi and his wife Rachel are now trying their hand at filmmaking.
Siya, who is a global ambassador for the UN Spotlight Initiative, and Rachel are the executive producers of We Are Dying Here – a stage play-turned-short film focusing on gender-based violence (GBV).
The original story belongs to South African writer, performer and director Siphokazi Jonas, who performed it during the lockdown last year.
It was also mentioned in TimeOut New York as one of the best productions to stream during the lockdown.
The film chronicles the journey of three soldiers forced to survive a war they did not start.
In this war against women’s bodies, the soldiers attempt to find solace by telling their stories amid the constant barrage from a relentless enemy.
It was written and performed by Jonas, Hope Netshivhambe and Zimbini Makwetu.
“Before work began on creating #WeAreDyingHere, I felt as if art has no real place in terms of true change in the world; a film is not going to change murderous intent,” Jonas said.
“But a fellow writer reminded me that our work gives us language and helps us to articulate ourselves and that’s what we hope #WeAreDyingHere will elicit.”
The film encourages men and women to have conversations about violence, Rachel said.
Her famous husband added: “The narrative of the film also teaches you that gender-based violence doesn’t start with the violence, but the whole thought process; the film encompasses a lot of educational learnings for us as men.”
The short film will have its global premiere at The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), the largest Black History Month event in the United States, running from 28 February to 14 March.
African News Agency (ANA)