South African Film ‘Carissa’ to Shine at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival

South African cinema is set to make waves at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival with the selection of the film ‘Carissa’. This marks a significant achievement for the country’s film industry, highlighting its growing presence on the global stage.

Key Takeaways

• Event: ‘Carissa’ selected for the 2024 Venice International Film Festival.
• Significance: Highlights South Africa’s growing presence in global cinema.
• Competition: Competing in the Orizzonti section and eligible for the Lion of the Future prize.

South Africa’s Cinematic Milestone

‘Carissa’, an Afrikaans language film, is the first feature from the South African writer-director duo Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar. The film will compete in the Orizzonti section of the festival, which is known for showcasing the latest trends in international cinema. Additionally, ‘Carissa’ qualifies for the prestigious Lion of the Future prize, awarded to the best debut work.

Plot and Themes

The film follows the journey of its protagonist, Carissa, who flees from her grandmother’s home in a small South African village. She finds herself taking care of her grandfather’s mountain rooibos plantation, navigating the complexities of her new life. The narrative delves into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the connection to one’s roots.

African Representation at Venice

This year, only two films from the African continent have been selected for the Venice Film Festival’s Horizons (Orizzonti) section: ‘Aïcha’ from Tunisia and ‘Carissa’ from South Africa. The inclusion of these films underscores the underrepresentation of African cinema at major international festivals, a challenge that filmmakers from the continent continue to face.

Challenges and Opportunities

African filmmakers often encounter numerous obstacles in getting their work recognised at international festivals. These challenges include limited production resources, distribution hurdles, and financial constraints. Despite these difficulties, the selection of ‘Carissa’ at Venice is a testament to the talent and perseverance of African filmmakers.

Broader African Participation

In addition to ‘Carissa’, other African films and filmmakers are making their mark at the festival. For instance, the Egyptian films ‘Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo’ and ‘Perfumed With Mint’ are also in the running for the Lion of the Future prize. Moreover, the festival features Ghana’s ‘The Fisherman’ in the Biennale College Cinema segment, which supports low-budget films.

Conclusion

The selection of ‘Carissa’ for the 2024 Venice International Film Festival is a landmark achievement for South African cinema. It not only highlights the country’s growing influence in the global film industry but also serves as an inspiration for other African filmmakers striving to make their mark on the world stage.

Sources

• Searching for Africa in Venice, at the world’s oldest film festival – The Africa Report.com, The Africa Report.com.