kagablog

Status: in production
Format: HDV
Length: 55 Min
Country of Production: South Africa
Director: Beatrice Möller

… “Shoholoza” (WT) is a road trip movie taking place on South African railway lines. Beatrice who grew up in the “old” South Africa, accompanied by two cameramen, travels across the country, with the ambition to meet ”ordinary” South African people and find out how they cope with the deep changes and transformations that have taken place in life and society after the end of apartheid, with all their associated difficulties and challenges …
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… “A train journey is virtually the only occasion in travel on which complete strangers can bare their souls, because the rail passenger – the calmest of all souls – has nothing to lose“, says Paul Theroux.“ He has more choice than anyone else in motion.“…
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…the people on the train have got time – lots of time – to tell their stories, to philosophise about their lives, to get to know other travellers and to admire the breath-taking, beautiful landscape of their country, which reflects many facets of South African history. Today, Blacks, Whites, Indians and Asians can enjoy the freedom of train travel. Thirteen years ago, during apartheid, this would not have been possible…
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… Who are these people, witnesses of apartheid, who are travelling on the train today? What hopes, dreams and wishes do they have for their country? Which memories have shaped their lives and what is it like living in South Africa thirteen years after the end of apartheid? What has happened since the reconciliation talks in 1994? The people spoke about forgiveness and a “new” South Africa and Mandela forgave his enemies. But do all those who suffered under apartheid feel the same? What happens to people when they are suddenly liberated? Can they handle their new-found freedom? How do the white people cope with this shift? How do they see the “new” South Africa? Life has changed and every culture and generation has its own memories…
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… the movie “Shosholoza” (WT) follows the journey of the people beyond the train voyage. We accompany them on their journey in their every-day lives, see where and how they live, get to know them and understand them. We follow them very closely (with a hand held camera) and show their reality, regardless of ancestry and skin colour. We show them in the context of South Africa today….
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… different train journeys will be the point of departure of the movie. We will meet our protagonists on the train and from there onwards will tell their story. A train journey represents constant change and movement, just as South Africa is steadily transforming, its restless population eager for positive results….

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