The Out In Africa South African Gay &
Lesbian Film Festival (OIA) was launched in 1994 to celebrate the inclusion, in
the South Africa Constitution, of the clause prohibiting discrimination on the
grounds of sexual orientation.
The Festival set out to address the lack of
visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex individuals
(LGBTIs) in South African social and cultural life after decades of apartheid
repression, to counter negative images of LGBTIs that prevail in traditional
and religious communities, and to serve as a platform for discussion and debate
about the situation of LGBTIs in a newly founded democracy.
The purpose of the Festival is to showcase
films from around the world, and to stimulate and promote a home-grown film
industry. As a socially conscious movement with a political purpose, OIA must
generate images and representations of its own community that promote a sense
of belonging and pride – films that explore our particular identity, lifestyles
and concerns. OIA has organised 5 filmmaking workshops producing South African
content – 22 short films have screened at over 52 international Film Festivals.
Through its high public profile (OIA garners
tremendous coverage in the mainstream media) OIA continues to counteract
embedded homophobia by providing positive images of LGBTI people. While the
Festivals assist in the creation of communities and the strengthening of
related organisations, ancillary events, that include filmmaking workshops,
help develop personal growth, leadership skills and career opportunities.
Courtesy of Ster Kinekor we shall be screening the Palme
d’Or winner Blue is the Warmest Colour.
Please note that in Cape Town this screens at Cinema Nouveau V&A Waterfront.
This October offering is one of the strongest yet – so book your seats early to
avoid disappointment.
Follow the link below to check out the Film Festival
lineup for October 2013:
http://www.oia.co.za/schedule/
See you at the Fest!
No comments:
Post a Comment