Love in the Shadow of Apartheid: A Tale of Romance That Overcomes South Africa's Political Divide
In a stirring display of South African cinema, the film "Back of the Moon" was crowned the Best South African Feature Film at the Durban International Film Festival in July 2019. Directed by Academy Award nominee Angus Gibson, this captivating production tells a quintessentially South African story that resonates deeply with the nation's past.
Set in the heart of Sophiatown, the film follows the leader of the most powerful gang, a complex and sympathetic character named Badman, who finds something worth living for in a bittersweet love story. The film was initially intended as a genre film about a singing star taking revenge, but evolved into a poignant exploration of potential stifled and wasted by Apartheid.
The film's soundtrack is a fusion of fifties mbaqanga and hip hop, with collaborations from Sjava and Kwesta on the end credits. The editors found a delicate balance that allows both the violent and tender aspects of the story to coexist. The soundtrack also features jive music of the period, including tracks from the Manhattan Brothers, Miriam Makeba, and the Harlem Swingsters.
Phillip Miller composed a hauntingly beautiful score for the film, which was not shot in black and white as originally intended, but was saturated in red to represent blood and passion. The sets used in "Back of the Moon" were left over from a telenovela called "The Road."
Angus Gibson, the director of "Back of the Moon," was a founding member of Free Filmmakers, a film co-operative established in 1985 to create a relevant South African cinema. The film is heavily influenced by noir movies that Sophiatown residents loved to watch.
"Back of the Moon" stars Richard Lukunku, Moneoa Moshesh, Lemogang Tsipa, and Thomas Gumede. The film tells a story about the removal of black people's freehold property in Sophiatown by the apartheid regime, a topic that is still relevant today.
Before Angus Gibson took the helm, Lennie James was set to direct the film. However, due to unspecified reasons, Gibson stepped in to craft an authentic film that has captured the essence of Sophiatown. The film was produced by Desiree Markgraff and executive produced by William Kentridge and Anant Singh.
In a world where violence and love story coexist, "Back of the Moon" offers a compelling narrative that is both brutal and tender, making it a must-watch for any cinema enthusiast.
