Sunday, April 22, 2012

A Day in the West End

I took in a film at the 2nd annual Vancouver South African Film Festival (VSAFF).  The VSAFF uses the film fest as a way of raising money for Fezeka Senior Secondary and Songeze Middle Schools in Guguletu, Cape Town. My readers know that I have the Missions of Hope which is dear to me and where most of my charitable giving goes. However, I do try to support other charitable endeavours wherever I can. I did that today by going to a film and making a small donation at the door.

This is where the film was shown in what we call the city's West End.  The film festival ends Sunday.
I got off the city bus and had to walk the last few blocks. I took these photos near the waterfront. I love the brilliant display of colour.

The film I saw was called "Stargazer" (aka Roepman) is an epic drama, based on the Jan van Tonder novel with the same title. It tells the story of a 1966 South African railway community, told through the eyes of an eleven year old boy, called Timus. Timus and his family are trapped within the structural violence caused by the government and the church of the day. It is a story with unforgettable characters and it combines the magical world of childhood beautifully with the cold realities of the world.

There were a lot of people at the beach and a lot of tourists in town. I overheard an American mother saying it was the last week of school break. Canadian school children had their school break long ago.

The film was purchased by an Black American and he kept the audience for a few minutes after the show to discuss some issues that will help him premiere the film in New York City.  The film was made in Africaans, with English subtitles.  It was interesting for me to see how much of the vocabulary I could make out in Africaans based on the subtitles. I enjoyed the film and if it was playing in a regular theatre sometime I would recommend  you see it.

I never tire of the scenes at the waterfront.

If you wish to see more beautiful scenes from around the world, please visit at Scenic Sunday.

14 comments:

Diane said...

The film sounds like it was very interesting. I just love that photo of the tulips, gorgeous. Diane

Jo said...

Oh WOW, Penny, my sweet Canadian friend watching an Afrikaans film at the SA Film Festival in your city. You are amazing. I've seen write-ups about Roepman, but like the other DVD I tried to buy in SA recently, this one was also out of stock! You are such a caring person and we'd all do well to follow in your footsteps. What an inspiring post and lovely splash of color on the way too. Have a great weekend my friend. Hugs Jo

Sunita Mohan said...

You're a nice person, Joyful! Not everyone remembers that charity is needed more than ever.
I loved those pics in this post. The tulips ... I think I could even consider moving out of the tropics if I could havbe that in my garden! :)

Fred Alton said...

Beautiful splash of red color there in Canada. Reminds me of the tulips that one sees when landing at the airport in Amsterdam, Holland! As for the film-show, I vaguely remember the name "Roepman". I must learn more about the "Stargazer" soon.

Al said...

I love the waterfront too, lovely photos. It's one of the things I miss living near the mountains.

Jan said...

I like the sound of that film Penny. We don't often get screenings of the less mainstream films here. You always make me think, I often stop and question myself after reading your blog...what have I done for others lately? Though my job is in a helping role, I still have to ask this of myself regularly. Love the pictures as always, the waterfront looks like a good place to visit. I am so used to seeing the mountains in your photographs. These are quite a contrast.

A Colorful World said...

Fascinating post. I bet it does make it to the US and it would be interesting to see. Great photos! And thanks for stopping by my quilting blog and commenting.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Lovely post with some beautiful shots.

Eden said...

Beautiful photos. Love the tulips.

Hootin Anni said...

Thank you for visiting with me. I really enjoyed your scenery and especially the water scenes as I too live on the coast and just never tire of its beauty and the changes from day to day.

Joe Todd said...

Beautiful waterfront an endless opportunity for great photos

Unknown said...

Beautiful photos thanks for sharing and your visit!

Brenda Green said...

Dear Friend,
Thank's for sharing that neat experience with us. The pictures that you took are beautiful!!! Your such a Blessing, I hope that you will be able to see many more interesting films, and go to many places. Have a great day my friend. me

Icy BC said...

Your walk around town brought back so many beautiful photos! If the film is play in theaters around here, I would want to see it!

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