Alex hosts filming of popular story
ALEXANDRA - A folklore story of the sixties to eighties that terrorised children to force them to submit to discipline may soon be on television screens.
A folklore story of the sixties that was used by parents to discipline children may soon be on television screens.
The story about a fearful character named Pinky Pinky was narrated to children and juveniles to make them change their wayward ways. The character depicted was a serial killer who terrorised society in an act of revenge after his wife had been raped and murdered. His actions grew in cruelty when the justice system failed him and he turned on anyone in his way with children being his easiest targets. It created fear and caused children to always listen to the advice of their elders.
The story is being re-enacted in Alexandra, but this time to expose the township’s children to acting as a career option. The director and producer, Lucky Ndlovu and Nkululeko Hlatswayo respectively said Alexandra was a conscious choice as a location as the resident children also struggled with issues of discipline. Unlike Soweto which was known globally and attracted everything from tourism and movies, Alexandra was unfairly associated with crime and vice and this discouraged companies to invest in the area.
The movie sought to dispel this myth by showing the reality of township life and its many opportunities, and would be encourage those responsible for the area’s transformation and development to act more decisively in effecting change.
They said the movie would be a thriller and departure from the norm of TV which was dominated by soapies that provide limited educational and informative messages. “The movie will depict real life as it is experienced in the township through crime, failures of the system to effect fair, equitable justice and protection of vulnerable groups – women and children.” said Ndlovu.
He added that because of its crime focus, they have partnered with ex-offenders’ organisation the South African Prisoners’ Organisation for Human Rights whose members feature in some of the scenes.
Most of the actors will be children from Alexandra to give them the feel and opportunity to experience acting. “Their experiences will enrich the movie by depicting their daily realities and flaws – strong language, blood splattering and horror for some, police investigations, general childhood games and play, and functional and dysfunctional family settings,” added Ndlovu.
The movie will also feature some well-known actors such as Sam ‘Papa Action’ Halimana, Ray Ndlovu and Joburg Delight as well as prisoners’ rights activist Golden Miles Bhudu.
Details: Lukcy Ndlovu; 073 199 3515
