Happy Snaps Filmmaking Workshop

ut In Africa is committed to the production of locally made queer films. It is not enough to develop scripts only, and so we design workshops and raise the money for intense 2 week programmes, that take scripts into production, resulting in completed films. To date, since 2004, we have produced 16 short films, which have screened at some 35 local and international festivals. This year, with the support of the Italian Institute of Culture, the British Council and the National Lotteries, we are proud to present the Happy Snaps. All ambitious projects, they are the result of hard work and the kindness and generosity of all involved, particularly the producer Beth Tindall, and the Assistant Director, Diego Praderi.

The Workshop Director is Laura Muscardin, an award-winning Italian filmmaker. Her first feature, Giorni (Days) screened to full houses at this Festival in 2002. Her second feature, Billo Il Grand Dakhaar, took the Critics’ Prize at France’s 2006 Villerupt Festival and the Jury Prize at Pierre Cardin’s Italian Film Festival in Paris 2007. At the Syracuse International Film Festival, nominated for best feature, it won best musical score for its sparkling sound track—the first by Senegal’s prolific pop star Youssou D’Nour, also one of the film’s producers. Her next projects include a Bollywood feature and an Italian–South African co-production to be shot in Cape Town.
Muscardin travelled courtesy of the Italian Institute of Culture.

Half a Lifetime 

11min
Dir: Howard Smith

Two young men meet, become aware of and find ways of expressing their mutual attraction, as conscripts in the 1960’s apartheid Army. The charm of their liaison is contrasted with the dehumanising regime, at the time of Prime Minister Verwoerd’s assassination. Their go their separate ways, only to meet 30 years later.

Benni has two Mothers 

10min
Dir: Vivid Tjipura

Soccer mad Benni has two mums. The story unfolds as the Civil Union Act, allowing same-sex couples to “marry” is passed into law. Benni must contend with his school mates reaction to the news of his mothers’ impending marriage.

Self-help for Sapphists

6min
Dirs: Jenny Radloff & Karen Rutter

The un-PC middle-aged dykes who brought us the hilarious Tai Chi for Tipplers are back with important tips to assist the sisterhood with, well, just about everything… from clothing to health, and the essential tool to find a girl.

Inkanyezi Yobusuku - Night Star 

13min
Dir: Kekeletso Khena

Traditionally, Zulu women were barred from household chores during menstruation, and the maidens were isolated in the girls hut, a time for rest and contemplation called Ukuya Enyangeni, going to the moon. Lindiwe’s dreams are disturbed by her desire for the Amaqhikiza, her guide during this time.