DIRECTOR: Ryley Grunenwald | South Africa | 2014 | 90min

The struggle of extremes plays out in Pondoland’s Wild Coast: an exquisite backdrop for a high-stakes saga, which casts a new light, and accompanying shadows, across the uneven landscape of our troubled country. An Australian mining company’s efforts to win over the local communities of Amadiba pits local tour-guide, Nonhle, against her opportunistic, conniving cousin in a vicious battle for the hearts and minds of their rural neighbours. Through this nuanced drama Grunenwald deftly interweaves a parallel story of political intrigue – a plot to oust the Pondo Royal family. A lilting score by local artist Ntombethongo and evocative sand animation interspersed counterpoint the drama. As self-interest clashes with morals and ideals, simple scenarios betray a deeper subtext of subterranean problems, hidden like the contested titanium, biding their time to explode.

Sandy Heather, chairperson of the NGO Sustaining the Wild Coast in attendance for a Q&A after the screening of The Shore Break.

Awards

International Environmental FF Best Documentary

Festival Appearances

IDFA First Appearance Competition, Hot Docs, Sydney Film Festival

Screenings at Encounters 2015

CT: Fri 5 8.30pm Labia | Sat 13 12pm Labia | Sat 13 5.30pm Labia
Jozi: Fri 5 6.30pm Q&A CN Rosebank | Fri 12 6.30pm Bio Q&A | Sun 14 4pm Bioscope

Panel Discussion – Talks with the Legal Resources Centre

Saturday 13 June 5:30pm Labia

Documentary-activism in action! The discussion continues around the story of a disenfranchised Pondoland community that reverberates throughout the country. What does ‘free prior consent’ mean for rural communities? What does it mean in the context of development? Is there freedom in poverty? Is there a way of determining ‘prior’? Whose consent are we interested in? In this panel discussion, Odette Geldenhuys, The Shore Break producer and Webber Wentzel attorney, discusses these issues with Legal Resources Centre’s Henk Smith, Wilmien Wicomb and Sheldon Magardie about this battle of national importance.

Sound of Transkhanda

Encounters proudly hosts Ntombe Thongo, Eastern Cape ‘Transkhanda’ musician, live at the première of The Shore Break, for which he composed the memorable, local soundtrack. Born and raised in Mthambalala village, 25km from Port St Johns, this SAMA-award-winning artist blends traditional instruments such as Umrhubhe, uHadi, and a 12 string guitar with his background as a traditional healer. “Seventy percent of the things which I sing about come from my dreams”, he explains. “Music and healing go together. I am healing those who listen to my music”.