Faith’s Corner, the latest film from the team of the Oscar nominated Yesterday will be released in South Africa today, 18 November 2005. Faith’s Corner will be screened exclusively at the Nu Metro cinemas at Hyde Park in Johannesburg, V & A Waterfront in Cape Town and the Pavilion in Durban.
Faith’s Corner is written and directed by Darrell James Roodt, stars Leleti Khumalo and is produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring with the score by multi-award winner Philip Glass. The film also introduces Sibonelo Xulu and Thobani Khubeka, two primary school children from KwaMashu whose talents were discovered while performing with a Zulu cultural group in Durban.
In June this year, Leleti Khumalo won the Best Actress Award at the Durban International Film Festival for her performance in Faith’s Corner. Also, on 3 November 2005, Faith’s Corner opened the Johannesburg International Film Festival with Minister In The Presidency, Dr. Essop Pahad as Guest Of Honour. The film is also screening at the Cape Town World Cinema Festival which is currently underway in the Mother City.
Faith’s Corner follows Faith and her two young sons Siyabonga and Lucky who live on the streets of modern day Johannesburg. Faith works a busy street junction begging from passing motorists. With the little money she makes she tries to raise her children as best as she can though they often go to sleep hungry and scared. Faith must not only combat the apathy of the wealthy elite that pass her everyday but also the distrust and anger of the locals.
Producer, Anant Singh said, “Faith’s Corner is a film that confronts the grave social issues of poverty and joblessness that affects South African society. As filmmakers, it is important that we make films that highlight social issues. Darrell Roodt has once again done an exceptional job and Leleti Khumalo gives a powerful performance in the film. We are also thrilled to have had Sibonelo Xulu and Thobani Khubeka make their acting debut in Faith’s Corner.”
Director, Darrell James Roodt commented, “Faith’s Corner has a special significance to South Africa as it deals with issues that we experience everyday – unemployment and poverty. The film is very much an experimental film, but one with a very powerful story and we are fortunate to have Philip Glass score the film.”
