Jerusalema raises the bar

2008-09-19 10:12

Duncan Alfreds

Cape Town - Local movie Jerusalema has come in for some criticism, but that doesn't detract from a moving film.

The movie is set during the turbulent post-1994 South Africa and follows the fortunes of Lucky Kunene, played by Rapulana Seiphemo.

The movie explores the theme of an impoverished, disillusioned generation, including former Umkhonto We Sizwe soldier, Nazareth, played by Jeffrey Zekele.

Lucky Kunene upgrades his lifestyle through his criminal activities and is pursued by Detective Swart, played by Robert Hobbs.

The movie doesn't preach any kind of message; it just portrays what the producers view as the reality of the time.

Criticism

The Umkhonto We Sizwe Military Veterans Association, however, has harsh words for the portrayal of military veterans.

"The insult is painful as it does not afford the people of South Africa and our children the opportunity to learn the truth about their history," said national chairperson Kebby Maphatsoe.

"In any society you find scavengers and social misfits but it would be wrong to say that South Africans are generally by their very nature criminals and that this is a general South African culture," he added.

Movie producer, Tendeka Matatu, told News24 that they sketched the characters based on their research for the film.

"During the research of the script we came across many MK vets who are living on the very edge of poverty and who, after fighting for a better life for all, now feel betrayed.

Support for struggle fighters

"Some had turned to violent crime to survive, others had not, this is what we based the character of Nazareth on," said Matatu from New York.

"Hopefully the debate, that the film has sparked around this issue will help us further investigate if, as a society, we are doing everything we can to look after and honour those heroes who fought and died for South Africa's freedom.

"It is very heart-warming that there is such support for local films," he adds.

- News24