Miss N-tertainment

New Home

2010-12-12T20:51:00.000-08:00

Miss Ntertainment has a new home please go to:

http://www.missntertainment.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Dirty L'il Blunt

2010-11-14T00:20:00.000-08:00

He's the man who has given us sad songs such as Goodbye My Lover off Back to Bedlam and Same Mistake off All the Lost Souls - even You're Beautiful even had a touch of melancholy to it. But Mr Blunt is sounding a lot happier these days. Witness the new single off his latest album called Stay the Night.

There's a different kind of energy that comes though in Some Kind of Trouble. Blunt himself acknowledges this, saying his two previous albums were a pair of book ends - action and reaction. Some Kind of Trouble starts a new chapter.

Some Kind of Trouble is out now.

Follow James Blunt, the self-confessed performing monkey, as he gets more comfortable on Twitter here.

Make Things Happen

2010-11-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

This is the advert Sharlto Copley made for Nedbank. I love that Sharlto, who is currently in talks to star in the upcoming Men in Black 3 movie, was involved in filming this in downtown Joburg. It has such a great message - one that I have been taking to heart.

John Kani also made one, that will air on TV as a follow-up to this one.
Well done to Nedbank on bagging two of the country's finest actors!

RIP Hotep Galeta

2010-11-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

It was with a sad heart that I wrote up one of today's stories: jazz musician and teacher Hotep Idris Galeta passed away.

Hotep was one of the first interviews I did when I started out as a music journalist, while I was living in Cape Town. He was so warm and friendly, and full of knowledge - knowledge he was so eager to pass on. He remained that way, up until I last saw him a few months ago in Cape Town.

He may not have been as well known as Abdullah Ibrahim or Hugh Masekela, but Hotep was more comfortable behind the scenes, as writer Evan Milton attests in this piece he wrote last year. But the contributions Hotep made should not be forgotten and will live on in the many young students who gained so much from his wisdom and warm smile.

Hotep's death comes in a year in which we've lost many a wonderful soul, like Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Robbie Jansen, Rex Rabane and Ezra Ngcukane. As the new Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile says, it's been a sad year indeed for jazz lovers.

U2 360 Degree Tour Confirmed for SA!

2010-10-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

So we knew this was in the pipeline but as good, law-abiding citizens over here in Newsville, we like to make sure the I's and T's on the contracts are all dotted and crossed before we start getting as excited as we should be for one of the biggest concerts of our time!

This stage from the band's concert in Barcelona is the same one that will be used in Joburg and Cape Town next year.

The two dates in South Africa took many years to confirm. Organisers Big Concerts say the world-class stadiums in Cape Town and Joburg sealed the deal. The size of this tour will be unlike anything we've seen here before: 150 containers will be shipped in, with 120 of those being transported back and forth between Cape Town and Joburg. The stage itself is 190-feet-high, weighing 180 tonnes. Then there are the fans: 100 000 people can fill the FNB Stadium standing, with about 56 000 in the Cape Town Stadium. And you can be sure these shows will most certainly sell out!

U2 play Joburg and Cape Town on the 13th and 18th of February, respectively. Tickets go on sale this Saturday.

Boo!

2010-10-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

Oh, how we love you! It was so good to be transported back to a time when bassists spoke an incomprehensible language and dressed up in pink fishnet stockings at Friday night's reunion gig in Joburg.

Ta-da-taaah, ta-da-taaaaah!

Taken with Nadia's Gorgeous iPhone

Boo!'s latest album The Three of Us is out now.

Happy Birthday to The Arch

2010-10-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu turns 79 today. He announced two months ago that he would be retiring on his birthday, and there are some great pieces that have been published, reflecting on his legacy here and here.

I've always loved covering events that The Arch attended because he just has such a wonderful personality (and makes for great radio with his jokes and charm!) This photo was taken at his 75th birthday celebration at the Sandton Convention Centre - where Samuel L Jackson, Santana and Alfre Woodard came to join in the fun (and fundraising).

And this right here - from the World Cup Kickoff Celebration Concert in June - is one of the reasons why he is so loved:

Die Antwoord - Part Two

2010-10-06T00:31:00.000-07:00

A few posts ago, I expressed my ambiguious feelings about Die Antwoord where I said I was hoping the group would stick around long enough for me to make up my mind about how I felt about them. Much has happened since then, namely that the band signed a major deal with Interscope Records, home of Lady Gaga and Eminem. They're committed to 5 albums so have to be around for at least that long.

On Saturday night the group performed at the Bassline before heading back overseas on the second part of their world tour. They also previewed the music video for their new single, Evil Boy, which features a young Xhosa rapper called Wanga, as well as a whole lot of penises. These made their way onto the stage too - see Exhibit A and B below.

The video is as controversial as you'd expect from a group that uses the words "poes" and "naai" as easily as "please" and "thank you". But the track is slick and US producer Diplo has worked in his magic into a tale about circumcision and "big loving". It's as hot as Die Antwoord's stage show, which is filled with non-stop energy, fast raps and great costume changes. Oh, yeah, and Ninja's prosthetic District 9 limb. He showed me later the D9 tattoo inscribed on the inside of his bottom lip. Fans to the max!

As for me, I had fun and that's that. I think I am going to stop over-analysing the band too much. Although I am still intrigued by things like meeting an American girl who has flown over here just to watch the band because she's "seen everything else out there, from dubstep to industrial, and there's nothing like Die Antwoord".

Hungry Like the Wolf

2010-10-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

Duran Duran have been working with Mark Ronson, cooking up a new album, called All You Need is Now. It's almost ready to be released, and lead singer Simon Le Bon says they will be premiering tracks from it when they tour South Africa in December. It's been 17 years since the group last performed here.

Duran Duran play Durban at the International Convention Centre (ICC) on 7th December 2010, Johannesburg at Carnival City, Big Top Arena on the 8th and 9th December 2010, and Cape Town's GrandWest Grand Arena on 11th and 12th December 2010.

RIP Tony Curtis

2010-09-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

Hollywood star Tony Curtis has died in his sleep at his Nevada home, at the age of 85.

BieberHunters

2010-09-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

This whole week I have been getting smses and emails about Justin Bieber. It goes with the territory, this I understand. However, I would like it if the smses didn't come at 5:45am! Nonetheless, Bieber's visit to SA coincided with the news that a) he had just been snapped making out with a fellow teeny-bopper singer and,
b) he had released a line of bedding and curtains with his face all over.
Now comes the news to satisfy all those Bieberites who haven't managed to get their picture taken with him while he's been cosying up to cheetahs and kite-surfing (barring those who took pics with the "fake Bieber"). Bieber dolls! Collectible Bieber dolls - that will hit stores in the US just in time for Christmas.

Eeeeeek!

Money Never Sleeps

2010-09-29T03:39:00.000-07:00

And that has proved to be a good thing for the sequel to Wall Street, which hit the big screen in South Africa and the rest of the world this past weekend. Showing it is worth its weight in gold, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps struck it big at the box office during its opening weekend.

At Cannes I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan, Frank Langella and director Oliver Stone to talk about the movie. Stone said he wanted to preview it in Cannes, see people's reactions and then tweak it a little before its worldwide release. It seems that move has paid off.
Here is a snippet of Douglas talking about how it came to be that he reprised his Oscar-winning role of Gordon Gekko...

This interview took place before it was announced Douglas was fighting throat cancer - a battle he's fighting with his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones and their two children.

Die Antwoord Enter the BBC

2010-09-21T02:28:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I mentioned on Twitter that it felt surreal to hear Die Antwood's Enter the Ninja on high rotation in the UK. Well, in a very short time, the track has entered the BBC Radio 1 Chart at Number 37 - alongside Eminem and Katy Perry. That's no mean feat. But then again, it's not like we should have expected anything less from the group that seems to be fast becoming everyone's favourite group du jour. As this article by the fantastic Diane Coetzer relates there is just no stopping Yo-landi Vi$$er, Ninja and DJ HiTek, as they conquer the world's music territories, one by one.

In a telephonic tete-a-tete with Yo-landi, she says they weren't even aware that they were in the chart. "We don't even know what the chart is," she said.
"But it sounds important," adds Ninja.
They've been working on the new music video for the track Evil Boy with a Xhosa emcee called Wanga, whom Ninja says brings a "fresh twist" to things. And they're keeping mum on upcoming videos they are working on but I have a feeling at least one of the heroes he speaks about meeting is involved.

Here's the interview - where Yo-landi and Ninja talk about officially releasing their debut album, which has a "cute cover that you can stick up on the wall", and the 23 Die Antwoord tracks that are "floating around."

Keep up with Die Antwoord here and here.

Die Antwoord play the Bassline in Newtown, Joburg, on October 2nd, before heading out on the second part of their world tour.

SA at the Toronto International Film Festival

2010-09-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

How gorgeous do Malin Ackerman and Ryan Phillipe look at the premiere of The Bang Bang Club at the Toronto International Film Festival?

Last night there was a gala screening of the film - it was one of only 15 movies to be selected for gala screenings at the fest - which was also the world premiere. Much more fanfare than the low-key screenings that happened at Cannes earlier this year. So far, the film's reception has been good, but a Reuters' critic felt it "lacked grit". I got an sms from Jesse Clegg at around 5am to tell me he thought I deserved an Oscar for my cameo- too sweet! Haha! But he said he was very impressed with the film and really enjoyed it.
Two other South African films - State of Violence and Life, Above All (which is South Africa's official submission to the Academy Award board in the Best Foreign Film category) are also shining the spotlight on the country at the festival.

Best of Grahamstown

2010-09-15T05:21:00.000-07:00

I love the 969 Festival because it gives those of us who missed out on this year's National Arts Festival (thanks to a little thing called The World Cup) the chance to see some of the best productions from there. Last night I went to see Athena Mazarakis' Elev(i)ate 2 at the Nunnery at Wits University.

She won a 2010 Standard Bank Ovation Award for the piece, which is a follow-up to the dance installation she presented at the Dance Umbrella in March. For that piece she worked with a digital artist and invited audience members to interact with her - thinking about certain things as she physically lifted them up. The footage from that was recorded and forms part of Elev(i)ate 2.

Photo by Suzy Bernstein

It's a wonderful, imaginative and evocative insight into the weight of matter, and the weight of what matters.
Next week I am going to see James Cunningham's Kaput about two brothers whose lives are disturbed by a foreign invasion. Check out the line-up and go see some of the best of the best!

U2 Headed for SA soon?

2010-09-14T01:50:00.000-07:00

The official answer?

No. Not yet, at least.

There have been rumours and reports that the Irish supergroup are going to bring their 360 Degree tour to South Africa in February next year. According to major concert promoter Big Concerts' CEO John Langford, this is the real story:

Obviously we'd all like U2 to come here, and Big Concerts has been trying since we last had them here in 1997. But the problem with the 360 Degree tour is that it is incredibly expensive. There are 150 containers that need to be shipped over. At this stage, the rumours are not true, I'm afraid.

That doesn't mean it's not going to happen at all though...we'll be waiting anxiously for the latest update!

U2 on stage in Athens (U2.com)

While You Were Away...

2010-09-13T01:24:00.000-07:00

Being away on a much-needed holiday means I have missed out on a few big things that happened on the SA arts and entertainment scene over the past two weeks. So quick catch-up then:

# Damon Galgut was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize...

The Pretoria-born, Cape-Town-based author made it to the coveted list of writers up for the Man Booker. He's been nominated before, for The Good Doctor in 2003 and he's also won the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book from the Africa region.

The winner will be announced in October and will add £50 000 to his/her bank account plus, of course, the prestige of the title.
Book SA reports that poet laureate Andrew Motion leads the panel of five judges.

We'll be rooting for him!

# Freshlyground stirred the Zim pot...

Award-winning and all-round fantastic performers Freshlyground teamed up with ZA News to bring the spotlight back onto Zimbabwe in this video:

As a result, the group's visa has been revoked by the Zim government meaning they won't be performing there next month.

#Literary great Lewis Nkosi passed away...

The famed Drum writer, author and intellectual died in Johannesburg last week, after a long illness, at the age of 74. Minister of Arts and Culture Lulu Xingwana paid tribute to him with these words: Prof. Nkosi made major contributions to our literary heritage as a playwright, novelist, and as a fearless social and literary critic...the world has lost a great writer and intellectual. He will be deeply missed though he will continue to live in us through his work.
We convey our sincere condolences to his twin daughters Louise and Joy, and to his wife, Astrid Stark.

#Life Above All was submitted as SA's official Oscar entry...

Back in May, I was lucky enough to be in Cannes when this local film received a standing ovation and the Oscar buzz already started developing around it. Well, now it's been officially submitted by the National Film and Video Foundation and SA's Oscars Selection Committee (yes, we have one of those) for consideration. If it's selected, then it will become an Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Film. Following in the footsteps of Yesterday and, of course, Tsotsi, which went on to win the award. Hold thumbs 'til the announcement in February!

2010 Mercury Prize Winner

2010-09-07T16:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, London-based group The xx were the bookie's favourites to win, but that wasn't why I had been rooting for them. Ever since listening to the band's debut album xx I became enamoured with The xx. Opening track Intro draws you into an album that sometimes brings up feelings you may not be ready to face, but by the end of the album, it feels as if you've gone through a kind of catharsis.

Some of my other Mercury faves:

Mumford&Sons

The banjo-driven gusto of this band, together with the passionate pleas of Marcus Mumford, helped me get through some very long hours while travelling to my latest destination.

Villagers

Thanks to Q Magazine for the heads-up on this Dublin singer who goes by the moniker of Villagers as a kind of collective for the producers he works with. Singer-songwriter at his best!

Biffy Clyro

I just love the spunk and character behind this three-piece. They're a stadium-rock act, but with a quirky spark firing inside that takes them a step further (And I am loving lead singer Simon's new "sexy-Santa" look - sadly not seen in this video)

Ultimately, what I love most about the Mercury Prize is that it exposes me to music I just have missed - plus the fantastic weekly emails they send out to with info on all the fantastic new music that's bubbling under!

From One Reality to Another

2010-09-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

I've been in the UK for two weeks now and while I haven't been watching reality TV while here (okay, except for the chunk of Jerseyshore I just had to share with my mum for a few laughs), certain characters have jumped out from the shows they've been on and made their way onto other platforms.
From the good off of Must Be the Music...

to the bad and ugly off of The X Factor!

The US Envoy Named Fran

2010-08-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

She answers the phone with a "hello, this is Fran."
Before the line had dropped, we'd established who I was and where I was from. So now - in an instant - it was like talking to an old friend.
"Hi Fran, it's Nadia."
"Yes, hello there. Tell me, Nadia, what is the weather like there? I'm busy packing...hot? cold?"
And so began the interview with Fran Drescher, aka The Nanny (named Fran!). What an easy interview. Ask Fran one question and you get a lovely, thought out answer. Okay, so it's an 11 minute one. But c'mon, did I really expect anything less from the woman with one of the most-recognisable voices in the TV world?

Fran - a survivor of uterine cancer - is heading for South Africa to help spread the message of education and awareness about HIV/Aids. She may be a humourous woman, known for her comic act, but Fran can be desperately serious too. She's been through a lot - raped in her home, divorce, cancer, and more. It's given her a purpose beyond acting. Now, Fran has become a diplomat, lobbying for women's rights.

Oh, and she, surprisingly, doesn't actually sound like The Nanny - her voice is a lot deeper and not quite as chipper!

Read more about Fran's Cancer Shmancer Movement.

Copley Comes Home

2010-08-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

I spot his Springbok sweater before I spot him. In the foyer of the Beverly Hills Four Seasons – the one where Pretty Woman is set – Sharlto Copley is waiting for me. “Geez, when I said you should try come to the Oscars, I didn’t realize you actually would!” he chuckles as he we find a spot to sit down. South Africa had a strong presence at this year’s ceremony: District 9 was nominated for four Oscars – along with two nominations for the Madiba-inspired Invictus – so it was important for me to be there. Fast forward a few months later and Copley is spotted at airports around the world, promoting his latest film, the action-packed, star-cast The A-Team. One set of paparazzi-like pics shows him arriving at LAX wearing the green Springbok sweater again. “I love that top,” he says to me when I tell him about the gossip site that published the photos. “It’s so comfortable to travel in so I wear it all the time. I guess I won’t be any more,” he says, ruefully.

www.zimbio.com

Much has changed for the Joburg-born Copley. For one, he’s added a number of nominations to his CV: Teen Choice Award nod for Best Sci-Fi Actor, MTV Movie Award nod for Scared as S**t Performance, and of course those Academy Award nominations. He won the Favourite Hero and Best Performance of 2009 awards at the IGN Summer Awards, but whether or not the 36-year-old has scooped the awards he’s been up for, Copley’s gained a fair bit of exposure from all the attention. Being part of a big-budget Hollywood film meant that his life has been spun into the global orbit of international stardom. From cardboard cutouts of him in a cellphone shop to gossip websites lamenting the fact that he has a girlfriend, Copley’s business is now the stuff of international interest.

“I’m trying really hard not to do anything that’s going to perpetuate that,” he says earnestly. “That’s not a place I’m interested in being. I really want to focus on the work. I’m not interested in this celebrity culture where people create drama out of your life for entertainment. I’d rather just create drama for TV, or movies,” he chuckles.

Listen to the rest of the interview here...

Halle Berry in Cape Town

2010-08-16T04:06:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about going to the Cannes Film Festival (because there are just so many horrible things about going to the South of France) is that you get a sneak peak into some of the films that are going to be coming up in the near future - those that are finished and those that are still in early production stages. It was in May that I got wind about two big movie stars heading to South Africa: Oscar-winner Halle Berry and the gorgeous Gerard Butler. They'd both be working on two different films in different locations. Halle was to film Dark Tide in Cape Town, which meant I'd have limited access to finding out more about where she'd be and all of that. So when an opportunity to go to Cape Town came up, I scheduled in some time to find out more about the film and its stunning star.

On Friday I went to Bertha's in Simonstown - a restaurant that became a mini-Hollywood set when the cast and crew of Dark Tide spent the day filming there. Halle, Olivier Martinez and British actor Ralph Brown (Alien; Withnail and Us) together with South African actor Luke Stein were all shooting scenes in the restaurant. I couldn't really hear what was going on but it seemed that father-and-son Ralph and Luke were having lunch when Halle and Olivier come in and sit down to talk.

Halle had a sore throat so when she did come say hello, she was half-whispering. In between takes, she laughed with the crew and hugged the wardrobe designer. Oh, and I don't mean to be starting rumours or anything, but she held onto Olivier quite a lot when the cameras stopped rolling - rubbing his back and hugging him.

Hmmm...perhaps this is a watch-this-space hookup with Kylie's ex in the making.

There was talk that Halle would pop up at the Cape Town Fashion Week Afterparty...but she did not. One can understand why she would choose to spend her 44th birthday with her family after a day of shooting. Halle wraps up filming in Cape Town at the end of this week and then heads to London to finish the movie.

Cape Town Fashion Week

2010-08-14T03:48:00.000-07:00

Refresh. Revive. Renew.
This has been the theme of Cape Town Fashion Week, showcasing the ready-to-wear collections for Spring and Summer. Thanks to the lovely people at AFI, I have been here in the Mother City, and get to witness the collections and work in the city for a few days. As a former resident, I am a fan of Cape Town, and feel it is good for one's nerves to work from here for a little bit every once in a while. Although, I still seem to bring my Joburg-ness with me - aggravated driving-style and all!

So, the big highlight on opening night was Kluk CGDT celebrating 10 years in the industry. The design duo of Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit reflected over their past decade and looked forward to the future in their collection. It left me wanting to gather all those dresses up off the runway and into my arms so that I could take them back to my Joburg cupboard. Gorgeous materials and even more gorgeous flowing dresses.

These are some of my faves:

Joburg-based label Stoned Cherrie also celebrated a decade in the fashion world at CT Fashion Week. Nkhensani Nkosi was meant to show this collection during the World Cup, but the game between Uruguay and Ghana put a spanner in the works of that so we had the chance to see it here. And it was worth the wait! Nkhensani put a spin on some of the Cherrie classics and gave us some cute new items too.

Some of the items are available through a partnership Stoned Cherrie has done with Foshini called Love Movement, which is fantastic news! Now as for all the rest of the items I covet, a big bank balance is required!

Here are some of my favourites out of the up-and-coming talent...

Thuli

Black Coal

Sway

Sexy.Crooked.Teeth

2010-08-10T02:44:00.000-07:00

Oppikoppi 2010.

The festival - often referred to as South Africa's Glastonbury - turned sweet sixteen this year. I wasn't able to be there for the whole 3 days, but a year wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Northam farm, even if only for a day and night. And what a night it turned out to be...but more about that later. This year's fest sold out, for the first time in it's teenage history. As Carel Hoffman said: "It's amazing to think that we started this thing in the trenches and now look where we are."

Saturday night really got going with Radio Kalahari Orkes on the James Philips Mane Stage. They make boeremusiek very, very cool. Add a touch of Jack Parow and it all becomes even more so. Valiant Swart, the man whom this year's fest paid tribute to, joined them on stage for a song too, and it was a slice of Oppikoppi music heaven. I loved how everyone sang along to the infectious chorus of Blaas Jou Vuvuzela.

Saturday night was also perhaps the festival's most "commercial / radio friendly" night, with Flash Republic, Prime Circle and Gang of Instrumentals all performing. Nothing wrong with that though. Flash made its debut at the fest, performing in the dust for the first time. But Tamara Dey - no stranger to the bushveld party - still brought along her trusty stage accessory: a fan.

Prime Circle started their set with a little bit of an Indian influence - no doubt picked up on their recent tour of the country - and the group also played some new songs, sounding as tight as ever.

Popping over to the Levi's Bushveld Originals Stage, I took in some Voodoo Child and then the infectious sounds of Gang of Instrumentals. Voodoo Child have come a long way from being a cover band and are sounding really good together. GI have a new backing band, made up of various musicians, as their previous band, New Academics, had conflicting schedules with the group. I always love hearing My Number One from them, even if it doesn't quite sound as good live as it does recorded.

Earlier Dutch singer-songwriter Lucky Fonz III performed in a setting perfect for his Afrikaans-sounding folk lyrics. There were snippets of other artists I caught here and there, but I must say, one of the highlights had to be The Narrow making a welcomed return to the South African stage. Lead singer Hanu de Jong has been living in New Zealand for about four years. It was awesome to hear Lonely, Lonely and The Banded again. Plus new music that the group has created, which they'll be performing at a few shows in SA before Hanu is off again.

Sure, there were loads of other artists I really wanted to see - Tumi dropping rhymes in his trademark way, Canadian rockers Billy Talent, the "zef-coolness" of Jack Parow and of course the Valiant Swart tribute show. Thank goodness for Oppikoppi's streaming live feature and more gigs in Joburg!

Post-World Cup Blues

2010-08-02T03:20:00.000-07:00

Cape Town Stadium 11:02am 1 August 2010

T-O

2010-08-02T03:12:00.001-07:00

I woke up to what I thought was the sound of a duck quacking on a roof top somewhere nearby. Turns out it was a duck quacking on a roof top somewhere nearby. Gotta love Cape Town. Oh yeah, I’m in Cape Town. Feels a little surreal. One day I am in London, the next in the Mother City. It's been wo-wo-wonderful but now I am so-so-tired! Hence the reason for my two-day-Time-Out in Cape Town.

From this...

...to this

Waiting for Godot

2010-08-01T01:21:00.000-07:00

I consider it to be the theatrical event of the year. Sir Ian McKellen - veteran of the stage and screen - is starring in a 2-week run of Waiting for Godot in Cape Town. It's, unfortunately, only in the Mother City and not travelling to Joburg, so I came here for opening night this past weekend. A number of my fellow arts journos also made the trip - all to witness a true talent on the stage.

It was, as I had believed it would be, a trip worth making. Sir Ian McKellen's performance is filled with nuances that breathe life into a character that is essentially waiting to die. Every cough, every clearing of the throat, every hobble onto or off of the stage has been thought out so that it becomes fluid and natural. He brings such comicality to the role of Estragon that lifts the production from what could otherwise be (and sometimes, I'm told, is) quite a sombre mood.

The show, directed by Sean Mathias, has been touring the UK and the West End, then Australia and New Zealand, and now South Africa. It will head out of the Fugard Theatre - a beautiful, historical, four-storey building in the heart of District 6 - to Khayelitsha on Monday evening, for a once-off special show. Sir Ian himself admitted he was somewhat nervous about this move, as it requires a changing of the set design so that it fits into a venue that was last used as a fan park during the World Cup. Acoustic issues aside, Sir Ian says he happy to be able to take the production to the people, in an area he established a relationship with years ago, when he first started to coming to South Africa in 1994.

I think it is an inspired move, one that will help ignite the spark of passion for acting in some youngsters who might otherwise have never had the opportunity to see this particular performance of Samuel Beckett's classic.

Behind the Scenes at Saltimbanco

2010-07-30T06:34:00.000-07:00

I'm backstage at the Wembly Arena. Preparations are being made for opening night of the UK run of Saltimbanco, the show that will make Cirque du Soleil's debut in South Africa.

There is a man wearing a 2010 Fifa World Cup t-shirt hanging from a rope. As he tumbles his body, which is wrapped up in a ball, over and over in midair, his t-shirt lifts ands waves up and down. There are two sisters - Ukrainian, I'm told - who are warming up on a giant swing, lunging their bodies back and forth on the little stick they're sitting on. They're swinging higher and higher, as if they are in a playground and not suspended dozens of metres up in the air of an arena. But this is a circus, a playground of sort, only bigger and bolder than the playgrounds any of us has ever been on.

Costumes being fan-dried!

The Ukrainain twins

With Vanessa Gurie the South African responsible for treating injuries

Discovering the MAC make-up stash!

The A-Team Hit London

2010-07-28T01:47:00.000-07:00

Well what do ya know, I arrived in London to find that The A-Team were also popping into town. Sharlto Copley and co drove onto the red carpet in The A-Team van as the film made its UK premiere. They came in from Spain and are headed to Berlin now, before Sharlo and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson come to South Africa next week, for premieres in Cape Town and Joburg.
Wonder if the van is coming with them?

Cirque du Soleil

2010-07-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

It has been a dream of mine to watch a Cirque du Soleil production ever since I was a little girl (which some might say wasn't too long ago!). I get to fulfill that dream this week, as I fly to London for the opening night of Saltimbanco, one of the titles in the stable. I will be getting a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into putting on a show like this, and meet some of the performers. The best part about this is that the show is coming to South Africa next year, so you'll get to see it too!

Waved Our Flags

2010-07-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

We've come a long way, look and see how far we've come
Over mountains, through valleys,
And we still go on
Count your blessings and rise like the morning sun

If you're ready, then come
If you're ready, then come.

Seize the day
Seize the moment
Seize the chance to run
With the wisdom and the vision that has spurred us on
Let your love well up
Let the walls fall down

If you're ready, then come
If you're ready, then come.

Spirit of Freedom - Judy Bailey feat.Uju

Along with Wavin' Flag, Waka Waka and Viva Africa, this song became part of the soundtrack to my World Cup experience. It may be all over, but we still have the music to bring back the fond memories.

We worked hard, but we also played hard (although Bafana-Bafana could probably have played a little harder!) I dramatically increased my football knowledge thanks to cute foreigners and hung-out with my girlfriends a lot more than my job usually allows. It was an emotionally-charged time that took a lot out of us, but put a helluva lot more back in! The spirit that our country showed was just incredible and seemed to renew our faith and energy in working on developing South Africa's potential for greater nation-building and pride.

Post-WC I now know who Samuel Ett'o, David Villa and Landon Donavan are. The tournament also brought with it stars I had yet to meet, like the wonderful John Travolta and the woman-with-abs-I-covet Shakira. John Legend, Paris Hilton, Angelique Kidjo, Naomi Campbell and Charlize were all repeat visitors.

With The Citizen's Melody Brandon and "Danny Zukow" at the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund

Brandon Flowers is Solo

2010-07-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Not solo, as in not married anymore (pity that, haha!) but this is the first offering from his solo album, Flamingo due out in September. It stars Charlize Theron. How much do I wish I was THAT Benoni-born blonde in this video...

Orlando Bloom's SA Connection

2010-07-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

In my quest to find Orlando Bloom in South Africa, I discovered some very interesting info about this Hollywood hearthrob, who is engaged to the gorgeous Miranda Kerr.

Up until he was 13 years old, Orlando believed his dad was South African anti-Apartheid activist, Harry Bloom. He died when Orlando was just four years old, and almost a decade later, Orlando found out the truth. Various internet sites contribute to the story - and it goes like this:

- as a teenager, Bloom discovered his father was in fact a family friend named Colin Stone because Harry was unable to father children
- Harry was an advoacate who studied at Wits and he became a novelist, penning the famous work Episode In The Transvaal, which was banned by the apartheid government for being a "danger to the safety of the state"
- he worked with Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg in the 1950's, and during the state of emergency that followed the Sharpville massacre in 1960, Harry was detained for ninety days, wthout charges or going on trial.
- Harry also wrote the play for the musical King Kong: An African Jazz Opera
- In the 1960's Bloom went into exile in England. He left behind his wife, Beryl and two children.
- He got married for a second time to Orlando's mother Sonia.
- Nine years after Harry's death, Sonia revealed to her children that their biological father had been family friend Colin Stone.
- apparently, in interviews, Orlando refers to both men as his father

I'd love to find out more about all this. Harry was such a important figure in our country's history: did this have any impact on Orlando himself? Does he feel a close link to South Africa as a result? Or has it not played a part in his life at all?

World Cup Crazy

2010-07-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

So my celeb-taking pics may leave a little to be desired. See Exhibit A: my twitpic of Mick Jagger visiting some budding soccer players. I had to quickly take the snap before his burly bodyguards came to take me to task. And of course, someone walked in front of him, right at the point when the camera clicked so you'd be pretty hard pressed to spot his hair and shoes, unless you're the one who took the pic...

So it makes me happy to see some photos taken that are much more expressive and where the celeb in question is clearly visible. This site, Social Life has some gorgeous pics of Leonardo DiCaprio and Jagger enjoying the Germany / Argentina game. I particularly enjoyed this one!

And this one

Eyeing out the Prince

2010-07-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

When I said that I was eyeing out Prince William, I really meant it!
This was from the Queen's Birthday celebration.

More Than Just The Game

2010-07-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

We've been keeping busy with watching the games, yes, but there are also some other fabulous things going on as well. In Jozi there are some great art exhibitions asking for our attention in the hours not spent with eyes glued to the screen. One of them is PACE2010, which is a collection of handmade contemporary designs from around the continent. It's at the Craft Design Centre just behind the library on Nelson Mandela Square. These are just some of the whimsical designs:

From the House of Fire in Swaziland

Blue Lotus Tin-Tin Vase from Ivory Coast

South African Ronel Jordaan's Felt Chair

The curators Adam Levin and Andile Magengelele say they wanted to challenge traditional ideas of what curios are. So if you have any friends who want to take home some nifty African-inspired pieces, try this spot.

Masekela Jnr

2010-07-01T03:20:00.000-07:00

ESPN presenter and co-host of E!Entertainment's The Daily Ten Sal Maskela is one lekker guy. He's been travelling around South Africa with his famous father Hugh Masekela, filming a TV series called Umlando: Through My Father's Eyes. It sounds great: father and son meeting interesting South Africans like photographer Sam Nzima and lion whisperer Kevin Richardson. It's been airing on ESPN in the States, but there are plans for it to air here too, after the World Cup. I think that would be fantastic. Plus, I've also heard it's in the works for locals to be able to see the great collaboration between U2 and Soweto Gospel Choir that's currently airing on the sports network.

I'd spoke to Sal last year, ahead of the US elections, but only met him in person at the E! Oscars Afterparty in LA earlier this year. We then met up at a cool little spot in Santa Monica called the Lazy Daisy where he told me about his trip to come here for the World Cup. As a kid, Sal used to spend some time with his dad on tour. He says that when he was 19, he was a road manager for the Homecoming Tour that Hugh did with Sankomoto, so he got to see the country then. Now, it's been a different journey of sorts, one he says has been filled with lots of laughter. We know his father as a legendary musician, who is he to Sal?

"To me, he's the funniest global inspector of great food and pop culture that I've ever met. He's my best friend. He really is my best friend."

Sal's mother is from Ghana so he had a pretty tough time choosing which side to support when they played USA. The interesting thing about that match is that it was such a record-setting game - ESPN says the June 26th match is the highest-rated and most-viewed match of the tournament so far, and the most-watched FIFA World Cup game ever in the US. Sal reckons the ratings post that game show that interest for Americans in the tournament is still there - even though Landon and the guys have gone back home.

Marley and Me

2010-06-28T04:37:00.000-07:00

Well, Ziggy, Robbie and Rohan Marley and me ;)

The three brothers, and sons of legendary Bob Marley, are travelling around Africa for a documentary series along the lines of Long Way Down and Long Way Round that Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman did a few years ago. In fact, the series is produced by the same company that filmed their adventures. Marley Africa Roadtrip sees the brothers riding on Ducati Multistrada 1200 motorcycles. From speaking to Ziggy, it seems they're taking things at a more relaxed pace, allowing the journey to lead them to their next destination, rather than having a set plan as the McGregor and Boorman did.

They're also aiming to bring some of the Marley magic back to the continent. 30 years ago, Bob travelled to the continent and performed a unity concert in Zimbabwe. Ziggy says the World Cup presents a great opportunity to think beyond the tournament and how Africa can grow its next leaders. Or as he puts it: "The FIFA World Cup is just a celebration. It’s not a finale. It’s the road leading to the finale."

Ziggy will be performing a free concert in Soweto in the next two weeks and the details for that are being finalised. But in the meantime, according to Ziggy, the brothers have been stopping over in some interesting places all over the continent and country - like Parys!

Team USA!

2010-06-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

So while my gal pals ogle at Cristiano Ronaldo and Fabio Cannavaro, I have set my sights on Landon Donovan. He managed to score the winning goal against Algeria - in the 91st minute!! And yes, I think he's a cutie. Apparently Bill Clinton was watching the match and went to the lockeroom afterwards to congratulate the team. He also told Ryan Seacrest that South Africa is a "pretty cool country" and everyone here has been very welcoming.

Tea with the Princes

2010-06-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

So the World Cup is in full swing - and the celebs are out and about. Their Royal Highnesses Prince William and Prince Harry have been visiting Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa, combining fun with charity. They both have organizations based in these countries, and they're also rooting for England to host the 2018 World Cup so they spent Saturday morning meeting with FIFA in Johannesburg. And David Beckham.

Saturday afternoon? Well, that they spent that with me...Technically, it was me and a few handfuls of other guests who attended a party in honour of Queen Elizabeth the II's birthday (which is also recognized as the Monarchy's official birthday) at a house in Hyde Park. But when Prince William looked into my eyes as he spoke about how he felt about the England team's performance a few days ago, it may as well just have been me.

I've met the Prince and his Royal sibling before - in fact it was the subject of the first entry on this blog - but this time I felt a little caught under His Royal Highness' spell. Yes, you may joke about his balding hair (I'm short, it doesn't bother me if I can't see it!) or that he is so like his dad Charles, but my, oh my, is he one charming, sophisticated man. He's funny and sincere too. When he came over to our table and found out some of us were journalists, he zipped up his lips and joked, 'oohh,, better not say anything here!' Of course the first question was about Team England. To which he replied, 'I should just write my thoughts down on a piece of paper and stick it to my pocket', and that 'walking into the changeroom afterwards was like walking into a morgue'. But then he changed tack and said he felt that the team was nervous, playing out of fear that if any one of them stepped out they risked being vilified, much like Robert Green has been.

I also got to speak to him about the Port Edward encounter, when he and Harry took part in the EnduroAfrica. He said he had so much fun, and is looking for something bigger and better to do next. Also found London Mayor Boris Johnson to be quite a character. He was bubbly and chatty, raving about the World Cup, and talking to Paul Elliot (an ambassador for England's 2018 bid) about finding something as unique as the vuvuzela to boost their chances. He also said that he hoped that 'when the World Cup is over, after the hangover,' that the media is positive about the event and how good it has been.

More pics to follow!

RIP Busi Mhlongo 1947 - 2010

2010-06-16T05:51:00.000-07:00

One of my Fave World Cup Tracks

2010-06-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Kicking off the Cup

2010-06-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Fifa World Cup Kickoff Celebration Concert will go down as one of the best shows I have ever been to. Mostly because the vibe was just indescribable - with an undercurrent of goodness and positivity vaulting through Orlando Stadium.
Before the highlights, some behind the scenes. The day before I went to interview some of the artists (and heard Alicia Keys soundchecking 'Empire State of Mind - just glorious!)
Here the artists took to the "red carpet" that had been laid out on the pitch of Soccer City, where the opening match would take place on Friday, to ceremoniously kick a ball.

Here's John Legend...

He wasn't on the bill for the Kickoff Concert, but John Travolta flying into South Africa was another highlight of this past week. He's here to support the Australian team - the Qantas Socceroos. Why, you ask? Because he has been involved in the company for some years now, since having bought a 707 from them. It's this 707 that he flew into Lanseria on Thursday morning.

Wave Your Flag - Highlights from the World Cup Kickoff Celebration Concert

2010-06-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

There were so many - but the man who practically stole the show was undoubtedly Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

Some other highlights include:

* Alicia Keys and Blk Jks covering the late Brenda Fassie's Too Late for Mama. The creative producer of the show later told me this was all Blk Jks' idea and Alicia ran with it.
* John Legend giving us the Green Light and performing with Soweto Gospel Choir and Angelique Kidjo.

* Shakira doing Hips Don't Lie with Tumi Molekane rapping Wyclef Jean's part, and then Freshlyground joining her in an explosion of colour on stage.

* Vusi Mahlasela bringing the 30 000-strong audience to its knees with the spectacular story-telling of his song Say Africa

* The closing song - a cover of Arrested Development's Everyday People - when all the artists came on stage to sing and dance and take pictures of each other!

Woza World Cup

2010-06-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

And World Cup Week begins! Woke up before my usual gym-time to catch Shakira at the airport. She's here to perform the 2010 Fifa World Cup official song - Waka Waka: This Time for Africa, together with Freshlyground. It all seemed pretty low-key, until the Colombian popstar came out the terminal arrival doors...

Here is the brief interview I had with her:

Later in the evening I went to the first ever Captain's Dinner hosted by Bafana Bafana's main man, Aaron Mokoena. The auction helped raise money for the Aaron Mokoena Foundation, which uses sport to help disadvantaged children.

GO BAFANA BAFANA!

Football Fever!

2010-06-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

Babel and Biutiful director Alejandro González Iñárritu's Nike Football TV ad - love it!

Getting "Carrie"d Away

2010-05-28T02:14:00.000-07:00

Two years ago before heading off to the Cannes Film Festival I stopped in London to cover the premiere of Sex and the City - The Movie, and interview Carrie and the girls. This time around, it's after Cannes that I have swung by London to do the same thing...for the sequel to the hit film. The interviews take place at the stunning Claridges Hotel in Mayfair. It really is a surreal experience. Anyone will tell you I am a huge fan of the show, so it's great to be able to sit down with the four actresses in front of me, plus the man who brings their characters to life, Michael Patrick King.

This was the pic from last time. Sadly, there was no way of getting pics this time around. That's one of the things they are super-strict about. The other is time. You are told you will have exactly 5 minutes with each person. Then they shaved that to be just four minutes. That's about three and a half questions - if you're lucky maybe four. It can be a tad overwhelming because there are so many things you want to ask, but just as soon as you get going, the PR people are signalling for you to wrap up. So even if Kim Cattrall (Samantha) is telling you about who did her gorgeous, reflective nails in the movie, they will be edging you out the door, and even cut her off from speaking.

But there were some memorable moments. Michael Patrick King saying he remembered me from the last time around, and then going on to talk about how Sex and the City 2 is kind of like a World Cup for women. Kim Cattrall (Samantha) talking about how she made menopause sexy, and Cynthia Nixon telling me that the opening scene of the gay wedding was personal for her because she and her fiance, Christine Marinoni, aren't able to get married in New York because it's not legal yet.
Chris Noth, who plays Big, wasn't as charming as the man we see on the screen, so that was a bit of a damper. But seeing the gorgeous Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis (Charlotte) in their dresses was fabulous. Shame, Kristin called me adorable because my feet couldn't touch the floor (even in heels I am still short!). She visits South Africa quite often, through her work as an Oxfam Ambassador. Chris, too, said he'd just come back from there and promised that the next film he shoots will be in Cape Town.

After the interviews, I got into the lift and the actor who plays Burger, one of Carrie's past loves, was standing there, holding his luggage. I was stunned for a moment because I forgot that his name was Ron Livingston and the last thing I wanted to do was call him "Burger." Nonetheless, he said he was in town for a movie awards ceremony, and it was just coincidental that his former flame (haha!) was upstairs.

The gals at the premiere in Leicester Square, London. SJP in Alexander McQueen in honour of her late friend

I've already been asked if there's going to be a Sex and the City 3, so I had to ask the question to Michael, but he says the storyline will determine that: "how to make something that's so familiar fresh". If there is another one fantastic. If not, I will continue to play the series on DVD, because that never gets old.

Cannes Closing Credits

2010-05-24T01:56:00.000-07:00

The Red Carpet has been rolled up and packed away for another year. The 63rd edition of the Cannes Film Festival is finished. Last night's closing ceremony was beautiful - with mistress of ceremonies Kristin Scott Thomas doing a fabulous job in a gorgeous lime-green dress. The big winners are here, including the Thai director who has given the Icelandic volcano a run for its money with his name: Apichatpong Weersethakul.

There was a jovial mood about the ceremony, with much laughter as Jury President Tim Burton kept forgetting to stand up and announce each winner after a actor or actress had come on stage to introduce the category. But there was also a solemnity to the proceedings when Best Actress winner Juliet Binoche took the placard of Iranian filmmaker Jafari Panahi from the seat it had been placed on, as she walked up on stage to collect her prize. He has been on a hunger strike since being imprisoned at the beginning of the month. He was arrested for his opposition views, which he displays in his films, and so was not able to take up his place on the jury.

Salma Hayek was just stunning in her gown and should-skimming hair. Between her, Penelope Cruz and Kate Beckinsale there was enough glamour in that theatre to last until next year.

Will reflect on the highlights of the fest as soon as I can - for now, Amsterdam is calling.

Sex and the Soccer

2010-05-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love this poster for Sex and the City 2 which - in some countries - releases a day before the 2010 Fifa World Cup kicks off. It makes sense really: the sequel means almost as much to the ladies, as the soccer means to the guys!

A Cannes Prize

2010-05-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

Last night the film Life Above All and its director Oliver Schmitz were honoured with the Prix Francois Chalais award here at Cannes. He wasn't able to be at the ceremony, so producer Greig Butler accepted the statue. Francois Chalais was a French journalist who covered major stories of his time, including Vietnam. He was also the most prominent journalist covering the Cannes Film Festival when it first started 60 odd years ago. Chalais was friends with Hitchcock, Orson Welles, Bridget Bardot. He died from leukemia in 1996, and this award has been handed out in his honour for the past 14 years, to films that portray the world we live in, and issues of our time.

Unfortunately, the film did not win a prize in the Un Certain Regard section in which it was. But Greig said this award was great - and Oliver said in an interview earlier this week, just to have been selected was honour enough.

From awards to award-winning artists, Mary J Blige was in town and performed a few songs at the VIP Room (the spot to be when it comes to big names performing during the festival.)

Lionel Richie, DJ Martin Solveig, Bob Sinclair, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland and La Roux are just some of the musicians that performed during this festival. Last year, I remember being upset that I missed out on seeing the petite one, Kylie, perform there. But this year made up for it! And we know where to go again next year!

Cinema du Monde

2010-05-22T01:36:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite pavillions to visit at Cannes each year is the Cinema du Monde, or Cinema of the World. Truth is, it's all cinema of the world here in Cannes, but I love how it all comes together in this space that overlooks the Majestic Beach and has such a friendly warmth about it. It's the pavillion where France supports African film. Also, Radio France International broadcasts from here, and in the past, I have taken part in interesting on-air discussions, led by David Page, who is, sadly, no longer with RFI, around issues reflected on film.

The French Embassy has been a staunch supporter of South African arts.Cannes is just one example of the ways in which they try to help develop local talent, by sending filmmakers to take part in all that happens there. And, it's thanks, in part, to them, that this journalist can report on the fantastic stories that come out of this grande dame of festivals. The co-production treaty signed between South Africa and France - which has been in the pipeline for ages - will set a whole new ball in motion to help foster cultural ties between our two countries and exchange skills too. Viva Le France! Viva Afrique du Sud!

Rockin' the Red Carpet - Cannes Style

2010-05-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

Cannes is starting to wind down, but I am going to squeeze every last bit out of it! Still films to see, parties to go to and one more Red Carpet to rock! The closing ceremony on Sunday - where the Palme d'Or winner will be announced - is always a highlight. Thanks to Hip Hop I felt fabulous on the carpet last night, for the premiere of Fair Game with Sean Penn and Naomi Watts. Sean wasn't there because he's in Washington to speak on the relief efforts in Haiti, and he was sorely missed. I love seeing him in Cannes because he really is one of my fave actors.

This is the craziness at the bottom of the Carpet

This seems to be Naomi Watts' year because she has another film in Cannes. Woody Allen's You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger. A friend told me last night he remembered seeing all these posters of her around Cannes and perhaps that seeped into people's minds and she was cast for all these films...hmm, maybe that is the secret to becoming the next big thing at Cannes. Get the prep done the year before!

With director Doug Liman at the press con for Fair Game

With director Woody Allen at You Will Meet A...

Jagger, Javier and Jealousy in Cannes

2010-05-20T04:45:00.000-07:00

So it's been crazy as usual...surviving on less than four hours of sleep a night and N'Espresso to keep me going. Ah, but as we say here, sleep when you're dead...or at least on the plane home!

Mick Jagger popped into town yesterday to premiere a doccie about his band, you might have heard of them - the Rolling Stones? ;) In the film, called Stones in Exile he is super skinny and young. The movie tells the story of the recording of Exile on Main Street, one of the Stones' most memorable albums. The album was recorded in Keith Richards' rented villa just down the road here, in the South of France, in 1972. What I really liked about the film, is that it uses interviews with the band members and those involved in putting the album together, but you don't see their faces. What you do see is old footage and photographs from that time, so that each of the songs recorded come to life and gain fresh insight.

From one rockstar to another...well, sort of. Javier Bardem kind of is the rock star of films, taking on dark and brooding roles. He and the beautiful Penelope Cruz walked the Red Carpet for the premiere of Biutiful, the latest feature film by Mexican director Alejandro González Inárritu.

Cannes really is like a candy shop of films - there is so much variety on offer, you can just pick and choose which ones to see. The Marche (market) part of the festival offers a whole lot of films for interested buyers (or press members) to go and see, including South African film Mad Cow and Red Wolf's A Proper Violence.
Two fabulous friends I made in Cannes last year are working with this film and it's director here in Cannes. It's a gritty look at retribution and trying to right a wrong with another wrong. The film's tagline is "Have You Talked About It" and that's exactly what you end up doing: talking about the motives for committing murder or exacting revenge, and what happens if it should all go wrong. That's another part of the festival, the conversations that come after the films.

I feel so lucky to be able to go to the press conferences and do interviews with the cast and/or directors because they give such great insight into what goes on in the minds of the creative people working on the films. And that just takes the conversations to another level.

Life Above All in Cannes

2010-05-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, wow, wow! What an incredible moment to have witnessed: a ten-minute standing ovation for the local movie Life, Above All inside the Salle du Bussey here in Cannes. The film's director Oliver Schmitz, co-producer Greig Buckle and three actresses from the movie - actresses Lerato Mvelase, Khomotso Manyaka and Harriet Manamela - were in the theatre for its world debut.

The movie is based on an award-winning novel called Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton. It tells the story of a young girl who defies the community in which she lives to care for her mother, who has HIV/Aids. You may think, oh another film about Aids, but this is not just another film like that. Yes, it is about the disease, but more so about the story at the heart of it: the love of a daughter, her courage and strength, and how that inspires those around her. I am getting emotional thinking about it, because it is an incredible story. I sat in the audience with the rest of the film-goers and felt proud to be a South African in Cannes.

I have been looking for a film to blow me away, and this is it. 13-year-old Khomotso is a first time actor, so too is her co-star Keaobaka Makanyane. They are both from the small town of Elandsdoorn. Their talent is moving. Khomotso as the central figure of Chanda carries the audience with her on this journey she makes. Lerato and Harriet also do a superb job in their roles as Chanda's mother Lillian and her neighbour Mrs Tafa respectively. Each shot is beautiful, and so too is the music of the choir singing, which fills the movie in many poignant places.

The actresses embrace during the ovation

Outside the theatre, I met legendary movie critic Roger Ebert, who told me, via his wife, that he loved the film and put his hand to his chest to gesture so. I told him I am a fan of his tweets and read them all the time (he has lost the ability to speak because of thyroid cancer). It was amazing to meet him in person as I have admired and respected him since I studied his writings while doing my BA in Film, Media and Visual Studies. He also said that he studied at UCT, which makes us alumni because I also studied there!

Back to the movie, the film's producer Greig says they're still working on the details of a release in South Africa, but it should be before the end of the year.

'Winnie' comes to Cannes

2010-05-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

During my first time at Cannes, I interviewed Darrell Roodt and he told me about a movie he was working on about Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. He wouldn't allow me to record the fact that they had Jennifer Hudson interested in the project, but he promised he would confirm it on the record as soon as he could. Well, it took almost 3 years for it to become official and confirmed. Now here we are in Cannes, sitting talking about the project yet again, only this time Hudson and her co-star Terrence Howard are here too.

The movie will begin filming on the 31st of March and last for ten weeks. Jennifer and Terrence are due to fly to South Africa this week and will begin getting into their characters. Both came to the South African party on the beach last night, and Terrence spoke to the crowd about how honoured he was to be taking on the role of Madiba. When he started talking it sounded like he was almost already practicing Madiba's intonations and speech patterns. But after listening to him talk during my interview and again at lunch, I realize that is indeed how he speaks - careful, slowly and measured.

Jennifer is bubbly and enthusiastic. She is a year older than me and thinking about what she has achieved (a Grammy, an Oscar, a baby) makes me feel like I have done nothing with my life! Nonetheless, we were still able to share a few laughs over green nailpolish and the joys of being a girl. She says the response from some South Africans angry that a local actress is not playing Winnie don't bother her. In fact, she understands why they're upset, but as she says, she's got a job to do and she's going to do her best.

With Walter - Jennifer's fabulous assistant

It was great to see filmmakers and festival-goers getting the gees of the World Cup - trying their hand at blowing the vuvuzela and "making the circle beeger" with their own dance moves. There are many filmmakers who are doing South Africa proud - even though they may not yet have hit the big time. But we're keeping a close eye on Oliver Schmitz and Greig Buckle, who's film Life Above All is competing in the World Cinema Showcase here, called Un Cinema Regard.

Cannes Never Sleeps

2010-05-15T01:32:00.000-07:00

How does it feel to be Michael Douglas? So went the question one such journalist asked at the press conference for Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. All this time I have been working on coming up with what I thought were intelligent questions, but clearly, all it takes is a "how does it feel". And the answer, Michael happily told us, is "happy.

"Who we are and how we feel depends on what's going on at that moment. Right now I am happily married, with two young children and I am very proud of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps." But he added that his work as a United Nations ambassador made him very disappointed in the world. "As you look at the greed, the volcanic ash, the flooding, you know, the earth seems to be speaking."

It was somewhat surreal to see the "real" Michael Douglas in the flesh, who gives an excellent performance reprising his role of Gordon Gekko. Shia LaBeouf (no matter how many times I write his name, I always feel like I am spelling it wrong!) wins me over in this film. I believe his desperation and his sincerity and naivety. I also think he's very cute! He said he started investing on Wall Street to get into character and up his confidence in light of working with actors he calls the "All-Stars". All stars indeed: Frank Langella, Josh Brolin, Eli Wallach, and of course Douglas. Carey Mulligan plays LaBeouf's girlfriend (art imitating life) and is even more gorgeous in real life. She is the moral compass of the film.

Then it was off to a rooftop interview with the director of Step Up 3D and a quick dash to the presentation of local films by the National Film and Video Foundation. Some interesting films coming up...as they say in the biz, watch this space!

Controversial and Kick-Ass Cannes

2010-05-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Cannes may be a celebrity-filled film festival but it's also a cerebral festival, with movies that make you think. I watched the controversial documentary about the earthquake in L'Aquila that slams Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for his handling of the crisis as a means to boost his popularity. It's called DrAquila and is directed by satirist Sabina Guzzanti.

Through comedy and stark realism, as well as testimonies from people who lost their loved ones in a tragedy, which Guzzanti shows the government was well aware of before it happened, the film portrays the Italian leader as a man only concerned with his image and not the people he is meant to lead. Instead of helping re-build the city post-quake, he re-builds his ego and a false impression among the people.

It made me remember that in South Africa we're not the only ones with shameful politicians who are corrupt and embarass us. Berlusconi makes both Tiger Woods and Julius Malema look tame - with his sex scandals and ability to say silly things at inopportune moments. I can see why the Italian Minister of Culture boycotted the festival because it was screening this documentary - DraQuila holds back no punches.

I was interviewed by an Italian newspaper journalist as I walked out of the cinema, asking me my reactions. The thing is this, you hear about Berlusconi in the various media reports, but a film like this pieces it all together and gives one reason to fear the fact that this leader is in power - yet again. "A dictatorship without the torture", as one interviewee in the movie put it.

The most poignant moment comes from a journalist who lost his two children in the earthquake. He believed the lies that were spread as information from seismologists that another earthquake was not going to happen, when they knew one would. He told his two children that too, and they listened to him when he said not to get up during a tremor as it wouldn't be a problem. And so they lay in their beds as the city fell.

Then, as happens in Cannes, I had to flip the switch totally and go see another film at the total end of the scale - Step Up 3D. That's another thing to love about Cannes - you get allsorts! Director John Chu is here with his movie about the dancers who do-or-die, and I'll be speaking to him tomorrow.

Rules of Cannes

2010-05-13T04:20:00.000-07:00

There are a few lessons I've come to learn from previous visits that I am remembering as I get back into the Cannes groove:

1 - Queuing is the activity you will most do in Cannes. Second only to running to get those queues.
2 - Cannes is glamorous for maybe 20% of the time, like when you - as a mere mortal - get to walk the Red Carpet instead of hover next to it. The rest of the time it can be quite the grind (yes, it is still hard work to be here in the French Riviera but I am not expecting you to feel sorry for me one bit!)
3. You will eat a French pastry every day you are here - even if you have given up these items in lieu of abs of steel. You will also drink more than you eat, as you dash from one event to another.

Lambs and Lions - Cannes Curtain Raises

2010-05-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

There's a glorious scene in Robin Hood where Russell Crowe as the protagonist discovers part of his heritage, and it has to do with these words:

Rise and rise again until lambs become lions

Well, the "lions" of the opening day and night of Cannes are the Oscar-winning star and his fellow Oscar winner Cate Blanchett. The kicked off the film festival with a press conference for the movie, in which the two shared a lovely banter between them - talking about kissing scenes in the forest - and then Cate taking on the role of journalist to Russell, asked him a question she knew he wanted to answer.

Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett and producer Brian Grazer

Director Ridley Scott isn't here to see his film open the fest because he's recovering from knee surgery. It's a great pity because I was looking forward to interviewing him and seeing who the man behind the lens is. Ah well, Russell kept us entertained enough. He has no problem telling a journalist who asks a question he's answered before that he feels like "he is repeating himself, repeating himself" or expressing his views on how he thinks the monopolization of the media is something a Robin Hood of today's time would have to conquer.

Perhaps a lion of a different kind is Tim Burton, head of the jury that will decide who gets the Palme d'Or at the end of the fest. In the second presser of the day, he explained what's going to guide their decision. Nothing, really.

Well, he means the panel - which includes the gorgeous Kate Beckinsale and hottie Benicio del Toro - won't be going in with any pre-conceived ideas about what they want the films to be. He says they want to be surprised, and "feel the films, then discuss them and how they affect (us) intellectually and emotionally."

Jury members Benicio del Toro and Shekar Kapur

Roll out the Red Carpet!

2010-05-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

Bonjour Cannes! I arrived just in time to see the Palais de Festival being set up for the opening of the festival. The Palais is the main building where all the action takes place. It houses the film market and is right next to the Grande Lumiere Theatre where all the big premieres happen.

This is what the red carpet looks like before it becomes "The Red Carpet"...

The fest's unofficial photographers, who line the street outside the Palais, are ready in their spots. They come from all over France, and for many, this is a family business!

It's almost time - the curtain will officially raise on the 63rd annual Cannes Film Festival!

Oh, and I read some useful advice for when things in Cannes get a little tough (like trying to chase down Pamela Anderson on the boardwalk, from Nadia's Cannes Experience No. 1) from The Diving Bell and The Butterfly director Mathieu Almaric, who is here as an actor in Tournee:

"If you approach Cannes with a sense of humour, nothing is that bad. You have to take it for what it is, otherwise it's silly. Cannes is a circus, so you have to have fun with it."

Cannes Bound

2010-05-11T12:09:00.000-07:00

Johannesburg - Amsterdam - Nice
No. of cups of coffee: 1 x "semi-skinny" cappucino
4 x aeroplane-size cups
Estimated amount of calories burned: a gazillion while sprinting through Schipol airport in fear of missing connecting flight
Items lost: 1 x iPod with priceless music memories
Knowledge gained: Don't care about fellow passengers more than yourself, even if they are tanned, rugged-looking Kiwi's. ( I left my iPod in the seat-pocket, even while checking with my co-passenger that he had taken all his belongings.)
Cannes prep: Russell Crowe was born in New Zealand but grew up in Australia, where he currently lives. Describes Robin Hood co-star Cate Blanchett as a "magnificent actress who has complete control over her emotional responses so she can make the smallest gesture a gigantic statement."

Are we there yet?!

And so it Begins!

2010-05-10T03:36:00.000-07:00

I used to say, "Forget the Oscars! If you want to spot some A-list celebs, then the Cannes Film Festival is the place to be."

Well, now that I have been to the Oscars, I can say this will the conviction it truly deserves!

In Cannes, the celebs are in a concentrated area, and it's easier to "bump" into them...of course it does help to know where to do said bumping! But that's just one part about being at the festival that I love. The other part is seeing what the South Africans are up to.

This will be my fourth time covering the event – thanks to the French Embassy and Samsung. The French Embassy has also made it possible for a number of up-and-coming filmmakers to attend the festival – together with their ideas and projects, hopes and dreams.

As always, top directors will face off for the festival’s main prize – the Palme D’Or. What's more exciting this year, is that a film directed and produced by South Africans, called Life, Above All has been selected for the Un Certain Regard section, which is the festival's World Cinema Showcase. The films in this section compete for the Prize Un Certain Regard.

Just a little info to those new to the fest. It's organized in various sections, which include:

the Official Selection, which is the main event and features 20 films In Competition – competing for the Palme D’Or
20 films from cultures near and far as part of Un Certain Regard
running parallel to the festival are non-competitive programmes dedicated to discovering other aspects of cinema. They include Cannes Classics, which celebrate the heritage of film, Camera d’Or, which rewards the best first film of the Festival, and Cinema de la Plage, which screens classic films for the mass public.
Another major part of the festival is the Marche du Film, which is the busiest movie market of the world.

Let the Cannes games begin!

The Giant Match

2010-05-06T03:41:00.000-07:00

Despite what some local artists would have you believe, there are some incredible activities taking place in the arts and culture sphere, ahead of the Soccer World Cup. Activities where skills are being developed and shared, and something tangible is being created out of the excitement many of us feel ahead of the big event itself. Earlier today I visited the Wits School of the Arts to see one of the projects we can look forward to.

It's called The Giant Match, and - as it's creators say - it is a partnership between various people, making sure that artists are also benefiting from all the attention created by the World Cup.

Imagine this: 32 four-metre high puppets in a South African version of Romeo and Juliet - culminating in an epic and comic football match, before the two families are reconciled and the couple happily wed. When I saw two of the puppets, I was amazed. It's incredible to watch artists maneuvering them, and using them to act out a story.

The creation of these puppets and the show involves over a hundred South African actors, dancers, puppeteers, visual artists and craftsmen from various communities. It's based on a collaboration between French company Les Grandes Personnes and the Gauteng-based colleactive SA G.U.RU. The French-SA collab has now gone a step further - and the best thing is that the skills created out of this will be part of the World Cup's lasting legacy for South Africa.

You'll be able to see The Giant Match throughout Gauteng during June and July.

Rollin' with the Raconteur

2010-05-05T02:02:00.000-07:00

Henry Rollins is back in town - performing in Pretoria, Joburg and Cape Town. A man of many talents - ie, singer-songwriter, raconteur, stand-up comedian, spoken word artist, writer, publisher, actor, radio DJ, and activist. He's also a human rights campaigner and that's why he was given a special 46664 Bangle yesterday. I spoke to him about it.

Rock DJ

2010-04-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Love it! An interesting collaboration - and I love the outcome of one of the world's biggest DJs, with one of the world's most exciting new acts. Just a pity I won't be in town for the Smirnoff Be There May 15th show.

Stop! It's Hammertime Interview!

2010-04-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

Who knows which bright spark decided it would be fun to bring out 90s music stars to South Africa for a series of adverts for a lite beer? But I'll admit, it has been fun getting to meet some of them. Enter MC Hammer - he of 'U Can't Touch This' fame, Hammer pants, and yes, Hammerman, one of the cartoons I used to watch on KTV as a kid. He's since lost his fortune, regained some of it, become a preacher, started a dance empire and become a social media fundi.

So he's here for the Castle Lite ads - like Vanilla Ice was a few months ago. Some tweeps wanted to know if he would be mixing up his hit single with the latest SA You Tube phenomenon "Don't Touch Me on My Studio". I asked him about that, and he said that he had heard something about the video, but it was only because someone asked him to do a voice drop for it. Don't be surprised then, if something along those lines does indeed surface!

He's a nice enough guy, and gives a great interview. Plus, he's one of the names behind an initiative to spread awareness about malaria and help buy mosquito nets. Another good thing: his tweets. He has been spreading positive messages about South Africa, and Joburg in particular, to his almost 2 and a half million followers. Follow him @MCHammer.In the face of the negative British press, we can do with all the good words we can get.

Oh - and he also kept his word that he'd follow me back on Twitter! :)

SAMA City

2010-04-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

SAMA City is what Sun City becomes every year, round about this time, when the music industry descends upon the holiday resort. As The Star's music journalist Therese Owen puts it, the various hotels have begun to correlate with areas in Joburg - 'The Palace' is Sandton, 'The Main Hotel', Melville and 'Cabanas', Soweto.

For the past couple of years, there have been two events; Friday night usually ends up playing Ugly Stepsister to Saturday night's Cinderella. And so it was with this past weekend. Friday night felt like one was watching a dress rehearsal that should have been practised a few more times before curtaincall.

You'll know the winners - from listening to EWN ;) or reading them here.

So, then, highlights and not-so-highlights, from someone who has "been there and done that":

Highlights:

5. The SAMAs stepping it up a bit - live webcast, nice goodie bags, attention to the TV show (the organisers brought in top notch director Julia Knowles).

4. The musical director Jon Savage's choice of collaborations: the performance between Tumi and Thandiswa, the Parlotones and Louise Carver, and the gospel collab with The Plain Truth. Oh, and Kwela Tebza lighting themselves up as they played their pennywhistles!

3. The stage set-up - it looked fantastic, especially when HHP's Mpitse being brought to life on it.
2. District 9's Wikus van der Merwe making a cameo guest presenting appearance - and roping in "onse Charlize". Sharlto Copley's girlfriend told me it was set up and Charlize was in on the whole thing.

1. Tumi on stage with Zaki Ibrahim, Yesterday's Pupil and MXO at the Dungeon (which I was told afterwards was the bottom of the pool at the Valley of the Waves). It was by far the best party to be at - especially when DJ Kenzhero took to the one's and two's. Also honorable mention for top performance must also go to Selaelo Selota at the Palace, who kept us entertained with his onstage antics.

Lowlights:

5. Not having a seat because Row I did not exist, and being moved around 3 times as the show was starting. As a judge, this was not so great - as a journalist, it was just plain ridiculous.

4. The tacky-looking show on Friday night and the shameless self-promotion of a certain tabloid magazine onstage, while handing out awards.

3. Rent-a-crowd in the cheap seats upstairs booing when Lifetime Achievement reciepients Carike Keuzenkamp and Jabu Khanyile's wife tried to make their speeches.
2. The stampede by the North West masses as they all tried to get to the afterparty - during which a friend's phone was jacked.
1. It felt to me like one big popularity contest - a lot of the awards went to the most popular artists of the day, and not necessarily because of the musical strength of the album/song in question.

Best Afrikaans Alternative Album winner Die Heuwels Fantasties' frontman Pierre - who is much taller without his beanie (and in general!)

Best Female winner - the gorgeous Lira

The wonderful Neo Muyanga from Blk Sonshine - nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album, English

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T02:43:00.000-07:00

Eating "green cupcakes" with actress Terry Pheto in honour of Earth Day.

Follow the blog of my favourite "green" muso - Jason Mraz.

Read my story on other "greenies" in the latest Saltwater Girl Magazine.

Wikus and Charlize

2010-04-19T04:26:00.000-07:00

This was one of my highlights of the SA Music Awards - held at Sun City this past weekend. It sounds just like Charlize - and I don't just mean her voice!

Wikus and Charlize - watch more funny videos

Sex and the City 2 - It's Almost Here!

2010-04-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

Just over a month to go 'til the film releases! Anyone who knows me, knows I have the picture of me and Carrie Bradshaw (okay, Sarah Jessica Parker) as my cellphone's background, and I, like a lot of my galpals, can quote scenes from the TV show with ease, so I absolutely cannot wait for this second installment of the movie series!

Kelly&Co Record a World Cup Song

2010-04-13T04:33:00.000-07:00

Former Destiny's Child member and Grammy-winning singer Kelly Rowland has recorded a song for the World Cup with some top local stars - ie Jozi, Slikour and Zuluboy. I was also glad to hear Awadi on the track because I am a fan of his work too.
An official song has yet to be announced by FIFA and the Organising Committee but if Kelly had her way she'd make 'Everywhere You Go' the theme song to the big event!
In this interview I did with her, she talks about the message behind the song and she also weighs in on the controversy surrounding the World Cup Kick-off Celebration Concert.

Achmed the Dead Terrorist

2010-04-08T04:14:00.001-07:00

Comedian Jeff Dunham is heading for South Africa in September - and he's bringing his ventriloquist act, Achmed the Dead Terrorist with him. I spoke to him over the phone from Los Angeles.

Beautiful Betty

2010-04-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

One day I got an sms from my brother once to say he was catching up on the Ugly Betty DVD series and that I reminded him of Betty.

"Chubby and ditzy?" I thought. Thanks, Matt.

"No", he replied, "her determination and never-give-up attitude".

Ah, sweet redeeming sms.

I, like my brother and many other fans, will be sad to see the last episode of Ugly Betty, which has just been filming in London. Apparently the show moved from Thursdays to Friday nights in the States and that knocked its ratings. I will miss the show because:

- The character of Justin Suarez played by Marc Indelicato is just faaaabulous! His rendition of the opening number from Hairspray on the subway was hilarious. But he's not just funny; the way he handed over the Homecoming crown to his mom was touching. Plus the gay teenager storyline is interesting to see (and I believe it's going to get even more so...)

- the play between Marc (Michael Urie) and Amanda (Becki Newton) is this century's Jack and Karen from Will&Grace, and they keep it going off camera on their regular podcasts.

Marc: "It'll be like Britney shaving her head all over again!"

Amanda: "Ohh, that was fun...But then it got sad...

Marc: "Yeah, but then it got fun again!"

- In the first season, when the show won at the Golden Globes, our very own Capetonian Stelio Savante played a hitman

- It was on Ugly Betty that I saw snippets of the Broadway musical Wicked and that made me make it the first show I saw on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre.

Pics from abc.com

- I just love Betty: following her ups and downs and her improving (if only slightly) wardrobe. And how she still managed to get the guy (most of the time!) But perhaps the show really has run its course?

Why Why Peaches

2010-04-03T02:22:00.000-07:00

I was in Std 9 when I first heard Fetish and my recorded cassette tape of their TDK performance on Barney Simon's show never left my walkman. I moved from Joburg to Cape Town, was going into Matric, and my parents split up for good. It was against this backdrop that I began to fall in love with the band. Michelle Breeze's lyrics seem to encompass all that I was feeling and her voice captured all those things I couldn't express. I remember going to every gig of theirs that I could - once, my dad came with me to the dingy Ruby in the Dust in Observatory, where I remember feeling awkward when Michelle got to the part in Shade of a Ghost where she would swear. Ah, teenage angst.

I would cut out every magazine and newspaper clipping that had to do with the band. I remember going to the V&A Waterfront for a meet-and-greet. I also remember waiting anxiously for their latest album to come out. And, there was the little schoolgirl crush I had on the bassist, Jeremy. Once, on the dating show my friend and I were coerced into doing, the guy asked me who my favourite local band was and I, of course, answered Fetish. He Buzzed me out but not because he had bad taste in music, but because he was not the brightest bulb in the pack: when asked who his favourite local band was, he said "U2". No loss there!

All these things were part of my "fetish for Fetish". If you had told me then that I would go on to become friends with the individual band members - having coffee with Michelle and her son Connor on London's South Bank, hanging out with Ross Campbell and his partner Sylvia in Cape Town, tweeting with Jeremy [now married with kids :)], I would have not have believed you. Indeed, above all this, the band gave me one of my best friends - Michelle's sister Tracy. We met in the bathroom of a Fetish gig in Cape Town, while trying to cross a pee-covered floor. We've been friends ever since!

I feel as if I invested so much into that band that I will never really feel that way about any other band again. Perhaps it was my age, or just the time, but I was so heartsore when Fetish broke up around 2001. The band created an album of previously unreleased material called Remains which I hold dear. But they have all moved on. And so have I.

In that spirit comes something exciting and new from Michelle Breeze. She had a project called Darkpop with Christopher Tuck. Now, through working with another top musical talent, Craig Dodds (remember Egyptian Nursery?) Michelle has given us Why Why Peaches. And a song like the one below softens the blow of losing one of my favourite groups...

Meeting John Cleese

2010-03-28T02:33:00.000-07:00

As you know, the reason I came to the Midlands was to interview John Cleese, for his role in the Spud movie. It is due for release in November, so my full interview has to wait a bit before it goes to air, and I have to save much of what he said during that time. But I can say this: I found Mr Cleese to be a polite, peculiar and humourous person. He did, however, call me a 'wuss' because I don't like bats. Just before the interview itself began he was telling me about how a bat had come into hi room the previous night and how his girlfriend Jenny had been petrified by it. Cleese, on the other hand, quite enjoyed the experience, saying he likes a bat's skin because it is silky and dark. He must have seen my face scrunch up because that's when he told me I was a wuss and would get on very well with Jenny. Luckily I didn't take it too personally.

With The Cleese - he sat down so that I could "tower over" him. How sweet!

Spud author John van der Ruit was at the guesthouse when I was waiting to do the interview. I commented to him that this all must be like a big Hollywood dream for him, and he said that it was, and the best part is that it's going so well. I bumped into him a little later while out to dinner at the best Italian restaurant in the Midlands - he was with his family. His mom was very quick to tell me she's not at all like the mother of John 'Spud' Milton in the book. I would probably also be quick to make that clear - especially when the first book in the series opens like this:

"Cursed with parents from well well beyond the lunatic fringe, a senile granny, and a dormitory full of strange characters, Spud has his hands full trying to adapt to his new home."

I also met some of the youngsters playing the Crazy 8 - thanks to my friend Chris who is tutoring them. Sweet guys with good manners - nice to see. They said they were really liking working with Jason Cope (District 9's main Prawn) who plays Sparerib. Everyone also raves about Troye Sivan, who plays Spud, saying he is an excellent actor and a really nice guy. Not least of those raving about Troye is Cleese himself. He told me he enjoys acting with him - which makes for a change because he hasn't really enjoyed acting in a long time. Troye - who was born in South Africa but lives in Australia - played the young Wolverine in the movie that Gavin Hood directed, and it looks like his star is definitely on the rise...And I hope to make him my next Spud interview.

And Now for Something Completely Different...

2010-03-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

Location: OR Tambo

Destination: Michaelhouse, Midlands, Kwazulu Natal

Assignment: Interview John Cleese, aka The Guv in Spud

So this assignment is only a plane ride, a scenic car drive and a ‘funny walk’ away. I am looking forward to meeting one of the world’s most revered actors and funniest comedians. John Cleese gave us Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Basil (I can still hear his wife in the series calling his name in her shrill tone) in Fawlty Towers and Archie Leach in A Fish Called Wanda. Oh, and he also married Karen in Will&Grace!

It took a lot of planning and coercing to get this interview. I have 20 minutes with him – but I will make them count. I was in Cannes when I first heard John Cleese was being lined up as the big name attached to the movie in the making. I had to keep it under wraps until it was confirmed a few months later. The first reaction from most people – including the author of the best-selling series himself – was that Cleese was the perfect person for the role. A match made in heaven. I want to know if Cleese himself felt this as well – in fact, how did he come to be involved in the project?

A few little Did-You-Know facts about The Cleese that I Did-Not-Know:

- his family’s surname was originally Cheese, but his dad changed that when he went to the army

- he is 70 years old (I knew he was somewhere in that bracket) and is dating a woman who is almost half that (39)

- he has always been tall – at school at the age of 13 he was well over 6ft

- he studied as a scientist and taught the subject at his former prep school

- he was a rector at the University of St Andrews

- his voice can be downloaded for directional guidance purposes as a downloadable option on some personal GPS-navigation device models by company Tom-Tom

- He is apparently working on a stage play of A Fish Called Wanda

Shout!

2010-03-16T22:10:00.001-07:00

You'll most certainly by now have heard of this anti-crime campaign. I got a taste of this concept a few months ago - through an early screening of the music video for Shout. Although it was just a draft copy, it already impressed me: the calibre of artists involved, the message behind the concept and the passion driving the campaign.

It's the brainchild of Danny K and Kabelo. And funny thing, while Danny was launching the video, together with a host of local musicians like Tamara Dey, Slikour, Louise Carver and , Danny's ex, Leeann Liebenberg was announcing her engagement on Twitter at the same time. Oh, darling! One paper even chose to run with this story as a bigger feature than the Shout campaign. Different strokes, I guess...

Twitpic @NadiaNeophytou

I'll admit, when I heard Danny and Kabelo talking about what they want the campaign to do, I thought to myself, "how is a song really going to help address the crime issue in our country?" An issue that has affected everyone of us. I'm all for the power of music and its ability to change lives and change society and affect social change. But this situation here seems to have reached a dire point - one where it all just seems hopeless - even for someone that loves their country with all their heart.

But the music video played - and I felt the emotion of it well up inside me. I don't want to be cynical about this. If this truly has the power to mobilize us as a country, as a community, to truly work together to do something, then I'll be singing "Shout" for as long as I need to.

Sure the money from downloading the track and the video (R20 a pop) goes to fighting crime efforts, like buying bullet-proof vests and training policemen. But there's another aspect to it - the emotion the video conveys. It says we can rely on each other to stop moaning and actually do something. If you know of a crime taking place, or know of someone involved in a crime to speak up. If you've been affected to speak up. As Danny K says, join a forum, start a community safety group, sms a tip-off to Crimeline (33-22-11).

This is how I hope SHOUT will truly make the difference.

Post-Oscars Blues

2010-03-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

Just in case you missed it - here is a snippet of some of the Oscar stories I covered while in Los Angeles:

A Prawn Goes to Hollywood - Part 2

2010-03-11T05:07:00.000-08:00

“It’s like Bafana Bafana making it to the finals of the World Cup. You know the odds are very much against you, but that’s not going to stop you from cheering for your team,” District 9’s Sharlto Copley had always been very matter-of-fact about the South African Sci-Fi’s chances at this year’s Oscars. He knew even before The Hurt Locker swept the board to win six golden statues, including two of the ones District 9 was up for, that the chances of the low-budget SA movie winning best Picture were not that great. But that doesn’t seem to matter that much. Win or lose, it really has been about how the game has been played.

I meet Copley at the Beverly Hills Wilshire where Pretty Woman was filmed, and where both Elvis and Warren Beaty lived at different times in their lives. Guests who’ve stayed there have included the likes of Al Pacino, Beyonce, Dustin Hoffman, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Douglas. And now the prestigious hotel can add another name to that list – a Prawn called Wikus van der Merwe. And Copley, dressed in a Springboks jersey, his hair recently cut short, can now add to his list of growing admirers one of those hotel guests.

“At the BAFTAs in London, Dustin Hoffman was talking to me for about five minutes, telling me how amazing the film was, how he loved it,” says Copley. “That’s been the most bizarre thing – meeting people in Hollywood who are congratulating me. I was taken aback with Dustin. I mean, I’ve done one film. He’s one of my greatest all-time living actors. It was very unexpected. I didn’t ever expect that people who were in the business would be so complimentary.”

Complimentary is not the word. Everywhere I go in LA, people start talking about District 9 when they hear I am from South Africa. Indeed, in an interview with Morgan Freeman and co-producer Lori McCreary, Freeman says he liked the allegory of the film, and McCreary tells me the movie made her cry (no mean feat, this seasoned Hollywood businesswoman tells me). Has all this settled in for Copley? “Yes, I suppose since last year’s publicity tour – when it really took off and the surreal-ness of it all was happening it hadn’t. But now I feel more prepared – the publicity tour, the hotels, the travels.”

And the parties? After all, before, during and after the Oscars, partying is a key part of it all. “There are parties all over the place – people are always having one for some or over thing. But I am not really a party person,” Copley reveals. “I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs, I have had a girlfriend for the past 10 years, so there are very few reasons for me to go to the parties. I used to go to them to schmooze people and luckily, I don’t really have to do that anymore.” Indeed with his latest turn in The A Team coming out in June, Copley’s star power is certainly on the rise, and should see more people approaching him for roles.

Whatever happens, Copley seems to be enjoying the ride. “Neill (Blomkamp, District 9’s director and screenwriter) and me and the other guys who worked on the film are close friends. We don’t take this kind of stuff very seriously. It’s more just a kind of fun, and we’re here to see how it all works.”

Like he says, win or lose it truly was about the fact that South Africa had a presence at this year’s Oscars. “It’s a great experience, and a great time. To have two films in the running, that’s a big deal. Since Tsotsi, when the country won Best Foreign Language, the film’s have become more mainstream – and that’s where the real competition is. It’s fantastic that we are there as a country.”
E! Entertainment’s resident movie guru is just one of many industry insiders to echo this. “It shines a spotlight on South Africa – for films to be set there, for films to be cast there and for local crews to be used there. The country doesn’t only have the Oscars in which to shine, but also the 2010 World Cup. But the Oscars is a pretty great way to kick it all off.”

Closing Credits

2010-03-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

"I'd like to thank my mom, my dad and my dog Jeff ..."

From one adventure to the next. I know that back in South Africa, I'll move straight onto another story. Before that happens, allow me a "closing credits" of sort to this chapter. Imagine, if you will, the theme from Crazy Heart, by T Bone Burnett and Ryan Bingham, The Weary Kind, playing overhead. Not because it's a fitting song (although, after all the running around I am a little 'weary', haha!) but because it won the Oscar for Best Song and I also loved the music in the movie. Thanks to the fabulous folks at L'Atelje in Hyde Park, who helped get me over to Los Angeles, Hip Hop, for the gorgeous dress, as well as the fantastic people at Grey Goose, my first trip to the Oscars has been a memorable one!

It's all Hollywood, baby!

After the Party

2010-03-10T01:09:00.000-08:00

Catt Sadler and Sal Masekela from E! at the E! Afterparty

[Insert picture of Taboo from Black Eyed Peas here]

The Drais at the W in Hollywood hasn't officially opened yet, but it was the site of the E! Oscars Afterparty. On the decks, Good Charlotte's Joel Madden. In the crowd, his lady Nicole Richie, The Hills' Audrina, Russells Simmons and the Black Eyed Peas' Taboo. As I mentioned in my report, he told me the group is definitely coming for the World Cup Kickoff concert. We had suspected that, so this was just the confirmation we needed. He is the epitome of cool - pulling out the moves to the group's hit Imma Be. There's just no competing with that kind of a dancer out there on the floor - especially if said dancer has helped create the track you are dancing to.

With the E!'s Mark and Sandy

What a gorgeous venue! On a rooftop in the heart of Hollywood, with the city below. A great view on a great night!

Post-Oscar Shine

2010-03-09T23:18:00.001-08:00

It’s been a crazy couple of days – as I knew it would be. I still feel the need to say that though. I also still can’t believe the Oscars have come and gone. I know by now you would know the winners – and I don’t have to list them here – so I will instead reflect on my time in Hollywood.

Proudly SA - Hip Hop all the way!

The Oscars themselves are a creation of dedication, attention to detail and glorious star-power. So many big names come out – even if they themselves are not nominated (hello, Zac Effron?) I loved seeing how things are behind the scenes: the hours of preparation, the stressing on the part of the producers (I like being reminded that it’s not just me who over-worries almost everything!) and the last-minute wardrobe malfunctions (apparently Mo’Nique and Amanda Seyfried both had one).

Thousands of journalists come to this Oscar stage – and that’s not just counting those who live in LA (and there are a great deal of them here!). As a lone journo, I kept getting asked “where’s your crew?” and I’d point to my huge bag and say with glee: “here!” But what you soon learn is that you need to find your place and find your own story among all the others. The South African presence at this year’s Oscars for me, was greater than the three-hour (and a bit more) ceremony itself. It went beyond that – before, and after.

That said, I loved the genuine moments at the Oscars. The tears Sandra Bullock cried. The child-like cheers Jeff Bridges gave. The outlandishness of Mo’Nique backstage when she told the press officer just how she wanted to do the Question-and-Answer-session. Oh, and Sarah Jessica Parker’s dress – it was my best (Charlize’s was my worst).

I hope that this is only the beginning – or I should say, the middle because Tsotsi and indeed, Yesterday, first got the ball rolling with their nominations, as did Charlize with her win – and that South Africa’s presence at the Oscars only grows and grows. And I hope that we can soon have another good reason to shout: Viva South Africa, viva!

Kathryn Bigelow: Best Director, Best Picture: The Hurt Locker

Sandra Bullock, Best Actress: The Blind Side

Best Actor, Jeff Bridges: Crazy Heart

Best Supporting Actress, Mo'Nique: Precious

Best Supporting Actor, Christoph Waltz: Inglourious Basterds

And the Oscar Goes To...

2010-03-08T05:57:00.000-08:00

Wow! I cannot believe it's all over. It almost went by so quickly that I hardly had a moment to take it all in. The fashion, the star-power, the carpet, the gold statues. The Oscars became a 24-hour-marathon of phone-calls, live-crossings, report-filing, speech-listening, interview-mingling and snack-grabbing for me. I'll have more moments for you - just need a few little zzzz's to make sure what I write actually makes sense!

Oh! I had so many compliments on my Hip Hop dress - and it was the same colour as Penelope Cruz' one too. Big smile on my side!

Only on E!

2010-03-06T22:48:00.000-08:00

I feel like I had my own mini-photoshoot with some of the E! Entertainment Channel's biggest names when I went to their offices on Wilshire Boulevard. It made me wonder if they have a specific height policy because I felt incredible small next to them. Even Ryan Seacrest! I couldn't get over how tall Giuliana Rancic is. And thin! Although I knew she would be because I follow her "diet secrets" on Twitter...Fashion Police's Jay Manuel is also tall and was impeccable dressed (as one would expect!) while Kendra is just as wacky as she comes across on TV, except she's toned down just a little notch since the birth of her baby boy. E!'s resident film guru Ben Lyons is such a sweetie - and was full of praise for South Africa ahead of the World Cup. He asked me for tickets because he said Sal Masekela (his fellow E! colleague and Hugh's son) hadn't hooked him up yet!

They're all involved in the Red Carpet and Oscar Countdown programmes that will air just before the ceremony. E! do a fantastic job of covering the carpet like no other. They have 17 cameras, including the fabulous "Glam Cam", which Jays says has had people queuing up to get their 360-degree picture taken. Kendra, who admits she doesn't know much about fashion, will be adding her two cents worth to the designs chosen by the stars beforehand.

It was great to get some insider info about how Ryan and Giuliana work their magic on the carpet - Ryan jokes that he has a good relationship with the driving companies that bring the stars and he makes sure they are a little liquored up before they walk out (haha!), while G says they don't try too hard, by being too prepared that they miss the golden moments of natural interaction as they happen. They both agree that George Clooney and "Sandy" Bullock are the most fun to talk to - Giuliana says at an afterparty the year that George won his award, she asked him if she could hold it and he replied, 'sure thing, and when you're done you can hold my award too!"

Goose is in the House

2010-03-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

So this is a follow-up to the previous post. What a fabulous evening at the Soho House on Sunset for the Grey Goose Pre-Oscar bash! A gorgeous view of the city awaits those who sit outside in their "olive garden", and the street lights look incredible from the 14th floor. It was a pretty casual evening. The night before saw the likes of Madonna, Elton John and Natalie Portman mingling with the crowd, while sipping their Oscar-inspired drinks with names like Sunset Goose and Gold Rush Martini (my fave!).

INGREDIENTS

1 1.2 part GREY GOOSE® Le Citron

1/2 part Yuzu juice

1/2 Orange Curaçao

1/3 part agave syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.

Garnish with a gold cherry

The club has a no-camera policy, but it would have been fun to snap a pic with Justin Kirk from Weeds and Jack and Jill. He's just so great! And really nice to talk to. Russell Brand sans Katy Perry, James Blunt, Rozanne Arquette, Dave Annable and Matthew Rhys from Brothers&Sisters and more. In fact, the whole place feels like you are are constantly looking at someone famous or important, or both - or in fact, neither, such is the game.

Earlier in the evening I went to a panel discussion held by the cast and producers of Cougar Town. It was such a fun, insightful look into what makes a good comedy show. The producer and creator is Bill Lawrence who worked on shows like Spin City, Scrubs and Friends before. Cougar Town has just started in South Africa, but I have seen a few episodes already - and am a fan. Josh Hopkins who plays Cox's cute but womanizer neighbour calls her a "comedy ninja", saying that she's always quick with the lines. Must be all those years on Friends! I asked Courtney about her recent Golden Globe nomination - and if that is something that is important to her - after years in the business without that kind of recogntion. Her answer: "Yes, yes, yes, it's so important to me! Please I want one!!" Gotta love it! Oh, and she and Mr Cox (aka David Arquette are going to be doing the new Scream...

A Prawn Goes to Hollywood

2010-03-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Sharlto Copley is one of my favourite actors - not only because he made me both laugh and cry as Wikus van der Merwe in District 9 but because he's such an entertaining, genuine kind-of guy. He just flew into LA today and I caught up with him at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, where he told me he's here to "cheer on his team". The film is up for Best Picture against the two front-runners, The Hurt Locker and Avatar. Sharlto says it's like rooting for Bafana Bafana even though the chances of them making it to the final are slim: "you still want to support your team!"

Lunching in Beverly Hills

2010-03-05T18:15:00.000-08:00

I had lunch with Eddie Murphy and Nicole Kidman today. Okay, so I was sitting at a different table but we were all at the same restaurant so surely that counts?

Yeah, right!

But that's how it seems to be when one is dining at the Beverly Hills hotel, dahling. Stars walk in and out and it makes you do a second take. This is one of those Hollywood landmarks, having opened in 1912. It's lunch guests have included the likes of Spencer Tracey and Katharine Hepburn to Frank Sinatra, to Steven Tyler, and Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher.

And now me! I was having lunch there with the lovely folk from Grey Goose Vodka - who are throwing an official Pre-Oscar bash tonight at Soho House on Sunset (why is it that "Soho House" is such a lovely name for a hot spot no matter which country one is in?) Global Brand Ambassador, Dimi Lezinska was telling me about how he created the Inglourious Basterds cocktail but I kept getting distracted by Murphy, who I am convinced was looking straight at me ;)

Love the idea of the Sunset Goose - a cocktail Dimi describes to be perfect for a Cosmo crazy girl like myself: "When you're sipping it, standing on the top of Soho House on the Sunset Strip, it's a perfect moment, when you think, 'I have arrived'."

More details after I have arrived at the party!

Inside Wolfgang's Kitchen

2010-03-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck has become synonymous with the food created for the Academy Awards dinner at the Governor's Ball. His signature? Little 24-carat Gold covered chocolate Oscar statues. I visited Wolfgang in his kitchen today, and he gave me one of these little babies (and very kindly, a few extra to take home to my colleagues who asked me to bring back for them!) He makes 3000 of these choccies. I hope mine make it through the journey back home!

Wolfgang is such a fantastic spirit - so energetic and animated in his descriptions of food. He says he likes to stick to the classics and put a twist on them. For example, chicken pot pie (I know, I also wondered about this as a choice for the Governor's Ball menu). But it's not just any chicken pot pie - it's made with black truffles. When I told him I was from South Africa, he said Charlize Theron is one of his favourite actresses, and that soccer is one of his favourite sports. We may just see him in the country for the World Cup, that's if he can fit it in between the opening of a new restaurant in Singapore and a dinner in Vienna.

For those foodies who are interested, here is the full menu:

Tray Passed Hors d’Oeuvres
Tempura Shrimp and Lobster
Mini Kobe Burgers with Aged Cheddar and Remoulade
Wasabi Pea Crusted Crab Cake with Mango and Thai Basil
Smoked Salmon Pizza with Caviar and Dill Creme
Black Truffle & Ricotta Cheese Pizza
Vegetable Spring Rolls with Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce
Chicken Pot Stickers with Ginger Black Vinegar Dipping Sauce

Dinner
House Smoked Salmon, Potato Galette, Creme Fraiche and Baby Greens
with Butler-passed Warm Brioche
Chicken Pot Pie with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Baby Heirloom Vegetables and Homemade Pastry
Crust

Dessert
“L’Etoile de Oscar”
Baked Alaska with Espresso Glace, Guittard L’Etoile du Nord Chocolate Sorbet and Toasted
Meringue

Yum!

A Tuxedo for Morgan Freeman

2010-03-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

After making friends with the GPS and Los Angeles' highways, I found myself at the offices of Revelations Entertainment in Santa Monica. That's the production company Morgan Freeman owns together with Lori McCreary. It's quite an unassuming building - the office block shares its space with a yoga studio and there was a farmer's market taking place outside. Walking inside, I noticed it was pretty low-key too. There's a lounge set-up inside, with a giant TV, and it felt a little like I was on a set (yeah, acting alongside Mr Freeman!). Lori says they try out technology in here. There are pictures of both Morgan and Lori from years gone by on a mantle piece and a hard poster of The Shawshank Redemption. Other than that, you'd never have known Morgan Freeman "works" here.

His hand is still in a soft bandage-like hold from when he had the car accident in 2008. He told me he's still suffering from the nerve damage and may have to go for surgery. It was great to be able to have interviewed Freeman in South Africa, and then again here in LA ahead of the Oscars - a kind of nice circle. In fact, I told him I had also run after him at the airport when he was in South Africa for the Sithengi Film Festival. He said to me, that when these kinds of things happen, it means I am bound to run into him again soon - haha! He's always such a great interview, and I still am in awe of him every time I sit in front of him.

We spoke about his being nominated 3 times before and how the experience has changed, and the whole process "winds down" as the years go by. While Lori was telling me about her outfit for the Oscars, Morgan was nonchalant - uttering the phrase: "a tuxedo is a tuxedo is a tuxedo", to which Lori replied, "that's because you look good in any tuxedo!"

Freeman and Lori are planning on coming back to South Africa very soon - for the World Cup and another movie, so we haven't seen the last of this Oscar-winning star!

Lori, Morgan and I "on set"

Hello Hollywood!

2010-03-03T00:12:00.000-08:00

I'd only been in Los Angeles for a few moments when already scandalous news started to surface. It involved a nasty email that one of the producers involved in an Oscar-nominated film - The Hurt Locker - was alleged to have written. Then it emerged that because of that, French producer Nicholas Chartier, was un-invited from the Oscars. Oh, how dreadful! Imagine all those weeks of work put into deciding what you're going to wear - okay, so maybe hours because he is a man, wait, make that minutes then! Still, to have your invite revoked can't be good. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does not take kindly to any kind of interference in the judging process. Chartier apparently wrote the email and sent it to some people who happened to be Oscar voters. In it, he urges support for his movie in the Best Picture category over "the 500 million dollar film" - an obvious reference to Avatar.

So, once I'd hired the car and trusty GPS, I headed over to Hollywood and Highland where the Oscar headquarters are. Even though it was quite late in the day, I just wanted to get a quick glimpse into the mood there, from Tuesday afternoon. Amid the building and constructing were the usual tourists who visit the Kodak Theatre and its surrounds -Graumann's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood and Highland shopping centre. Some were oblivious as to what was going on, while others were eagerly snapping pics of the gold statuette, waiting to be unveiled on the night.

More news to follow - I will be interviewing Best Actor nominee Morgan Freeman tomorrow. Stay tuned to www.ewn.co.za!

Best Picture Challenge

2010-03-02T22:19:00.000-08:00

Every year around this time, I find myself frantically trying to see all the big contenders up for Best Picture at the Oscars. Sometimes the films are only due for release after the Awards season, so that all the hype afterward carries them into the local box office. How many of us are itching to see The Hurt Locker purely because of all the awards it has won and the critical acclaim it has already notched up? Press members do sometimes get to see the films before they release on the big screen but sometimes there just isn’t time to see them all before the Awards.

Well, this year the challenge is a little harder because there are now 10 films to watch, each with its own world to get caught up in. That’s five more than has traditionally been the case. I have seen seven of the films, and The Hurt Locker was one missing from that list. The press screening was scheduled for the Friday before the Oscar ceremony, which I was going to miss because I am on a flight to LA as I write.

So, imagine my delight when paging through the inflight-entertainment magazine, I see all the films I have yet to watch. The next ten hours from London to Los Angeles may see me getting in more film-watching than sleeping! But at least by the time I arrive, I will have seen all ten of the most acclaimed movies from the past year - or so say the folks that make up the Academy!

In Search of Oscar Glory

2010-03-02T00:09:00.001-08:00

Not since Tsotsi won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language in 2006, or Charlize won the Best Actress for her role in Monster have we seen such an interest in South Africa at the Oscars.

Sure, it’s fun to catch a glimpse into the reality (and the fictional) that makes the Oscars what they are, but it’s also exciting to see the impact South Africa can have, and is having on the world cinema circuit. The Oscars are the pinnacle of filmmaking talent – and while many may differ in their opinions of who the winner should be, there can be no doubt the impact it has on a filmmaker’s career.

And now, we have two films with strong South African ties:

District 9 was made by a Johannesburg-born director (Neill Blomkamp) and stars first-time actor Sharlto Copley who won our hearts as Wikus van der Merwe. The cast and crew is 90 percent South African, and yes, the funding came from New Zealand’s Peter Jackson, but the heart of this film is South African and that’s one of the main reasons why we support it so much.

Invictus was based on a screenplay written by a South African – Anthony Peckham. The main cast members, two-time-Oscar-winning Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon have been nominated for their roles of two South African icons. Nelson Mandela is the country’s most-loved former statesman and grandfather to the nation (indeed the world), and Francois Pienaar has commanded a respect that reaches far beyond the rugby field he reigned over. Damon did a great job in getting the South African accent and mannerisms down to a t, while Freeman as Madiba was a master stroke.

So I will be covering all the excitement and the hype in the run-up to the Oscars, and ask the question: just what are our chances of bagging a gold statue this year? Most importantly, win or not, I hope to convey the build-up and excitement to South African listeners - and contrary to popular belief, this is my first time covering this story from LA!

Here are the nominations in total:

Invictus

- Best Actor: Morgan Freeman

- Best Supporting Actor: Matt Damon

District 9

- Best Film

- Best Adapted Screenplay: Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell

- Best Editing

- Best Visual Effects

The Answer?

2010-03-01T02:10:00.000-08:00

Amid the hype and html hysteria surrounding Die Antwood, Ninja, Yolandi Visser and DJ Hi-Tek rode into town for a two-show performance at the Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein. I say "rode into" because that's exactly what they did - arriving and leaving the theatre in a white stretch limo. They may look like poor, common folk, but don't let that fool you.

Walking into the venue, I realised we were on the stage part of the theatre, which was closed off from the seating area for the show, making for quite a crowded venue, heaving with anticipation. The sophisticated set up and cameras also caught my eye. The crowd was quite mixed: butch looking Afrikaans-speaking guys guzzling beer, gay men in tight t-shirts and jeans, pretty, manicured psuedo-kugels in mini-skirts. There were two fights before the show even started. And one guy, it seemed, had made his own blood-splattered t-shirt for the occasion.

When the threesome hip-hopped onto stage, the crowd went crazy, especially this girl in front of me, who was jumping up and down, her pigtails hitting me in the eye. "Awww, she's so cute!", she exclaimed to the person next to her, as Yolandi spat out her swear-word chorus to Wat Kyk Jy? The crowd relished shouting back in reply too. Two trendy guys jumped up onto the giant stage door, hanging by one arm, and using the other one to cheer the group on: "Aaeeayeaaa, I am your butterfly, I need your protection, be my Samurai..." A friend leaned over to me, grinning from ear to ear: "I love it!" he said. "A St Johns boy doing the common thing, acting like he's down-and-out, it's just so cool." A photographer friend didn't share the sentiment: "It's just too aggressive for me, so negative."

I'm still trying to make up my mind as to what Die Antwoord means musically. Ignoring the porn on the screens above the stage during one song, I watched Ninja - aka Waddy Jones - do what he's always done best: drop a rhyme like the lyrical master he has been since his days with The Original Evergreen. Despite the fact that I still don't feel comfortable singing along to the words 'poes' and 'naai', I do know that the group is up to something cool, crazy and unique. At the centre of it all is someone whose creativity I do not doubt because it has been expressed in many ways before - children's books, stuffed animals, poetry, and the group Max Normal. But sometimes that creativity hasn't lasted (RIP Max Normal, The Constructus Corporation, and MaxNormal.tv) so I hope Die Antwoord sticks around long enough for me to figure out just how I feel about them.

The Scoop 26.02.2010

2010-02-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

Disappointment at the BAFTAs and Die Antwoord pop into Joburg on their way to taking over the world

SA left empty handed at the BAFTAs
It was the last big awards ceremony before the Oscars next week, and also the ceremony that had honoured District 9 with the most nominations (7). But District 9 didn't manage to scoop any statues at the British Academy of Film and TV Awards. The Hurt Locker did well, picking up many of the night's big awards, followed by Avatar setting the stage for a duel between former husband-and-wife directors Kathryn Bigelow and James Cameron.

Martha Stewart disappoints local designers

It seems a number of Martha Stewart's fans in South Africa were left wanting after her talk at the Design Indaba in Cape Town this morning. Some Twitter users expressed their frustrations during today's talk by the design and homemaker queen. One said it 'flopped like a bad souffle' - another said she 'used the time to promote all her products instead of giving insight into her success'. Still one user defended her, saying the comments show how naive the local creative industry is. Oh well, at least she let her followers know how nice she found Singita Game Reserve!

Die Antwoord hit Joburg

It almost makes sense that a group which has blown up on the "interweb" has declined media interviews, opting for web posts and Twitter comments instead. One thing's for sure, this Cape Town based Afrikaans hip hop group has marketing savvy that extends beyond the net. Their posters all over Joburg show that. See you at one of their gigs at the Alexander Theatre in Braamfontein tonight or tomorrow night.

Comedians for a cause

Eddie Izzard kicked off the first comedy show to benefit the 46664 HIV/Aids initiative started by Nelson Mandela. 10 top local comedians will take it to the next level at Sun City this weekend with the 'It's No Joke' show. There's only one female comedienne on the lineup - the rose among the thorns - Tumi Morake. She says she hopes more ladies will start doing stand-up so that one day they could have a 46664 made up entirely of women.

The Scoop - all the top entertainment stories with a local twist - airs every Friday after 4pm with Richard Hardiman on 94.5 Kfm.

Alice in 3D Wonderland

2010-02-26T01:09:00.000-08:00

“There is no use trying,” said Alice; “one can’t believe impossible things.”

“I dare say you haven’t had much practice,” said the Queen. “When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” ~ Lewis Carroll

Alice in Wonderland 3D releases locally on March 5th.

Jozi - The Movie

2010-02-25T04:23:00.003-08:00

It's a comedy about living in Joburg and still keeping your sense of humour. Jozi releases on the big screen tomorrow. It comes from the man who brought us Gums and Noses and has an all-star cast, including Lionel Newton, Tobie Cronje and Nick Boraine, together with lead actor Carl Beukes, who plays James. You'll laugh at the moments that make living in Joburg the crazy, rushed, thrilling, annoying, delightful place it is. The soundtrack to the film is its best part - the Black Hotels, HHP, Desmond and the Tutus, Laurie Levine and more.

It's a comedy about living in Joburg and Jozi releases on the big screen today. It comes from the man who brought us Gums and Noses and has an all-star cast, including Lionel Newton, Tobie Cronje and Nick Boraine, together with lead actor Carl Beukes, who plays James. You'll laugh at the moments that make living in Joburg the crazy, rushed, thrilling, annoying, delightful place it is. The soundtrack to the film is its best part - the Black Hotels, HHP, Desmond and the Tutus, Laurie Levine and more.

The Scoop 19.02.10

2010-02-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

Mandoza in more trouble and more stars film in SA

Mandoza in another car accident
The story had us sighing with dread - not another Mandoza brush with the law. The kwaito star has been in and out of the headlines for all the wrong reasons over the past few years. But this one is a little more mysterious. Police say they don't think Mandoza was the one driving, and therefore the one that caused the accident. But it's still not positive publicity for the singer who has a new album coming out soon. And it's even worse when the singer's publicist switches off his phone instead of dealing with the issue head on.

Chicken Licken ropes in Mini Me

Following in the footsteps of Louis Gossett Junior and Vanilla Ice, Verne Troyer is the lastest celeb to come to SA and film an advert. He and his crew caused quite a stir when they were spotted at the Hyde Park Hotel Bar last night. They were celebrating the wrap of filming on a new commercial for the chicken brand. As a true celebrity of the 21st Century, Vern's been tweeting about his experiences, including the fact that he "brought an extra bag to bring home some cool stuff like a spear, tribal mask, and elephant poop". He also kept calling the Michaelangelo hotel where he is staying a "resort" and was very chuffed that it's one of the official 2010 Fifa World Cup accommodation spots. I saw him in Cannes last year so I know how small he is in real life.

Calling Ben Stiller - Ben Stiller?
I have word that Ben Stiller is in town, scouting out locations in Hillbrow for a new movie he is directing set in Nigeria. Of course, short of driving around the Joburg CBD looking for him, I have yet to see him myself. So if you do spot him, give us a holler! In the meantime, more info about the movie: It's a comedy called 'Help Me Spread Goodness', and is about a Chicago banking man who falls for a Nigerian Internet scam. Apparently it's not going to be all laughs though, and will shed some light on the troubled political and economic situation in Nigeria that has led to such a prolific scamming industry. Wonder if Ben's had experience in being sent these I-Want-To-Transfer-a-Gazillion-Dollars-into-Your-Account-emails too?

A talk show icon is in town
Sir Michael Parkinson is making a documentary about Sport Relief - a BBC Sport and Comic Relief campaign that helps raise funds for various African charities, including one called Leth'ithemba in Katlehong that helps people living with HIV/Aids. He's filming a doccie about the campaign, which will be shown on BBC Entertainment next month, which is when a race will be taking place in Cape Town to help raise awareness about the whole event. "Parky" really is a lovely guy. Even with a cold, he was so nice to everyone here at Primedia Broadcasting when he was interviewed on Jenny Chrwys-Williams' show. Told me he prefers being the interviewee to being the interviewer.

Me and my really big grin - you can tell how much I like the star I am posing with by the size of my smile ;)

The Scoop - all the top entertainment stories with a local twist - airs every Friday after 4pm with Richard Hardiman on 94.5 Kfm.

White Lion

2010-02-19T04:36:00.000-08:00

In 2006 I remember getting a call from a distraught producer to say that valuable footage had been stolen from his car. The footage was for a movie about the rare animal, the white lion, and had been really difficult to set up.

We ran a story on Eyewitness News to see if anyone had any information. Sadly, no one did come forward with concrete help, but the filmmakers were still determined to carry on with the production and eventually re-shot the footage. Here we are four years later and the film has finally been released. And what a gorgeous, charming little film it is! It's narrated by John Kani and also stars Jamie Bartlett. But the real stars are the lions who play Letsatsi as he goes on his journey for survival. I'm not much of an "animal person" but I loved it. It's unique, and beautiful and shows the beauty of our country as well as these majestic animals. take your children (if you have any), take you mom and dad, take yourself! Watch the trailer before you go.

The Scoop 12.02.10

2010-02-12T06:01:00.000-08:00

The death of a fashion icon; and a diva heading to town?

Alexander McQueen commits suicide in his London home
It's not only the fashion world that is today mourning the death of Alexander McQueen - or as he was known to friends, "Lee". It is indeed all of those fans around him who loved his style and imagination, and hoped, aspired, to one day own his garments. He left an impressionable mark on pop culture - from stars like Madonna, Rihanna and more recently Lady Gaga, who seemed to be McQueen's latest muse. She was fond of wearing his daring outfits, which suited her just-as-daring (if not more so) personality. The music video for Bad Romance is a classic example:

Is Whitney coming to SA?
Oh, whatever did we do before Twitter? How did we ever find out the news that some dreams are made of? A flurry of tweets has been going back and forth, saying the singer would perform a once-off show in Durban during March. Durban? A once-off show during her rest-of-the-world global tour? Didn't really sound that likely. The thing is, without confirmation all Twitterville becomes is a virtual rumour-mill. So until an official press release or a Tweet from the (Verified Account) of Ms Houston comes through, we'll be 'saving all our love' for another time ;) What appears to have happened is that an over-eager promoter had said she was to perform at his show, before she had in fact sign on the dotted line. Tut. Tut. Tut

But don't worry folks, Dannii Minogue is in town...as the city's latest food critic and weathergirl?

The younger sis of the darling Kylie is in Cape Town filming the ad campaign for Marks and Spencer. She first let her followers guess where she was, but soon couldn't help herself and was tweeting pics of the Hermanus sunset, telling folks where she had just eaten ("You must try The Bistro in Hermanus. Shabby Chic interior with store and delicious food.”) and giving those fans in dreary cold London constant reminders of how hot it is here. Pic from @DanniiMinogue: Location today for @marksandspencer I'm in heaven :-) on Twitpic

The biggest celebrity of them all - Madiba celebrated 20 years of freedom yesterday...
Where were you when the news was announced by F W De Klerk just a few days before and then when Nelson Mandela walked out of Victor Verster prison? I was but 8 years old and could not - did not - know then just what it meant for the future of my country.
Viva, Madiba, Viva!!

Valentine's Day, baby!
In case you are interested in what some of the local celebs are going to be doing on that day...Danny K will be off to a wedding of a friend, while ex gal pal Leeann is off on a V-day holiday (it seems she’s always off on holiday!); Khanyi Mbau is taking the day to express l-o-v-e and capturing the idea of romance…so speeing off fast cars, then? No, she says she’s having some friends over for dinner, wearing the “cultural colours of Valentine’s Day”. Singer Louise Carver is doing what she does best on that day - sing gorgeous love songs. Comedian Trevor Noah is not a fan and says it’s too commercial. He believes we shouldn’t celebrate it because he was dumped on that day in the past – ag, shame!

The Scoop - all the top entertainment stories with a local twist - airs every Friday after 4pm with Richard Hardiman on 94.5 Kfm.

RIP Alexander "Lee" McQueen

2010-02-12T03:36:00.000-08:00

An imagination and style like no other

16 March 1969 – 11 February 2010