Otelo Burning (2011)

When 16 year old Otelo Buthelezi, his best friend, New Year, and his 12 year old brother, Ntwe, are invited to the beach-house of their new friend, Tau Modise, they step into a world ... See full summary »

Director:

Sara Blecher

Writers:

James Whyle, Sara Blecher,

Stars:

Jafta Mamabolo, Thomas Gumede, Sihle Xaba

Cast

Cast overview:
Jafta Mamabolo	...	Otelo Buthelezi
Thomas Gumede	...	New Year
Sihle Xaba	...	Mandla Modise
Tshepang Mohlomi	...	Ntwe Buthelezi
Nolwazi Shange	...	Dezi
Kenneth Nkosi	...	Osar Buthelezi
Harriet Manamela	...	Mother Christmas
Hamilton Dhlamini	...	Skhumbuzo
Motlatsi Mafatshe	...	Blade
Matthew Oats	...	Kurt
Dan Robbertse	...	Potential sponsor
Neil Coppen	...	Surf shop attendant

Storyline

When 16 year old Otelo Buthelezi, his best friend, New Year, and his 12 year old brother, Ntwe, are invited to the beach-house of their new friend, Tau Modise, they step into a world previously closed to them. It is exactly the opposite of their township- a place under a constant and growing threat from political violence, driven by Inkatha hostel dwellers on one side and township United Democratic Front comrades on the other. Soon, everyone recognizes that Otelo is gifted on the water, a god in waiting for his purpose. An older white man, Kurt Struely, approaches the boys, certain of their potential and invites them to his home to watch some professional surfers on video. He paints them an enticing picture of the life to be had, if they can master every kind of break - money for nothing and the chicks for free. The boys practice and, under Struely's watchful eye, become really good. Otelo outshines his teacher, Tau, who begins to resent the obvious natural talent of his friend. His ...

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Taglines:

Everything is about to change.

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Blog Official Facebook

Country:

South Africa

Language:

English Zulu

Release Date:

30 December 2011 (South Africa)

Also Known As:

Otelo - Der Preis der Freiheit

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cinga Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

no impact

I saw this movie in Chennai International Film Festival. This movie throws light on SouthAfrica's fight against Aparthied, though thats not the main theme of this movie. It captures the aspirations of young boys who aim to make it big in surfing while the background is the revolution. The characters in this movie see surfing more as a realization of freedom rather than a sport. It kind of parallels the revolution while it shows all the aspects of adolescent age group.

This movie never left any impact on me. It's a honest movie but lacks in the over all feel. You won't regret watching this movie and not watching also.