Latest news with #DesmondandLeahTutuLegacyFoundation
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
‘Narrating History': Acclaimed spanish author Javier Moro to visit Cape Town for literary dialogue
Renowned Spanish author Javier Moro is set to visit Cape Town for a literary and cultural event that promises deep insights into historical storytelling and global ties. The public event, hosted by the Consulate General of Spain and the University of Cape Town's School of Languages and Literatures, will take place at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation on April 23 at 4pm. Moro, a celebrated novelist best known for blending narrative and history, will engage attendees in a conversation about his life's work, the literary process, and his profound connection to South Africa. "Narrating history is a way of understanding the present,' Moro is expected to tell his audience as he revisits his extensive career and his ties to the country. A highlight of his connection to South Africa is his role in researching "A Rainbow in the Night: The Tumultuous Birth of South Africa", authored by his late uncle, Dominique Lapierre. "His deep engagement with South African history during this research established lasting ties with the nation, making this visit particularly meaningful," said the Consulate General of Spain. Moro is also the author of several acclaimed works including The Red Sari (2013), Passion India (2005), Mi Pecado (2018), and Nos Quieren Muertos (2023). His literary themes often focus on history and culture, particularly India, earning him a global readership. Spanish Language Day, which falls on the same date as the Cape Town event, honours the legacy of Miguel de Cervantes and celebrates the global influence of Spanish literature. Moro's visit forms part of this celebration and will continue the next day with a second engagement at Stellenbosch University's Neelsie Cinema on April 24 at 5.30pm, hosted in partnership with the university's Department of Modern Foreign Languages. Supported by the Spanish Embassy, the Consulate General of Spain in Cape Town, UCT, Stellenbosch University, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, and ACESDA, the visit underscores the strong literary and cultural bonds between Spain and South Africa.
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
District Six comes alive at the successful 2025 HACC Festival
The historic Old District Six echoed with the vibrant pulse of cinema as the 2025 edition of the HACC Festival wrapped up, leaving a significant imprint on Cape Town's film landscape. This year's festival, in a powerful partnership with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and the District Six Homecoming Centre, revitalised the spirit of one of South Africa's most renowned cultural hubs, celebrating film, community, and storytelling. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Opening night kicked off with an exciting cinematic showcase featuring 'Hans Steek Die Rubicon Oor' from South Africa and the Moroccan film 'Milk Brothers,' both of which captivated a receptive audience. The festival's journey continued with a thrilling Saturday night headliner, 'Masinga' by Mark Engels, where industry professionals gathered to celebrate the art of filmmaking. This year's cinematic offerings engaged viewers in a nostalgic yet forward-thinking celebration, embodying the creative renaissance of Cape Town. The closing night featured the poignant film 'Lottery Love' followed by a dynamic awards ceremony that honoured exceptional talents while pushing forward the vision of a diverse, vibrant, and sustainable African film community. As HACC Festival embarks on its journey, it has already begun to leave a legacy—evident by the full-house screenings and attendees flying in from across the world, including Nigeria, Zambia, Tanzania, Sweden, and Los Angeles. Supported by a generous sponsorship from Stellar Network (XLM) and bolstered by a partnership with Fountains Hotel, the HACC Festival emerged as a bustling hub of activity and learning. The festival proudly offered two noteworthy masterclasses: a screenwriting session led by Hollywood writer and producer Evette Vargas, and a sound and music design workshop with renowned South African talent Bheki Mlambo. These sessions sparked enthusiastic participation and reinvigorated local creatives. The 2025 edition of the HACC Festival concluded with resounding success, The curated selection of films was a highlight of the festival, celebrated by attendees and critics as a clear indication of Cape Town's reawakening as a cinematic powerhouse. Notably, there was a remarkable 25% increase in film submissions this year—a testament to the growing significance and reach of the HACC Festival. The festival culminated in a spirited awards ceremony where accolades were awarded across multiple categories, celebrating innovation and excellence. Among the winners were: Top Documentary: WINNER: Beyond Olympic Glory (Nigeria) by Shedrack Salami WINNER: Beyond Olympic Glory (Nigeria) by Shedrack Salami Top Short: WINNER: Belinda (South Africa) by Isaac Kasende WINNER: Belinda (South Africa) by Isaac Kasende Audience Choice Award: WINNER: Hans Steek Die Rubicon Oor (South Africa) by Corne Van Rooyen WINNER: Hans Steek Die Rubicon Oor (South Africa) by Corne Van Rooyen Weaam Williams Award for Visionary Storytelling: WINNER: V's Secret (Egypt) by Bassma Farah Nancy WINNER: V's Secret (Egypt) by Bassma Farah Nancy Jury Top Feature: WINNER: Lottery Love (South Africa) by Mlungisi Thabiso Mhlanga As we reflect on this impactful edition of the HACC Festival, there is a profound sense of gratitude for the filmmakers, attendees, partners, and the community that made this celebration a reality. The HACC Festival has proven to be more than an assembly of films; it has become a movement dedicated to nurturing a sustainable film industry and elevating African cinematic excellence.
