The Talented Youth non-profit arts organisation that was founded in 2007 in Seattle, Washington with the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) as its flagship, has a year-long programme which supports young filmmakers by offering professional level workshops. The festival, which is held annually, showcases films that are directed by filmmakers who are 22 years and under.
The thriller/horror film, entitled 'The Wanderer', directed and written by Shaun James, and produced by Mpho Marum and Bambanani Mhlomi, was released at the AFDA Film Festival in November 2012. The film follows the career of 'Maria', a young policewoman who is overshadowed by her father's heroic image, and in order to solve a mysterious murder by a supposedly non-human killer, she has to overcome her modern beliefs.
Cinematography is by Dino Benedetti, editing by Muhammed Chopdat, production design by Lize Snyman, sound design by Karabo Mathume, costume, make up and styling by Charlotte Fish and original music score by Liam Hyland. The cast includes AFDA actors Charmaine Coleman who plays 'Maria', Gundo Ramulifho as 'Mulisa', Nqobile Sipamla as the 'Sangoma', Nokwazi Gumede as 'Rudzi', Kareemah Straker Bryce as 'Funanai', Kamogelo Mogale as 'The Wanderer', Sello Motloung as 'Peter' and Justin James who plays the policeman.
"It is really an honour to have won such an award considering that the film festival invites youth from all over the world to showcase their films," said a very excited 23-year-old Shaun James. "Being selected to be a part of it is one thing, but winning in our category is another."
AFDA will be hosting an open day for prospective students on Saturday, 1 June 2013 at all of their campuses in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town and all are welcome. For more information go to www.afda.co.za.
