LS/FF 2012 FEATURE

Posted by LSFF on September 19, 2012 | , , , , Past International Features

OTELO BURNING, Dir: Sara Blecher, SA, 2011, 96 mins

Feature Film. Somewhere between City of God and Blue Crush, Otelo Burning is a coming of age story of a group of township kids who discover the joy of surfing. Set in 1989, against a backdrop of brewing conflict between two political groups in Lamontville, it’s a story of the explosive potential for change at the time of apartheid’s end – all seen through a child’s eyes.

When 16-year-old Otelo Buthelezi takes to the water for the first time, it’s clear that he was born to surf. But then tragedy strikes. On the day that Nelson Mandela is released from prison, Otelo is forced to choose between surfing success and justice. This beautifully made, insightful film captures a turbulent time in the history of South Africa.

To read the feature on Otelo Burning and interview with the Director in the latest issue of HUCK Magazine click HERE

  • Winner: Cinematography; AMMA Lagos, 2012
  • Winner: Best Child Actor; AMMA Lagos, 2012
  • Winner: Best Film, Cape Wine Lands Film Festival, 2012
  • Golden Owl, Cinerama BC Brazil, 2012

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