MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Written by screenwriter Peter Hedges of About a Boy and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? fame, Pieces of April is sparky and spiky and, like April’s eyes, a little black around the edges. Shaun de Waal reviews.
Stanimir Stoykov is the auteur behind three deliriously enjoyable short movies, the first two of which showed at last year’s festival. This year sees the premiere of his latest, Pussy. Shaun de Waal talks to Johannesburg’s campest new filmmaker.
This year, in celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Out in Africa film festival combines new releases with old favourites. It also has, this year, a distinctly Latin flavour. Shaun de Waal takes a look.
Government forces killed seven rebels south of the capital in a rare firefight this week, a government spokesperson said. The rebels, loyal to renegade Pastor Frederic Bitsangou, were killed on Tuesday near Kinkala, 70km south of Brazzaville, spokesperson Alain Akouala said late on Thursday.
I can just see it. Hordes of Americans and Japanese following tour-guide tannies with their empowerment-coloured brollies pointing out ”This is where Charlize was born.” ”This is where Charlize went to school.” ”This is where Charlize ate her first samoosa.” But it’s not only Benoni that’s going bananas, observes Mike van Graan.
Michelangelo’s statue David may be clean in time for his 500th birthday this year, but experts are concerned that his left ankle may not be strong enough to keep him standing forever. A Bologna University team has begun analysing tiny cracks in the marble masterpiece since restoration work began on the statue last September. Sophie Arie reports from Florence.
Former child soldiers suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, the ailment once known among World War I troops as ”shell shock”, according to a study published on Saturday. Several hundred youngsters who had been abducted by the brutal Ugandan rebel group the Lord’s Resistance’s Army were interviewed for the study.
Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana has lashed out at Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon’s suggestion of a two-tier labour market in the country, saying the system is aimed at making black workers perpetual slaves. Mdladlana was reacting to a speech Leon delivered on the DA’s economic policy.
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The United Democratic Movement urged its supporters on Friday to remain ”calm and patient” after the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) published incorrect versions of the party’s candidates lists. Spokesperson Malizole Diko said the order of candidates on all of the party’s 19 lists was ”completely wrong”.
Special Report: Elections 2004
The army in Central African Republic has freed two men, including the former security chief to President Francois Bozize, who were arrested three months ago on suspicion of plotting a coup, a lawyer said on Friday. The president’s former aide and his brother were picked up in December and accused of plotting against the government.