Ashwin Singh’s documentary 'Durban: Creolized Creative City' shines a light on the city’s literary scene
"Durban: Creolized Creative City" is a documentary examining Durban as a UNESCO City of Literature.
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Renowned South African playwright, novelist and film-maker Ashwin Singh is making waves around the world with his latest documentary, "Durban: Creolized Creative City".
The film has been chosen to screen at four prominent film festivals around the world.
It is currently debuting at the Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival and will soon be seen at the Global Nonviolent Film Festival in Canada, the Asian Talent International Film Festival in Maharashtra, India, and finally at the Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival.
Singh’s new film follows the success of his debut documentary, "The Cane Cutters’ Transcendence," which was acclaimed globally, receiving three international awards for Best Documentary and being featured in festivals across four continents.
In "Durban: Creolized Creative City," Singh focuses on Durban, highlighting it as Africa’s first Unesco City of Literature. This prestigious title was awarded to the city in October 2017.
The film takes viewers on a journey, exploring the complex developments in Durban since the award was given and questioning whether it truly deserves this recognition. The documentary also delves into why only two cities in Africa have received this honour.
“There is a huge interest in this film,” Singh explained.
“No one has ever made a film about Africa as a destination for literature, which makes it unique. Durban is the first African city to earn the recognition from Unesco. Buffalo City is another, but there isn't much happening there. Despite this, we should be proud of such recognition.”
Throughout the documentary, several key cultural institutions and their programmes are shown, featuring the voices of both well-known and lesser-known authors, performance poets, theatre artists, publishers, and booksellers.
Booksellers - the Denis Hurley Street Lit project.
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Notable figures in the film include arts managers like Ismail Mahomed and Kiru Naidoo, as well as renowned authors like Gcina Mhlope and Menzi Mbuli.
Singh wanted to include a fictional story to connect with viewers: "I also wanted to showcase a fictional element in the documentary - our character, Lerato Sibisi’s engaging odyssey through her school years as she attends various real-life literary events and develops her appreciation for and skills in the oral and literary traditions of Durban.
Ismail Mahomed.
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“Lerato's journey reflects the incredible changes in modern South Africa, showing that it's now possible for a young Black woman from a small village to dream big – and achieve those dreams.”
"Durban: Creolized Creative City" is not just a simple tribute to Durban, but a deep and thoughtful look at how the city represents Africa on the world stage.
Singh hopes that the film will spark conversations and debates about its important themes.