Film School Africa Exemplifies the Power of Filmmaking

Katie Taylor was a Los Angeles casting director. She has worked on several major film productions, including Babal, Spider-Man 3 and Miami Vice, but left her quickly growing Hollywood career behind to teach filmmaking to youth in an impoverished South African community. Originally intending solely to equip them with employment opportunities, she discovered the therapeutic impact on her students as they processed life events through their films. Despite the community being resistant towards creative arts, the school expanded to a second community and an additional college-level program. This documentary shadows Taylor’s success and the triumphs of her students. Emerging from a wide range of social backgrounds, the film also follows how students bridge cultural barriers and become united through filmmaking.

Director Nathan Pfaff utilizes a very simplistic approach to documentary filmmaking while maintaining beautifully compelling and cinematic images of townships and the South African landscape. Pfaff grew up in Papua New Guinea and received a BA in Film Production at Taylor University. His documentary, The Advocate, won an Emmy award in 2014. His acknowledged passion to surround himself with different cultures and share powerful stories is evident from this 90-minute film. This is an emotionally intelligent, engaging, and inspiring feature. Film School Africa does well to raise pertinent questions regarding opportunities and obstacles people face, not only by institutional frameworks but the attitudes of communities they’re part of. Most importantly, it exemplifies the power of filmmaking and its ability to change lives. From Global Digital Releasing, Film School Africa premieres On Demand January 17.

Images: OCTOBER COAST PR

About Author

David Emmanuel Noel

David Emmanuel Noel is an avid blogger, film fanatic, art enthusiast, music lover, and theatergoer. He is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, and PR consultant who has been involved in several music events and visual art exhibitions at venues such as the Kennedy Center Washington DC, Bernie Grant Arts Centre London, the Landmark Arts Building New York, and Whole 9 Gallery in Culver City, California. He has worked closely with institutes, professional bodies, and agencies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects, New York Mayor’s Office, CAMBA- the New York-based agency, the NSPCC, and several London Boroughs on projects supporting the environmental and therapeutic benefits of the arts. He is based in London and New York.

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