Proudly South African first virtual reality film to screen at Sundance

The prestigious Sundance Film Festival will take place from January 23 to 3 February 2020 in Utah, US. 

Social justice is artistically explored in a South African documentary which has been picked to showcase at the New Frontier section at the renowned film festival.

Tackling ’emotional topic’ of land ownership

The emotional topic of land ownership is at the centre of Azibuye – The Occupation, a virtual reality documentary which tackles this contentious issue through the eyes of two homeless people who illegally occupy a mansion in Johannesburg. 

According to media production company Electric South, ‘Azibuye – The Occupation’ seeks to interrogate the land debate in the context of modern-day South Africa which is experiencing a burgeoning middle class, high unemployment rate, poverty and a robust political landscape – all while dealing with land and how it should be distributed and compensated, if at all. 

The main characters – Masello and Evan – break into and take up residence in a mansion as a political act. The documentary then takes the viewer through a journey of discussions on political protest, land claims and their validity, as well as disenfranchisement. 

Groundbreaking exploration of art, activism, social justice

“This provocative documentary explores the intersection of art, activism and social justice in Johannesburg. Masello and Evan are part of a black artist/activist collective who break into an abandoned mansion in the wealthiest part of Johannesburg and occupy it as an artistic and political act to defy property inequities in South Africa,” writes the Sundance Institute on their website. 

Award-winning documentary film-maker Dylan Valley. Image: Supplied

Directed by Dylan Valley, an award-winning documentary filmmaker who has worked as a commissioning editor for SABC, Al Jazeera and sits on the board of Africa is a Country, ‘Azibuye – The Occupation‘ is a first on the film scene as it has been shot in virtual reality mode. 

First virtual reality film to screen at Sundance

Produced by Caitlin Robinson and executively produced by Ingrid Kopp and Steven Markovitz, it is the first virtual reality film to receive an invitation to screen at Sundance. 

Electric South said immersive storytelling on the continent was climbing at a steady pace. 

“Globally it is still in its infancy, but as knowledge about the industry grows, equipment and resources become more readily available the opportunities present themselves. Those in the know are really excited about the possibilities of immersive storytelling as it gives us as Africans the rare opportunity to curate and own our stories,” the production company said.