Alive & Kicking: The Soccer Grannies of South Africa
Filmed in the heart of Limpopo, the village grannies “Vhakegula Vhakegula” lace up their soccer boots and start kicking their way through centuries of taboos. They play serious soccer then break into laughter and traditional song as they wage a singular fight for a decent life, true health and a snatch at joy in a brutal world.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Lara-Ann de Wet
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Being South African, I wanted to make a film that shines a positive light on African culture. More often than not we are shown the more somber aspects of African society so it was important to me to make a film that celebrates the characters that are able to withstand & fight against such hardships.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The story of the soccer grannies is one that encompasses larger than life characters. Whether it be kicking the soccer ball down the field or dancing & chanting on the sidelines, these 55 yr old plus women have a greater zest for life than most of us & we haven’t had to deal with a fraction of what they have. The story itself combined with the visual excitement of witnessing African grannies play soccer presents a very compelling argument to watch the film.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I like to say the story of the soccer grannies is a testimony & celebration to the African woman spirit - which it is but alas there is so much more in there. Dealing with age, gender, and social status “Alive & Kicking” is a brilliant testimony to the power of exercise & community in overcoming physical & mental illness manifested through the game of soccer. It is also a bright example that you are never too old to try something new & that even when you feel all is lost, there is still joy waiting to be squeezed out of the most unexpected places.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
I would say the only change or omission from my original script was that originally I was hoping to include more of Mama Beka’s (the founder’s) story. She is an incredible inspiration to all that meet her & referred to within in South Africa as the Mother Theresa of Limpopo with the “Soccer Grannies” being just one of her many projects. That said I would have been doing both Mama Beka & the Soccer Grannies an injustice if I had to try squeeze it all into 20 minutes as they both deserve their own films & this one was better suited to primarily focus on the story of the grannies.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The film has had a wonderful reception & probably the main take away has been how the film was able to take the audience on an emotional journey enabling viewers to both laugh & cry and get absorbed within the warmth of the characters.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Witnessing how the audience take to the grannies has been truly rewarding as whilst I completely fell in love with them upon meeting it has been a welcomed relief that their charm has been captured & portrayed through the film to the audience. I guess the main challenge is in the fact that whilst the film ends on a jovial note & soccer does definitely provide the grannies with significant relief there is still so much that they have to endure in the hardships of everyday life & I feel there are even bigger stories to tell.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
“Alive & Kicking” is an inspirational story for anyone to watch, no matter how old or young not to mention how exciting it is to share a story from rural South Africa with a global audience. The film is also hoping to inspire & attract sponsorship for the soccer grannies to help them with the expenses of games and potentially even bring about an African Grannies Cup one day.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Currently looking for sales agents, buyers, distributors, & journalists. As the film is self-funded, haven’t had access to the necessary resources to really push the story of the soccer grannies so really hoping to put focus on this in the coming months.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
So far, more than happy with the reception - just to share it with a wider audience & ultimately the necessary funding for the soccer grannies to enable them to keep on playing.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
To what extent does exercise play a role in mitigating mental or physicals ailments?
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently in the pipeline is a story about the power of surf therapy for abused and/or trauma victims taken out of gangs in Cape Town.
Interview: November 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Alive & Kicking: The Soccer Grannies of South Africa
Filmed in the heart of Limpopo, the village grannies “Vhakegula Vhakegula” lace up their soccer boots and start kicking their way through centuries of taboos. They play serious soccer then break into laughter and traditional song as they wage a singular fight for a decent life, true health and a snatch at joy in a brutal world.
Length: 20 minutes
Director: Lara-Ann de Wet
Producer: Lara-Ann de Wet
Writer: Lara-Ann de Wet
About the writer, director and producer:
South African born, Lara-Ann de Wet currently works as a freelance video editor in Brooklyn, New York. Her plan is to continue telling stories that shine a light on African culture.
Key cast: The “Vhakegula Vhakegula” Soccer Grannies
Looking for : Buyers, distributors, journalists
Funders: Self- funded
Made in association with: Mama Beka Foundation
Release date: March 2016