Set in the Gallows Pretoria, South Africa in 1989 tells the story of family secret that destroyed a son's love for his father and his journey to finding out the truth.

Interview with Director Zwelethu Radebe

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made the film because I wanted to tell a story about the human struggle that existed during Apartheid in South Africa rather than the armed struggle that so commonly depicted in mainstream cinema.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

The film explores the human condition of why we keep secrets as human beings.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The Hangman looks at the universal theme of hatred and truth where we watch a son's hatred for his father develop as a result of the truth being concealed from him from a young age.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script went through a huge metamorphosis from the first draft to the final, which made the film more focused on the father and son relationship and explored what happens to the identity of a boy who grows up without a father.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We’ve had an overwhelming response from festivals across the globe, winning awards at numerous film festivals.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I think the feedback has surprised me because of how so many different people from around the world have identified with it. Everyone who watches the film has understood it’s subject matter and resonated with it.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I hope that the film can get further attention and that more audiences across the world can watch this film. I think the film has an important message that world must see.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Film festivals and journalists.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would like the film to continue to impact audiences in a way that it leaves them questioning their own decisions of concealing the truth and how that has or could affect those they love.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Is it only when we know the truth, that we are truly set free?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I’m currently developing the feature film version of The Hangman with a Los-Angeles based production company.

Interview: August 2018

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The Hangman

Set in the Gallows Pretoria, South Africa in 1989 tells the story of family secret that destroyed a son's love for his father and he's journey to finding out the truth.

Length: 22min 26sec

Director: Zwelethu Radebe

Producer: Dumisani Mvumvu

Writer: Zwelethu Radebe

About the writer, director and producer:

Right after graduating, ZWELETHU RADEBE won a Student Silver Award at the prestigious South African Loeries. His latest work The Hangman garnered the Best South African Short Film award at 38th Durban International Film Festival and many more awards across the world.

DUMISANI MVUMVU is the producer of this film. An extensive resume across all film formats has exposed Dumisani to work with South Africa's best production companies, both locally and internationally. Having filmed across the continent focusing on stories within the documentary and commercials space. Dumisani is currently in development for his latest feature film titled The Land Of Punt”

Key cast: Thato Dhladla, Khulu Skenjana & Lerato Mvelase

Facebook: thehangmanfilm

Twitter: @thehangmanfilm

Instagram: @thehangmanfilm

Funders: NFVF (The National Film & Video Foundation) & GFC (The Gauteng Film Commission)

Made in association with: Tribal Media House

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month: It’s at the Urban World Film Festival in New York in September.