KHOE STORY TRILOGY AT LABIA

The Labia Cinema in Partnership with While You Were Sleeping hosted the screenings of the independent documentary trilogy about South Africa’s indigenous people during the month of October. *For sales enquiries and screening invitations email: pr@shamanic.co.za

A thought-provoking trilogy of documentary films about the legacy, oppression and resurgence of South Africa’s indigenous inhabitants, the Khoe and San people.

A Khoe Story: Part 1

Reclaiming The Mother Tongue

This documentary explores the history of Khoekhoegowab, the collective term used for South Africa’s indigenous languages, which are currently on the brink of extinction.

The Khoe and San people are regarded as the most ancient human communities on earth and there language is one of the oldest on the planet. The film focuses on the

impact of colonialism and Apartheid, as well as the subsequent institutionalisation of English and Afrikaans in South Africa, and the quest to eradicate the Khoe-San mother tongue.

By offering an overview of various colonial laws and the strategic acquisition of land by the Dutch and British, this insightful documentary sketches the forgotten story of how South Africa’s First People were left landless with their culture and language virtually annihilated.

Through a special focus on present-day legislation and the current status of Khoekhoegowab as an unrecognised official language, the film explores the undercurrent of a movement in the Khoe-Khoen community to reclaim and re-learn the language after centuries of suppression.

Watch the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/khoe1/110179002

A Khoe Story: Part 2

Returning The Remains

The second installment of the trilogy explores the clandestine genocide of South Africa’s indigenous people. Director Weaam Williams embarks on a personal journey that is one of initial optimism and awe of indigenous communities, leading her to the facts that reveal the genocide that was perpetrated on them.

The film touches on issues of race-based science and social Darwinism, with the remains of indigenous people having been exported to Europe in aid of race-based pseudo science, with special reference to the infamous case of Sarah Baartman.

Watch the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/khoe2/58608683

A Khoe Story: Part 3

Stories From The Caves

This film reviews the rich ritual and cultural customs of the Khoe and San people. It looks at rituals that are still being observed today, as well as ancient spiritual beliefs.

Exploring rock art and sacred sites as doorways to age-old spiritual practices, nature consciousness is highlighted as the centre point of indigenous ideology and values. The film also offers a deeper examination of Khoe-San knowledge and ancestral rites of passage as inspiration and learning for present generations of South Africans.

Watch the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/khoe3/87063644