#WeAreDyingHere is a short film that looks at gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa; the award-winning short film has a powerful message.
South Africa (15 October 2021) – #WeAreDyingHere is a powerful short film created by writer and performer Siphokazi Jonas. Originally a stage performance, the important message is being taken to a larger audience, including being showcased at international film festivals.
#WeAreDyingHere was adapted from critically acclaimed stage performance of the same name. It features Siphokazi Jonas who directed the original stage production as well as poet Hope Netshivhambe and musician Zimbini Makwetu who helped co-write the performance. Both ladies reprised their roles in the film adaption too.
The stage performance was streamed online during the height of the South African lockdown and TimeOut New York called it “one of the best productions to stream during the lockdown”.
Springbok rugby captain and global ambassador for the United Nations Spotlight Initiative, Siya Kolisi together with his wife Rachel Kolisi are the Executive Producers of the short film.
“One of the most beautiful results of this film is that it causes people to stop, think and more so encourages men and women to have conversations. Like the title, it gets straight to the point” explained Rachel.
“There are many things that need to be unpacked in this film, and there is a lot that can be explained” Siya added.“The narrative of the film also teaches you that Gender-Based Violence doesn’t start with the violence, but the whole thought process; the film encompasses a lot of educational learnings for us as men.”
#WeAreDyingHere chronicles the journey of three soldiers forced to survive a war that they did not choose. In this war against women’s bodies, they attempt to find solace by telling their stories under the constant watch of a relentless enemy. #WeAreDyingHere is an intimate reflection on the impact of violence, harassment, abuse, rape and femicide on everyday life. While the film never depicts any violence, the psychological and emotional trauma on these soldiers is evident. It is a necessary insight into the experience of living in South Africa where names of missing or murdered women trend frequently.
The film was sent in to the Female Filmmakers Film Festival Berlin, where it won the title for Best Short Film and title of Female for Change.
“Did someone say AWARD-WINNING FILM?? #WeAreDyingHere takes two. We need a proper celebration, this online business won’t do. Thank you to Female Filmmakers Film Festival Berlin and congratulations to fellow winners! This is yet another example of why I am such a believer in collaboration.” – Siphokazi Jonas
Although the film title is, #WeAreDyingHere, the producers want the film to leave everyone with an overwhelming sense of how much women want to live: to thrive, fearlessly, and as freely as possible.
Take a look at the trailer below. Stay tuned to their social media here to find out where you can view this short film.
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