The First Grader- The simplicity of Freedom

So I seem to be making a habit of going to see movies at the Labia.... or at least I’m trying.

Last night we went to see The First grader, a movie I’ve been dying to see and for the most part it lived up to some of my expectations. The film is based on a true story of an ex Mau Mau fighter from a remote village in Kenya, who at the age of 84 decides that he too wants to take the government up on their offer for free education for all, an education he could not afford to get before.

Moments of sadness and anger are balanced by some humour, from a chorus of local men and taxi drivers who constantly have their two cents to add, and warmth that keeps it from being completely consumed by the painful political milieu on which the story is based, giving you the chance to be inspired by the hope and humanity of Maruge (Oliver Litondo) instead. The children in film have the most beautiful souls that you can see through their wide eye’s and they demonstrate, as only children can, the meaning of acceptance as the take Maruge into their classroom and lives. Most of Maruge’s life is a sketch of his fight for freedom, which although Kenya eventually succeeded in getting, the film depicts him as still fighting for, even after the British are gone, in his desire to be literate and to be at peace.

With believable and inspirational performances all round Kimani Ng'ange'a Maruge’s story is given much justice in the way it has been told. Although, in as much as the story is an inspirational one, the line of the tale told is lacking in some aspects, it doesn’t quite manage to invoke the emotion you would expect from a story like this one. Characters such as Charles Obinchu played by Tony Kgoroge and his relationship with his wife Jane (Naomie Hrris), could have been more thoroughly explored. Quite frankly there are just moments that could be small climaxes in the film that are simply not fulfilled and leave your tears backed up in their ducts.

Overall the story is an awesome one, wholesome... the screenplay, not exactly award winning but one I would say you should at least watch for some insight into a history that may not be your own but the story of an individual that could teach for generations to come.

Pieces of Home

So apparently, your home says a lot about who you are... I think ours is a good mix and I think I actually like our home.








what can I do but indulge his ambitions of being a skater boy



Our growing collection of hats & scarves



A bigger more solid wine rack soon to come

Klein Paternostertjie

Food with a view




The epitome of sophistication is utter simplicity. Maya Angelou

Viva Riva Movie-ing in Cape Town

Being at the Labia on Orange has a certain wistful ambiance that I can’t particularly describe... the unchanged building has so much character you’re happy to just have a cup of coffee in the foyer or maybe even a slush dashed with a choice of vodka or gin (gotta love it) from the chocolate bar.





This cinema was the perfect place to watch the first film out of the DRC in 25 years, Viva Riva written and directed by Djo Tunda wa Munga. A depiction of Kinshasa’s shanty towns, local night life and a glimpse of a decidedly mysterious culture is incorporated into a well known storyline of gangsters, a girl, a score and Riva... this simple plot manages to keep the entire theatre engrossed with laughter, revolt and gasps throughout the film.

Brown Paper Packages tied up with string

My first Lost & Found purchase... Absolutely love the thought of a brown paper package!!

Thanks Amy... you've created an amazing experience

Contact Amy for a great range of vintage clothing.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001375701325

A dash of media with some politics

International headlines read “Racial Tensions Flare”, they are right, tensions are at quite a high but whether or not racial is the best term to describe it is questionable.

There is an abundance of racial remarks and references to disloyalty among black people and more particularly the “black elite” being flung around in our media. Some of it, or perhaps even most of it is in defence of possibly shady politicians. The defence of these politicians by thought leaders such as Eric Miyeni against the likes of Ferial Haffajee is not where the problem lies. There seems to be a growing phenomenon in this country to confuse freedom of speech with hate speech. Politicians and media alike have lost any sense of respect or fair interaction. Insults of a sexist and racial nature are hurled ad infinitum. There are just no boundaries.

The sad thing is that even if there is any validity in the thoughts being published, uttered or murmured, its completely drowned out by the noise that are the remarks of Julius in reference to Lindiwe Mazibuko, about being “a tea girl of the madam” because she had been seen with the white opposition once too often. Rhetoric about being “a black snake in the grass” and being “necklaced” by Miyeni in reference to Haffajee because she dared to be persistent in her attempt to hold Malema to account for any illegalities he may be involved in. This noise shouts loudly in the direction of hate speech.

In all of this back and forth concerning black capitalism and how it is obtained, there may be some compelling points if we could just get past using our blackness as the rationale behind every probing article. Maybe we could actually recognise traitors for what they truly are, if we stopped finding them in rightfully enquiring minds.

Just an All Star night

I love going out in Cape Town, there is nothing pretentious about it. There is no need to plan your outfit days in advance or make sure that your hair is "did" or be concerned about how much better than your 17yr old counterpart you look. Cape Town is as I recall Jo’burg up until about 2006. Easy. People go out to genuinely have a good time. Skirts and sneakers, jeans and t-shirts it actually doesn't matter. It’s a party people vibe, all over, no judgement, no pretence. Its easy.