African Film Festival – Self & Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story

This week we bring coverage from Africa Film Festival including the Pixar short, Self and feature film Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story.

Thanks to Original Spin, the team at Africa Film Festival.

—

Summary

Welcome back to the For Your Reference podcast! This week we delve into the African Film Festival and specifically focus on ‘Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story,’ a powerful documentary that looks at the journey of Siya Kolisi, the first Black rugby captain of South Africa.

Introduction and Greetings

KT and Oti kicked off another engaging week with their usual vibrant introduction. They exchanged thoughts about living in an African household and the unique perspectives they bring to the table. With a playful dynamic, they set the tone for a thoughtful discussion ahead.

Excitement for the African Film Festival

KT and Oti shared their excitement for the African Film Festival. They mentioned their interview with Saadi, who directed the short film ‘Self,’ available on Disney Plus. They praised the film’s animation and its meaningful themes of identity and immigration. Oti expressed some initial conflict with the film’s ending but appreciated its strong concept and animation.

Review of ‘Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story’

Diving into ‘Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story,’ KT and Oti offered a detailed critique of the film. They acknowledged its inspirational narrative, capturing Kolisi’s rise from hardship to rugby stardom. However, they noted the film’s storytelling choices often skimmed over deeper moments that could have added significant depth.

KT articulated the two components of the biopic: Kolisi’s inspiring personal story and the broader socio-political context of South Africa. They navigated these themes thoughtfully, questioning the filmmakers’ decisions and the documentary’s impact.

Documentary Filmmaking Choices

KT and Oti pondered on the decisions made in the film. They highlighted how the documentary painted Kolisi’s life in a golden light, often avoiding the uncomfortable realities of his struggles, including substance abuse and infidelity. KT pointed out that such choices might have been intended to make the audience feel good but ultimately cheapened Kolisi’s true story.

Broader Commentary on South Africa

The discussion extended to the broader commentary on South Africa, touching on the country’s socio-political issues. KT emphasized that while Kolisi’s success is remarkable, it should not overshadow the struggles of many children who never had the same opportunities. They called for a more honest portrayal of these realities in documentaries to provide a fuller understanding of the lived experiences in South Africa.

Living the Rockstar Life

KT and Oti discussed the dual portrayal of Kolisi’s life. They noted the contrast betweenthe jovial moments and the serious challenges he faced. Oti appreciated the documentary but felt it failed to dive deeply into Kolisi’s struggles and their broader implications.

Kendrick’s Vulnerability and Expectations

Drawing a parallel with Kendrick Lamar’s album ‘Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers,’ they reflected on the importance of vulnerability in storytelling. Oti expressed a desire for the documentary to be more like Kendrick’s work, in terms of showing a raw and honest narrative.

Documentary Realizations

KT and Oti acknowledged that documentaries are crafted narratives, not unfiltered truths. They discussed how ‘Rise’ sometimes glossed over significant events, making it hard to reconcile the documentary’s lighthearted moments with the somber realities of Kolisi’s life.

The Golden Boy Narrative

The duo critiqued the film’s portrayal of Kolisi as a golden boy while separating his achievements from his struggles. They argued this approach lacked the authenticity needed for a truly compelling narrative.

Sia Kolisi’s Journey

KT and Oti appreciated Kolisi’s efforts to uplift others through grassroots initiatives. However, they cautioned against idolizing Kolisi’s journey as a simple rags-to-riches story, emphasizing the need to address systemic issues in South Africa.

Reflections on the Documentary

Both hosts concluded the review by acknowledging their mixed feelings about the documentary. They appreciated the positives but remained critical of the aspects that felt underdeveloped.

Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

KT wrapped up with a call to consider the broader implications of Kolisi’s story and a reflection on systemic issues. They encouraged viewers to appreciate the documentary’s efforts while remaining critical of its shortcomings.

In closing, the podcast celebrated the significant steps Kolisi has taken to inspire and uplift others, even as they called for more comprehensive storytelling in future documentaries.

Thank you for joining the For Your Reference podcast. Feel free to share your thoughts on ‘Rise: The Siya Kolisi Story’ and let us know your experiences with the African Film Festival. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!