As a huge fan of South African cinema and TV, I’m absolutely thrilled to hear about the upcoming “Acts of Man” series from filmmakers Sheetal Magan and Sean Drummond. Their unique take on an “African noir” genre inspired by true events during the dying days of apartheid is both intriguing and thought-provoking.
South African filmmakers Sheetal Magan and Sean Drummond are collaborating on a new project, which they’ve named an “African noir” series. Inspired by a real-life occurrence reminiscent of “X-Files,” this 8 x 60-minute series follows the inception of a clandestine occult crime unit during the final days of apartheid. The pair will present their pitch at the Durban FilmMart this week.
“Magan, known for his short film ‘Paraya’ shown at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, and Drummond, responsible for the genre-blending Western ‘Five Fingers for Marseilles’ premiered at Toronto Film Festival, will collaborate as writers and executive producers. They will produce ‘Acts of Man’ through Magan’s Atman Media and Drummond’s Be Phat Motel Film Co.”
Casey Walker from Toronto’s Cave Painting Pictures, experienced Canadian producer Todd Brown (known for “The Raid” and “Mandy”), and Naysun Alae-Carew of Blazing Griffin in the UK have joined the production team of the buzzworthy show.
In “Acts of Man,” two city detectives are summoned to the isolated mountain town of Hale to probe into a gruesome ritualistic murder. The community, steeped in tradition and conservatism, is rattled and certain that the devil is responsible for the crime. As they delve deeper, they’re compelled to collaborate with an enigmatic, disgraced former occult investigator from South Africa. This small town is divided along social and religious lines as tensions rise.
As they delve deeper into the mystery, detectives begin to uncover unsettling truths that contradict their initial assumptions. A palpable sense of otherworldly fear pervades the town, and as the investigation reaches its climax, startling disclosures will compel both the investigators and the community to grapple with their deepest fears. It remains unclear whether the emerging horrors are the handiwork of the devil or mere human acts.
The show is based on authentic accounts from the South African police unit specialized in investigating occult crimes, established during the apartheid era’s final years due to an increase in such mysterious occurrences.
During the 1980s, Magan explained, a fearful belief spread in rural South Africa that Black political and social shifts were embodied by the devil and peril. As a result, numerous South Africans were falsely accused of and even prosecuted for practicing witchcraft.
“Drummond remarked, ‘It was a response to the approaching democracy and liberty.’ In truth, this apprehension disguised itself as a fear of the unknown – a fear of relinquishing power over the country, and no longer holding the primary position in decision-making circles.”
The idea for “Acts of Man” was initially sparked by the duo’s common perspectives, as Drummond explained, they both have a willingness to embrace the unknown. However, this project has transformed into an examination of the anxieties, regrets, embarrassments, and suspicions that South Africa is grappling with three decades after its first democratic elections ended apartheid. According to Magan, it touches on the societal issues we prefer not to confront as South Africans.
“Acts of Man,” a psychological crime drama with a supernatural twist, blends the popular formulas of shows like “True Detective” and “Top of the Lake.” This thought-provoking police procedural, created by Drummond, delves into the complexities of modern South Africa. By peeling back layers of its fractured psyche, the show will shed light on deeply rooted traumas and investigate themes of faith and superstition. The creators will delve deep into the heart and soul of the country to uncover hidden truths.
He shared that instead of just delivering information, they prefer to engage the audience by asking thought-provoking questions. By examining stories through various genres, we can create captivating and complex narratives about characters. These narratives offer depth and intrigue, allowing viewers to reflect on their own worlds and societies.
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2024-07-21 12:16