Mark Dornford-May, who won the Golden Bear for U-Carmen eKhayelitsha, follows up with a wondrous retelling of the life of Christ. Set in contemporary Africa, Son Of Man situates Jesus as a political revolutionary more than a religious one. The images are magical, the dialogue stirring, and the acting superb (particularly Andile Kosi who plays Jesus); all combining to make Son Of Man one of the most compelling cinematic interpretations of the story of Christ.
Mark Dornford May. South Africa. 2007. 91 mins. Xhosa/English with English subtitles.
The story of the Gospels re-told as a tale of corruption and redemption in a contemporary African city. Son of Man unveils a portrait of a man of our time whose currency is the politics of compassion. It is a gripping journey of love, deception and betrayal in a conflicted society, with many parallels to contemporary Africa.
Directed in a dazzling, visually arresting style, with a narrative conveyed mostly through rousing traditional singing, this stunning film will be even more powerful given the Arts Centre's history. Rejoice!
Jesus... Andile Kosi
Satan... Andries Mbali
Mary... Pauline Malefane
Gabriel... James Anthony
Joseph... Joel Mthethwa
Herod... Sibusiso Ziqubu
Child Jesus... Vuyo Sonyaka
Peter... Sibulele Mjali
James... Ntobeko "Top C" Rwanqa
John... Mvakalisi Madotyeni
Thomas... Ebenezer Sawuli
Bartholomew... Mzukisi Gqadushe
James the Younger... Bongani Bubu
Matthew... Thembela James
Thaddea... Nobapostile Msongelwa
Andie... Thandiwe Mesele
Judas... Jim Ngxabaze
Caiaphus... Mvuyisi Mjali
General Pilate... Zamile Gantana
Mary Magdalen... Ruby Mthethwa
