Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lillian Roberts
Published on 2024-02-22 12:00:22
On 16 February, Bill Badi premiered his new feature-length film “My Cannibal Crush” at The Bioscope in Johannesburg in conjunction with Joburg Underground. The film, a B-grade “Gen Z queer rom-com by way of horror”, drew a sold-out audience and was described by Badi as a darkly humorous exploration of the disposability of human flesh, set against the backdrop of modern hookup culture. The film follows the story of a bisexual woman who develops a romantic relationship with her new roommate, who happens to be a cannibal. The plot twists and turns and raises questions about love, cannibalism, and the unforeseen.
Filmed in South Africa, the movie harnesses the arid highveld landscapes to evoke an eerie and atmospheric setting resembling classic horror films. The production had a shoestring budget of under R100,000 and was staffed by a small cast and crew. Badi took on multiple roles in the production, serving as the writer, director, and producer, as well as the editor and colorist. The principal characters include Njeri Nganga as Tiffany, Sami Maseko as Gabi, Zack Ntombeni as the disappearing boyfriend, Caley Jane Nkosi as Amanda, Nico Taljaard as Kenny, and Bontle Nxumalo as Unathi.
Badi’s approach to filmmaking and storytelling is influenced by the tradition of B-movies, where creativity flourishes due to smaller budgets and less studio involvement. Consequently, the film aims to appeal to specific niche audiences while embracing unconventional and offbeat ideas. In 2023, Badi co-founded the production company Fresh Mural with Christopher van der Westhuizen, pledging to provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work.
The duo aims to produce low-budget, fast-paced films that capture authentic and diverse perspectives while targeting audiences traditionally underserved by mainstream cinema. They also seek to connect with US-based production companies to create tailored content catering to black and queer communities, infusing accessibility and entertainment into esoteric themes. As a black queer filmmaker, Badi is outspoken about creating content for diverse audiences, assimilating topics such as black lesbianism and cannibalism into a romantic comedy narrative.
With the growing popularity of streaming services, Badi believes that it presents an opportunity for niche films like “My Cannibal Crush” to reach a wider audience that may not have been possible in traditional theatrical settings. Joburg Underground, the film festival co-founded by Badi, aimed to fill the void in experimental film festivals in sub-Saharan Africa by providing a platform for unorthodox, short film projects. The festival’s success paved the way for the inclusion of full-length feature films, creating a welcoming environment for unconventional movies in the local film community.
The premiere of “My Cannibal Crush,” organized in collaboration with The Bioscope and Joburg Underground, demonstrated the local audience’s enthusiasm for unique and unconventional cinema. Notably, this event reflects the joy of communal film viewing, where individuals come together to revel in the weird and wonderful while enjoying a glass of wine. Additionally, the film was also shown at the Garden Route International Film Festival and is set to be available on a streaming platform.
In summary, “My Cannibal Crush” not only reflects a compelling narrative and innovative storytelling but also showcases the potential of low-budget, independent cinema in catering to diverse audiences and providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the film industry. This newfound recognition and appreciation of unconventional films signify a promising future for independent filmmakers aiming to make an impact on global cinema.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
