The Harsh and the Fragile
The programme reflects on nature and the environment as well as our human value driven approach to Earth. Natural disasters highlight human frailty. When they strike, humans turn to God for understanding, strength and relief. In this series, we investigate the process of desertification in Southern Namibia, essentially caused by mans poor stewarding of the environment through unjust legislation that left a communal farming community devastated.
Drawing the Line
It reflects on the controversial issue surrounding the drawing of cartoon illustrations by a Danish newspaper, of the Holy prophet of Islam, Muhammed (PBUH) and which offended the entire global Muslim community. The documentary looks at the views of scholars in the Islamic community, newspaper journalists and the Danish embassy in SA as well as writers from the freedom of the press on how this was handled in South Africa and abroad.
Polygamy in Islam
This documentary deals with the issue of polygamy in Islam and its relevance in today’s time. The doccie explores various views including that of Muslim scholars, a feminist, ordinary folk as well as two polygamous families. The latter will be sharing their experiences whilst opening their homes and their hearts to viewers. Emotively driven the various characters share their deeply personal stories and journeys.
The People’s Servant
Seventy-three year old faith leader and activist Rev Motlalepula Chabaku currently an MEC in the Gauteng Legislature, has always been a tireless champion of justice and equality, and despite numerous challenges of poverty, race, and gender she has never lost her faith in God or her belief in the dignity of humankind. Spanning six of the most turbulent decades in South Africa’s history, this documentary is an intimate portrait of an unsung servant of God and her selfless service to the community.
God and the gods This documentary explores the nature of Hindu worship by demystifying the apparent contradictions that underpin the religion. This is achieved by examining the ways in which Hindus view God. Stories, testimonies and some aspects of the ways of worship of Hindus in SA are explored so that a broader access is created to the viewer.
Basotho Soul
This documentary deals with the nature of the traditional life of cattle herders and the modern generation of young Christians caught in time warp of culture and a modern lifestyle.
The custodian of the Basuthos is King Letsie who on one hand wants to preserve and maintain the family way of life, the traditions of his ancestors and at the same time he wants his people to be part of a developing modern country. On the other hand we have Elizabeth, a traditional healer, who preaches the Word of God and wants her people to stop acknowledging their forefathers but focus on Christ as their Saviour.
In the Shadows of Beau Basson
A South African man born in Mauritius to a seemingly Catholic family and converted to Judaism by marriage, returns to his roots in Mauritius and by a twist discovers that he was actually born Jewish.
Every 26 Seconds
Every 26 seconds, a woman is raped in South Africa. One in three South African women will be raped in their lifetime, 75% of these are gang rapes.
South Africa has one of the highest rape rates in the world. We are a country in crisis. It’s a crisis that goes right to the core of our society. The church and all religious institutions have a moral responsibility to make a difference to our rape crisis – to talk out against rape, to support rape survivors and to ensure boys do not grow up to become rapists. Every 26 Seconds raises critical issues around the role of the church and suggests that not enough is being done to heed this call.
These issues are tackled through intimate and personal stories of rape survivors and rapists: “Sindi”, who was raped when she was 16, says in this documentary, “Church was my hope…but the pastor just told me to keep quiet and he will pray for me. All he was worried about was the church. He didn’t care about how I was feeling or what I want.”
Every 26 Seconds aims to raise the national consciousness around this horrific issue by examining patriarchy both in society and the church – and looking at how men and women view each other and behave towards each other which leads to a tacit acceptance of the status quo.
The Silent Outcry
Forgiveness is so integral to the Christian faith, that ‘a Christian spirit’ is considered a synonym for a forgiving disposition. The Silent Outcry examines the tragedy in Namibia which came about as a result of the German General von Trotha’s letter to Chief Maherero. We expose the displacement of an entire people and trace a journey symbolized by repentance, humility and empathy, and share the miracle of a simple candle-lighting ceremony which took place in a small village in Germany in 2007.
The Lamplighters
A documentary on the inspirational Mendel and Mashie Lipsker sent to South Africa by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, 40 years ago, and how they brought the Chabad Philosophy to South Africa, thus inspiring many Jews on an individual and communal level, bringing vitality to the South African community.
Buddhism – Finding the Peace
Within In the world today, chaotic living is the norm. A frenetic pace of life, a hurried lifestyle and the proverbial ‘rat-race’ seems to be the order of the day. Is it then possible to find the peace within? Enlightenment or ’Nirvana’, a state of eternal bliss and perfection is the goal of over 300 million people in the world today that follow ‘Buddhism’. This documentary traces the religion from its beginnings with visuals from Bodhgaya in India, the place where the Buddha achieved enlightenment. It then follows His story as he moved to Sarnath and then takes a look at the teachings that He imparted.
An interesting feature of the documentary is a look at various activities that take place on a regular basis at various temples in South Africa. The activities show the practical implementation of the Buddha’s teaching, from environmental sustainability, to group meditation and chanting.
More importantly, the message of the documentary is about a path that is open to all of the world’s people, a path not of extremes, but a middle path of self respect, self reliance and self experience, a pathway to peace through the self within.
Pula-Nala
This documentary called Pula Nala – prayer for Rain – is a beautifully shot, pictorially a moving account of how the fate of a three-month-old Sotho baby, on one side of the Sotho mountains, is connected with that of an Afrikaans Christian farmer on the other and how the two communities’ fervent prayer and rituals to ‘find the rain hidden in the mountains’ brings them closer together for a common purpose -gentle and inspiring.
Science and Islam
An Islamic documentary focusing on the scientific revelations in the Holy Quran which were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) 1400 years ago. Many of these scientific revelations were only recently discovered by man in the last century. From cosmology, embryology, meteorology, oceanography, anatomy, botany etc, the Quran reveals the workings of all these natural phenomena.
Hands that Serve
Her first banning order lasted from 1975 until 1980. She was subjected to harassment from the State and her house was constantly watched. One of her sons was assassinated in 1993. Bearing no bitterness, now a global peace and gender activist, she works tirelessly serving the poorest of the poor, highlighting the abuse against women and making people aware of the need for peace and harmony in our world.
Through all the darkness, she saw and continues to see the light … A truly amazing personality – Ela Gandhi.
Ancient Hindu teachings tell us of the divinity in all, the oneness of God and Man. It teaches us to see the spark of divinity in all, and that when we serve, it is not by a feeling of superiority that we are able to serve , but rather that we are serving God by serving our fellow man.
Ela Gandhi is a living legend of the concept of SEVA. Her inspiration to serve, her tirelessness to help, must surely have its source in divinity. For it is her faith and devotion that is a guiding force in her life.
To be able to witness Ela and the way she lives her life, will inspire all, to see how she has given of herself unconditionally – will remind us of the basic teachings of Hinduism. The teachings that we are all one humanity sharing the space that God has provided for us.
Tracing Ela Gandhi’s life, the documentary will explore her philosophy, her belief in the necessity for peace in the world today and her inspiration from her grandfather Mahatma Gandhi.
Mewa Ramgobin
A documentary that reflects the journey of one of South Africa’s great hero’s of the struggle, Mewa Ramgobin, who followed and still follows the path of Sathyagraha or truth force, as exemplified by Mahatma Gandhi.
One and Undivided: The Paul Verryn Story
The program follows the life of Bishop Paul Verryn. From his youngest days growing up under the cloud of Apartheid to the present where he has become a champion for the poor and marginalised. Through in depth discussion with the bishop himself as well as friends and colleagues we trace the experiences of his life that have led him here, finding out about his decisions at key times to take a stand against the then government as well as his trials and suffering at the death of one of the young activists who had been placed in his care, Stompie Sepei. “One and Undivided” details the methodology and faith held by Paul Verryn that carried him through those dark days and brought him into the New South Africa and onwards in his struggle against social injustice with regards to the current plight of the Zimbabwean exiles at Central Methodist Church.
Artist for Higher
Throughout history, artists have played an influential role, yet perhaps not so obvious was the role of artists in shaping and changing social paradigms. But what does this mean for us today, here in South Africa? In this documentary we explore the work and faith of some contemporary artists in South Africa, including ballet dancers Ian MacDonald and Karen Beukes, Fine Artist Duncan Stuart and Kwaito mega star Kabelo. The program explores the role these Christian artists are playing in igniting and influencing our moral conscience.
God in the Water
God in the Water is a documentary film about the tsunami that struck on 26th December 2004 and how the people of Banda Aceh in Indonesia have used the tsunami to strengthen and renew their faith in God. The film deals with the universal themes of compassion, aid and hope in the face of a natural disaster the likes of which has never been seen in modern history and which left the entire world stunned. God in the Water reveals the miracles of survival and the spirit of Islam and finds God in a wall of water 20 meters high.
The Rasta Movement
The Rasta faith in South Africa has for a while been shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding: Synonymous with dreadlocks and linked to Marijuana, this movement has been dismissed as nothing more than an association of shoddy characters seeking to get high. Is this all there is to this faith? This programme seeks to profile the Rasta religion by tracing its roots and trajectory from Jamaica, down to South Africa. We will look at the Rastafarian beliefs, worship practices and way of life. In the process, the programme will feature Rastas telling their own story hence dispelling myths and painting a clearer picture of this misunderstood religion and exposing who is a true Rasta and who is not.
Guru Purnima – Hindu Special
For Hindus, the Guru is a spiritual guide who is venerated for his wisdom and knowledge of the true meaning of the Vedas. It is this knowledge that the Guru seeks to impart to those who submit themselves to his lotus feet. This morning, the relationship between guru and disciple is explored through the holy festival of Guru Purnima. The stories shared in this special from gurus in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town teach us that the Divine knowledge of Hindu culture has been preserved and continues to be passed on from Guru to disciple to this day. Interviewees: Swami Vimokshananda – Ramakrishna Centre of KwaZulu- Natal; Swami Vidyananda – Ananda Kutir – Cape Town; Chinz Bhana- Art of Living – Johannesburg.
Yoga in Africa
We take an in-depth look at the origins and spiritual significance of yoga, as well as its practice in Africa. Aiming to demystify commonly held perceptions of yoga as just a health and fitness modality, we show that it is a sacred ancient science integrating body, mind, and spirit. We also look at yoga in the context of challenges facing Africa such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, disability, crime rehabilitation, and social and national reconstruction. Main Guests: Swami Pragyamurti (Satyananda Yoga); Bafokeng Thokoa (Iyengar Yoga); Swami Shilabhadranda(Ananda Marga Monk); Debbie Lutrin (Ashtanga Yoga); Amber Land (Sivananda Yoga); Swami Niranjananda (Satyananda Yoga); Wendy Wood (Ishta Yoga); Jennifer Stephens (Remedial Yoga Teacher); Pritam Hari Khalsa (Kundalini Yoga); Deepak Chopra (Author/Ayurvedic Doctor); Jo Marshall-Smith (Sri Sri Yoga); Rachel Rusznyak (Kundalini Yoga); Julie Hudson (Hatha Yoga); Gary Fort (Abundance Yoga Centre).
Who Am I?
Questions such as who am I?, Why am I here?, and what is the nature of God?, go to the heart of all spiritual endeavour. This thought-provoking programme takes a critical look at the spiritual philosophy of advaita or non- dualism. Framed within the context of the lives and teachings of three renowned and charismatic spiritual leaders of our time, the programme explores an ancient hindu philosophy that is fast making an impact on popular culture. Filmed in South Africa and India, it is a visual treat that comprises rare archive footage and interviews with leading proponents of the philosophy.
The Baha’i Faith: Unity In Diversity
In this explorative documentary, South Africans share their experience with this relatively new faith. The Baha’I Faith was established about 160 years ago in Iran. Its Founder was Baha’u’llah. It is a fast growing faith and reaches people all over the world. Filmed at the head quarters in Haifa, Israel, and in SA, the film examines how South Africans have been drawn to the teachings of Baha’ullah, to redefine their commitment to serve society.
Nonkupiwe – the Gift of Giving (Earth Child)
Nonkupiwe – the Gift of Giving, is the poignant story of a 26-year old girl living in the township of Khayelitsha, Cape Town, who introduces holistic education to a school curriculum, and develops eccentric programmes that promote the awareness of spirituality within young children. Through the candid voice of the children, the audience learns how the marriage of Eastern (Hindu) philosophy and township culture impacts on the children’s dreams, hopes and lifestyles through the teachings of the Earth Child project of the Art of Living Foundation.
