Life, Above All
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Oliver Schmitz
Vusi Muzi Given Nyathi
Rami Chuene
Mapaseka Mathebe
Tshepo Emmanuel Nonyane
Thato Kgaladi
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
In the small town of Elandsdoorn, a South African township not far from Johannesburg, life is simple and serene. A prevailing sense of deep pride tightly bonds together the entire community - but beware to those who step out of line. 12-year-old Chanda is a hardworking promising young student with a bright future, but her life changes dramatically when her baby sister unexpectedly dies. Heartbroken, Chanda's mother, Lillian, in turn becomes severely ill. Her stepfather drowns himself in alcohol and extramarital affairs. He brings a deadly disease home to her mother: HIV. Meanwhile, the formerly friendly neighbors become increasingly distant and gossip spreads. Suspecting that the community's irrational ostracism has to do with her mother's illness and the death of her baby sister, Chanda demands answers but is met with stubborn silence. Unwilling to bear the weight of secrecy any longer, Chanda sets out to face a deeply ingrained, unspoken taboo.
Director
Oliver Schmitz
Cast
Vusi Muzi Given Nyathi
Rami Chuene
Mapaseka Mathebe
Tshepo Emmanuel Nonyane
Thato Kgaladi
Patrick Shai
Mongezi Motaung
Harriet Manamela
Johanna Refilwe Sihlangu
Aubrey Poolo
Oupa Mashiloane
Solly Moeng
Ernest Mokoena
Charlotte Mphake
Mary Twala
Bhekifa Isaac Nyathi
Kgomotso Ditshwene
Jerry Marobyane
Sarah Aphane
Nelson Motloung
Foxy Riet
Khomotso Manyaka
Tinah Mnumzana
Lerato Mvelase
Themba Ndaba
Samuel Masilela
Keaobaka Makanyane
Crew
Ali N Askin
Greig Buckle
Dennis Foon
Dirk Grau
Bernhard Jasper
Nadia Kruger
Moonyeenn Lee
Ian Osrin
Peter Palatsik
Tracy Perkins
Thomas Reisser
Christiane Rothe
Helge Sasse
Dan Schlanger
Oliver Schmitz
Oliver Stoltz
Allan Stratton
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Miscellaneous Notes
Limited Release in United States Summer July 15, 2011
Released in United States 2011
Based on the novel "Chanda's Secrets" by Allan Stratton, published by Annick Press March 6, 2004.
Limited Release in United States Summer July 15, 2011 (New York City)
Released in United States 2011 (Awards Buzz : Best Foreign Language Film )
Released in United States 2011 (World Cinema)
