Lungelo Kuzwayo

Ethical representation of the other or just ethical representation? The correct way to tell stories.

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A practical case study investigating the behind the scenes making of the South African hit series, Shaka Ilembe, guided by Angus Gibson, the lead creator of the show. The series has been received with critical acclaim in South Africa for its authenticity and visual quality, which is evidence that there was courage, conviction and compassion in making the project.

My goal through this case study is to investigate the ethical approaches to filmmaking that were consciously adopted and applied in the production team’s approach to the researching, shooting and producing of a series about one of South Africa’s biggest and most famous leaders. This practical case study will:

a)    List and define the ethical approaches to filmmaking, a long tradition in the documentary space.

b)    Discuss the ethical approaches taken by Mr. Gibson and his team, in making Shaka Ilembe. This will be anchored by interviews I will do with Mr. Angus Gibson, media reviews of the series, and photos and video footage of the making of the hit show.

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Lungelo Kuzwayo is a South African educator/writer/director. He is the senior lecturer in film directing at AFDA, in Johannesburg. He wrote and directed over a dozen short films, 2 short documentaries and a multi-camera TV music program. His latest short film “The Note” screened across Africa and won various awards in different festivals, including best director, best story, best cinematography and best South African short. He also wrote and directed “Sawubona” which screened in 5 continents and won a handful of awards, including multiple “Best Short Film” honors. Currently, he is developing his first two feature films.