Theatrical Release

South Africa release date: 20 June 2008

Ster-Kinekor - CAPE
C/N CAVENDISH 3 (138 Seats)
V & A WATERFRONT 6 (99 Seats)
PAROW 7 (333 Seats)

Ster-Kinekor - GAUTENG EAST
MAPONYA MALL 4 (283 Seats)

Ster-Kinekor - GAUTENG WEST
ROSEBANK MALL 3 (147 Seats)

Ster-Kinekor – KZN
WHEEL 6 (246 Seats)
GATEWAY NOUVEAU 4 (121 Seats)

Ster-Kinekor – PRETORIA
BROOKLYN NOUV 2 (153 Seats)

For Block bookings contact- Brendon Ficks
Tel:011 445 7823 / Fax: 011 444 0472 / Cell: 082 928 2561
e-mail: brendanf@sterkinekor.com

Blockbookings: 2 Weeks prior to date of event, Minimum seats- 100 or more seats in a screening or book out the entire cinema to qualify for a 20% discount.

Directed by - Mark Dornford-May
Written by - Mark Dornford-May, Andiswa Kedama & Pauline Malefane
Produced by - Mark Dornford-May
Co-Producers - Charles Hazlewood, Camilla Driver & Brigid Olën
Executive Producers - Stephen Daldry, Mike Downey, Pauline Malefane & Sam Taylor
Director of Photography - Giulio Biccari
Editor (UK) - Anne Sopel
Editor (SA) - Ronelle Loots
Music - Charles Hazlewood, Pauline Malefane & Sibulele Mjali
Music Performed by - Dimpho Di Kopane
Supervising Sound Editor - Barry Donnelly
Sound and Music Mixer - Simon Rice
Choreographer - Joel Mthethwa
Costume Designer - Jessica Dornford-May
Art Director - Ernie Seegers

The story of the Gospels re-told as a tale of corruption and redemption in contemporary Africa.

Brief Synopsis:

The story of the Gospels re-told as a tale of corruption and redemption in contemporary Africa. The narrative 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.

Detailed Synopsis:

In the state of Judea in southern Africa, violence, poverty and sectarianism are endemic. The neighbouring Alliance has invaded to restore ‘peace’ at gunpoint. Bloody street battles accompany the neighbouring dictatorship’s incursion into its weaker satellite. Promises of a transition to open democratic rule accompany summary executions and brutal massacres.

As the civil war reaches a new level, a divine child is born to a lowly couple. As he grows and witnesses the inhumanity of the world he lives in, his angelic guardians offer him an escape to the heavens. He refuses. This is his world and he must try to save it from the work of evil men and from the darkness working through them.

As an adult, he travels to the capital, gathering followers from the armed factions of rebels that crisscross the land. He demands that his followers give up their guns and confront their corrupt rulers with a vision of non-violent protest and solidarity. Inevitably, he attracts the attention of the Judean tribal leaders who have struck a power-sharing deal with the aloof Governor Pilate. The Son of Man must be brought down and destroyed. It should be another simple ‘disappearance’ like any other…

Son of Man was filmed in the township of Khayelitsha and on the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This new and adventurous interpretation of the New Testament was filmed by Mark Dornford-May in collaboration with the pioneering Dimpho Di Kopane theatre troupe and choir network. As with his first film, U-Carmen eKhayelitsha– the classic Carmen opera translated into the Xhosa tongue—the original yet traditional dance, songs and rhythms infuse this film with the life and spirit that really cuts its own voice to speak.

About the Cast and Crew:

Dimpho Di Kopane

Dimpho Di Kopane is a theatre and film ensemble company consisting of thirty fantastically talented South Africa actors and singers. The name Dimpho Di Kopane means “combined talents” in Sotho, one of South Africa’s eleven official languages. The name aptly describes the way in which the company works, relying on every member’s unique skills as well as their collective focus and energy to create work of the highest caliber.
DDK began in late 2000 when Mark Dornford-May and Charles Hazlewood, then Artistic and Music Directors of Broomhill Opera in London, were asked to form an ensemble company in Cape Town. They began recruiting performers through an unprecedented audition process in which over two thousand auditions were held throughout rural and urban South Africa.
In its first four years, Dimpho Di Kopane has achieved phenomenal success. In 2001 Carmen and Yiimimangaliso The Mysteries played at Wilton’s Music Hall in London where both productions had to be extended due to demand for tickets. The productions were listed for six weeks running as the most important music and theatre events in London. The company then went on tour to the US, Australia, Canada, Turkey and the UK.
In April and May 2004, in association with Spier Films and Nando’s, DDK made their first feature film U-Carmen eKhayelitsha, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival 2005.
DDK went onto to do a five week residency in New York City as part of Season South Africa where they presented four of their productions in repertoire: Carmen, Yiimimangaliso The Mysteries, Ibali looTsotsi The Beggar’s Opera and the company’s newest work IKumkanikazi yeKhephu The Snow Queen.

Mark Dornford-May, director/producer

Mark Dornford-May worked in theater in England for 25 years and founded Broomhill Opera. Mesmerized by the talent he had witnessed in South Africa, he returned in 2000 with Charles Hazlewood to create a new theatre company in Cape Town. That troupe would become Dimpho Di Kompane
U-Carmen eKhayelitsha, Dornford-May’s first film, won the Golden Bear for Best Film at the Berlin International Film Festival 2005.
Son of Man is Dornford-May’s second film

Andile Kosi (Jesus)

Kosi comes from King Williams Town in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Inspired by his classmates, he joined the choir Unlimited Voices in 1991 and fell in love with opera. Kosi was working as an office clerk when he went for auditions for DDK in 2000. His stage roles include Jesus/God in DDK’s hugely successful stage production Yimimangaliso The Mysteries, Crook-fingered Jack in Ibali looTsotsi The Beggars Opera and Kaya in IKumkanikazi yeKhephu The Snow Queen. Kosi played Sergeant Kosi in U-Carmen eKhayelitsha.

Andries Mbali (Satan)

A native of Johannesburg, Andries’s love of the performing arts lead him to join the Sibikwa theatre in 1995 where he obtained his Diploma. He has performed in various theatres in South Africa, Swaziland, Botwana, the United States, and Germany. In 2000 he joined DDK. His roles include Lucifer in Yimimangaliso The Mysteries, Lilias Pastia in Carmen, Jack Filch in Ibali looTsotsi The Beggars Opera, Action in West Side Story, Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show and Bra Nkomo in the film U-Carmen eKhayelitsha. Mbali has facilitated workshops nationally and internationally and was involved in a cultural exchange program with a theatre company from Amsterdam, the De Nuwe Theatre.

Pauline Malefane, Associate producer/co-writer/translator, (Mary)

Malefane grew up in Khayelitsha. She sang in local choirs from an early age and was first exposed to the world of opera during a high school outing to Don Giovanni. Pauline enrolled at the University of Cape Town College of Music to study a Performers Diploma in Music.
Malefane joined Dimpho Di Kopane in 2000 where she was selected to perform the lead role in Bizet’s opera U-Carmen. Replacing the current lead with only three weeks to prepare the role, Malefane rose to the occasion and went on to achieve tremendous international acclaim, being described in The Observer, London as “the Carmen by which others should be measured”.

Thandiwe Mesele, Associate producer (Andi)
Mesele was born in 1982 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. She sang in both Primary and High School and was a member of the local choir, Heavenly Voices. In 1998 and 1999 Mesele studied in the United States and performed in Germany and Austria. Mesele joined DDK in 2003. Her roles with the company include Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, Lizzy Ludgate in Ibali looTsotsi The Beggar’s Opera and Fatty, a cigarette girl, in U-Carmen eKhayelitsha.

Charles Hazlewood, composer

Charles Hazlewood is the dynamic young British conductor already well known as the "face of classical music" (The Daily Telegraph) of the BBC, for whom he has authored and conducted many groundbreaking TV programs. Hazlewood won first prize at the European Broadcasting Union conducting competition in Lisbon in 1995. He regularly conducts the BBC orchestras, and has guest conducted with many of the leading orchestras across the UK. In June 2003, he made his Carnegie Hall debut conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. He is curating and conducting a major Mozart festival with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in January 2006. His passion to explore music of all varieties with the widest possible audience has lead him to work with some of the most celebrated contemporary composers; in the past six years he has conducted over fifty world premieres, worked with the rawest new South African vocal talent, and explored artists at the cutting edge of the popular music scene in the UK.

Cast and Crew:

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

Press Release:
Humble Pie Entertainment
6 June 2008

On Wednesday, 28 May 2008, Humble Pie Entertainment assisted in hosting four pre-release screenings of the new South African film, “Son of Man” for Ster-Kinekor Distribution.

Humble Pie Entertainment wants to thank each and every guest, pastor, reverend and community leader who attended the screenings. The purpose of this press release is to clarify and give you feedback from the surveys done through these events. We have had mixed responses from the Body of Believers who attended these events.

We are proud to see the Christians stand up for what they believe!

We as Humble Pie Entertainment have created a voice for the Christians in our country concerning the film, “Son of Man” and have influenced major film distributors and producers locally and abroad. Through your opinion at the pre-release screening Humble Pie Entertainment was able to formulate and present a precise market research report regarding what Christian audiences want to see on cinemas in South Africa. This has given Humble Pie Entertainment an influential role in determining film releases for the future.

Many of our loyal supporters and guests were under the impression that Humble Pie Entertainment support the film and is promoting it, but please be advised that we are here to raise the standard and influence the entire industry in a positive and uplifting way.

We as Humble Pie Entertainment do not see this movie, “Son of Man” as a Christian film; it is not a true Biblical presentation and does not portray the life of Jesus of the Bible, although there might be elements that are similar to events in the Bible.

The movie is a visual splendor of well crafted African symbols, beautiful melodies and music with a strong theatrical feel which gives this film an interesting appeal. South Africans need to raise their voice and tell their own stories about their people, cultures and uniqueness yet with the universal truth which connects us all. South African filmmakers and the general public need to realize the significance of the role of arts and make use of this powerful language to convey a message, to inspire, entertain and educate. Jesus of Nazareth himself realized the impact of stories by making use of parables to teach his disciples and those stories are still influencing the world of today.

Although the film is stated as a modern day African representation of the Christ figure, the character and story seem to lack some core elements of Christ, changing the whole appeal and significance of the classic Biblical Gospel.

Please see some of the valuable feedback we received from the viewers which will be passed on to the producers, directors and distributors of this film.

Support us in raising the standard in the film industry!

God bless.

“TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
I was invited to watch, “Son of Man” the other evening, and was shocked at the blasphemy that was portrayed.
My question is what were the makers wanting to achieve?
The film was unscriptural and a horror to watch. A number of people walked out. I decided to stay so that I could fill in the form regarding comments.
There were a good number who also filled them in and the remarks were anything but good.

Stating that man is inherently good - a lie. The Bible says that man is evil.
Having women as part of the disciples - a lie.
Burying "Jesus”, digging him, up and then putting him on a cross. Lie.
Promoting "Jesus" as a freedom fighter. Lie! I could go on and on.
Shocked viewer.”
Rosemary Hittersay

“To whom it may concern!

I was invited to watch the premier of the Son of Man on Wednesday night 28th May at Umhlanga Rocks.  I must write to tell you that I was horrified at the content and so distressed that the Word of God could be so distorted. By trying to put the gospel into a modern context, you promote both blasphemy and heresy.

The questionnaire asked if the biblical accounts were followed – NOT AT ALL!!!!  Jesus kept informing His disciples that His Kingdom was NOT of this world.  He also replied to the devil’s temptations by quoting the Word of God – He never fought him in any way because Jesus created him- he has no power over our Lord at all. He only has power over us sinners who refuse to submit ourselves to the saving grace of God through the atoning blood of Jesus, the perfect sacrifice.

The whole reason for the atonement was totally lost and “another gospel” is being preached – a user friendly one where we can stay in our sin and still get to heaven. I don’t know which bible you use, but if you check from Genesis to Revelation, the gospel is Jesus, and Him crucified and resurrected, and there is NO OTHER WAY. It has nothing to do with us and EVERYTHING to do with Jesus.

I pray that you will take this film off the circuit and that all concerned will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I also pray that the Lord will forgive you all.

From a true disciple of Jesus”
Dawn Piper

“Hi there
 Just some feedback from the movie...
 
I work in a Zulu village and have been for a few years.  I am very well acquainted with the African traditions and culture.  I would just like to share some thoughts about the movie.
 
Firstly, can you tell me who made the movie, and is it aimed at any group specifically?
 
I must say, that I thought the concept was really good.  I think it’s really good that the church of today is challenged with their thinking, and moves away from “in the box”- thinking.  I know some would find the concept maybe challenging or offensive, but I think it has been done very well and needs to shake any religious spirit within the body of Christ.
 
I must say, that I was quite disappointed with some of the message that 'Jesu' was bringing across in the movie.  Firstly, it seemed quite political, and almost had the sense of an uprising.  Yes, the disciples of Jesus rose against the system, but there was almost an undertone of hostility, and I felt like I was watching a political party in the making.  There was not much comparison to the 'love revolution' that Jesus started.  In fact, I don’t even think the word Love was mentioned once in the movie... especially in Jesus teaching. 
 
I have to question one or two other things... firstly, that 'Jesu' believes in man's inherent goodness?  What about the book of Jeremiah saying that man’s heart is wicked?  And the sinfulness of man and that Paul says nothing in him is good (apart from the Spirit of God)? (Romans 7)
 
I understand totally that we do not need to destroy culture, but rather redefine it... as that is what I and my team of Zulus are doing.  WE do need to, however, make a clear distinction on where culture destroys the understanding of God's truth... as Jesus says in Matthew, ' you forsake the Word of God, for the tradition of your forefathers".....
As you must know very well... most of the African traditions are wrought with a spiritual understanding that can detract from Jesus being the Only Way... only Truth... and Only Life....  and the rituals that they do can be immersed in spiritual strongholds....
I thought the movie did not make any distinction there... and found that slightly questionable too...
 
I hope you understand that I want to share my true thoughts in all honesty.  I would appreciate a response.
 
I feel that as the church, we need to represent the truth as best possible, and I do believe in creativity, and using the awesome media that God has given to us, so I am behind the concept and method.
Yours in Christ,
Richard

“Dear Peet

Thanks for the premiere last night; you guys did a great job. It looks like you had a good turn out too. Please find below my thoughts.

The idea of Jesus as black was an interesting concept. I think it could be an effective outreach tool if the film actually delivered the Gospel message (which it falls short on – see further comments below)
Several comments that came out of Jesus’ mouth were completely UNBIBLICAL. Especially the comment that man is inherently good. That goes against the WHOLE message of the Bible and many Christians would be offended and leave the cinema and definitely speak badly of the film. I can’t understand why the directors/writers would not have included Jesus’ own words. It makes no sense
The film had an underlying “social/political” tone that many Christians would find offensive as that is not the Gospel message. The use of the word comrades is very worrying and would again cause (I believe) bad word of mouth by Christians against the film.
The production value was great and if several changes were made, it could be a useful evangelistic tool into the townships.

Personally I believe that this film will not be a commercial success at all as its target market is confused (i.e., its not Christian enough to attract Christians and its too Christian to attract non Christians) and I think it would be a negative project for Humble Pie to take on  - both financially and “image” wise.

Hope my comments help and don’t offend. Just offering my opinion,

God bless and thanks again for the invitation
Jackie Georgiou
Journalist
JOY! Magazine”

“Dear sir/Madam
Thank you for affording me an opportunity to view the pre-screening of Son of Man. I did comment on the survey form that was given however I wish to say a few things that I could not comment on.

Firstly the film itself is relevant to the present South Africa. It shows exactly what is and was of the governments of this country. My concern is the Title "Son of Man" attached to the film. For most of the time it had no bearing to the Son of Man as far as Christianity is concerned, there was no theology of the Gospels if I can put it. From the start it was hostile, killings were brutal and most of it showed the cruel side of the governments. What is it that can convert one to come to the Lord from the film? Nothing. What could make one the follower of Christ? Nothing. I can not even teach or show that to Sunday school kids as we teach them about the Son of Man, it is so hostile. Lazarus was dead for FOUR days before Jesus came, the lady on the film mentioned THREE days. There was a reason for the mention of FOUR days in Jewish Biblical times. The heresy that He did not rise but was taken by His disciples was clearly shown on the film which is vindictive of the Christian teachings and understandings. Mary exhumed the body and Jesus did not rise from the tomb but was exhumed and hung on the cross after He died, this is not what the Gospels teach. Just under His cross there was a lot of toitoing and derogatory words like "voetsek, voetsek' were uttered.

The film was too political.
Anyway that is what I can say and what I thought.

God bless”
Rt Rev DD Ntlokwana

“Beste Peet,

Hoop dit gaan goed met julle daar by Humble Pie.

Dankie vir die uitnodiging na die film gisteraand, maar ongelukkig moet ek vir jou mee deel, boeta, dat hierdie gemeente en ons gemeente se vriende nie die film sal kan ondersteun nie. Daar is verskeie redes daarvoor maar kortliks kan ek die volgende redes aanvoer:
Die film is nie die korrekte weergawe van die Woord van God nie.
Engele is nie klein seuntjies met vere op hulle nie. (Kyk toe Gabriel homself aan Gideon openbaar het)
Jesus was nie in Afrika gebore nie, maar in Bethlehem deur ‘n Joodse meisie wat deur die Gees van God bevrug was.
Vuurwapens, Motorkarre, ens was nie in gebruik nie.
Die wyse manne, herders, ens verkeerde kronologie en verkeerde boodskappe....

Daar is nog soveel redes, maar ek wil jul nie daarmee bemoei nie. Ons kan nie hierdie film ondersteun nie. Wees verseker dat ons julle pogings waardeer, maar indien die film wel die silwerdoek haal sal dit skade doen aan die suiwere Evangelie Boodskap van God se Woord en ons kerk sal dit nie steun.

In liefde wil ek jul tog versoek om baie mooi daaroor te gaan bid of julle werklik wil betrokke raak in die bemarking van die film....

Hoop dat dit in orde sal wees.

Ons praat weer
Jou vriend in die Here“

Past. M. Lötter
Eloffsdal gemeente
DIE VOLLE EVANGELIE KERK VAN GOD IN SUIDELIKE AFRIKA

“Dear Peet and co. at Humble Pie Entertainment
 
Thank you for the opportunity to view the film Son of Man. Here are my thoughtful impressions:
 
It is a great pity that the proper words from the Bible were not used. The words Jesus spoke were thus humanist drivel about unity and peace. Not once did Jesus mention the Law of God, sin, repentance, forgiveness of sins, grace or faith - all the essentials of the Gospel. In fact, Jesus once told his disciples to "believe in the inherent goodness of man"! To have these words come out of the mouth of Jesus is in fact blasphemy. Jesus seemed to be depicted as a liberation struggle leader, calling his disciples comrades. The term "comrade" is a word communist’s use.
 
Jesus is never depicted as praying or talking to the Father.
 
Having said all that, I have no problem with Jesus being depicted as being black or the film being set in the townships of Cape Town. The film in fact, had great potential as an evangelistic tool - IF and that’s a big IF, the words from the Gospels (in the Bible) were used. To portray change (whether social or political) as possible without born-again hearts and transformed minds is humanist. I actually think, therefore, that the film is subtly dangerous - because most audiences would not be able to discern that what Jesus was saying is humanistic. Most Christians in South Africa have Christian hearts, but humanist minds.
 
That such a film would portray Jesus in this manner is an indictment on us as the Body of Christ in South Africa - we have failed to disciple Africa (especially the poor and the townships) in a Biblical Worldview. We have especially failed to preach all the essential elements of the Gospel.
 
I did, however, find the way in which the miracles were depicted were great and gave me some new insights into the Biblical accounts. The story of the woman caught in adultery also had great potential, but again Jesus Christ's words, "Go and sin no more" were left out.
 
I would not consider promoting this film as a Christian film.
 
We may consider reviewing it (in the Christian Action magazine) as an example of humanism and the need for the church to disciple Africa in a Biblical Worldview.
 
Thanks again and keep up the good work.”
 
Taryn Hodgson
National Co-ordinator
 Africa Christian Action

“Thanks for the opportunity for us to watch the preview. But I must say that we were lost and confused of what the message was and what the writer was trying to portray. At first we were following but the violent parts and politics was real confusing. Please revisit the gist of the story.”

Thanx
Lindiwe 

“To all concern
 
I did leave the theatre with absolute shock and disgust last night, and so were many others too after had to sit through the Premier of The Son of God!
 
I will certainly not promote this movie and want to express my total disapproval.
You cannot make a movie with true facts then leave my God out of your money-making schemes.
This was an absolute disgrace to say the least. “
 
Regards
Marianna du Plessis

“To whom it may concern,
 I greet you in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
 
I would like to comment on the above movie, the premier of which we saw last night at Gateway, Umhlanga. As a Child of God, I feel it is inappropriate to spread propaganda using Christianity as a front. This is what seemed to be happening in this movie. Also, if one is going to use a gospel message, make sure the theology is accurate...otherwise you will cause confusion. This was glaringly evident in the movie.
 
I would urge you NOT to promote this film.
Blessings,”
Ps. Dave and Robynne Robb. 

Invitation to aspecial screening event ( click here to download )
Fax vesion of the invitation to a special screening event ( click here to download )
The movie home page ( click here to be directed )
The blog page for Son of Man ( click here to be directed )