Writing an abridged research proposal- Part one

1.1  Title

Exploring the characterisations of black South Africans in post-apartheid South African films: an analysis of Gangsters Paradise: Jerusalema, The Two Of Us and The Jakes Are Missing.

1.2  Problem statement

A systematic approach to analyse and explore the characterisations of black South Africans in post-apartheid South African films will be conducted in this research project. In support of the research an analysis of three films produced in the last eight years, Gangsters Paradise: Jerusalema (Ziman & Matatu 2008), The Two Of Us (Nkosi 2015) and The Jakes Are Missing (Figjam & Isaac 2015) will support the investigation.

The study conducted in this paper aims to identify the measurable outcome of the portrayal of black characters in films that have been produced in democratic South Africa. This study arose out of a need to understand the development of black characters in post-apartheid South African films. This was a theme that developed out of an initial study on the gangster genre of films that were produced in South Africa the early 2000’s. These films predominantly featured black South Africans in a criminal and violent light. Seeing that this was short hand for the gangster genre, regardless of race, it became evident that there was a gap in the study of contemporary black characters in movies produced post-apartheid regardless of genre.

This research will examine the characterisation of black South Africans in order to trace whether or not their roles are relevant to the time or if the writing of their characters are merely cast according to socially created stereotypes such as, violent, corrupt, dangerous, poor, and uneducated and so forth. This project will evaluate whether or not the stereotypes created in society influence the characterisation of black people in the South African film industry.

1.3 Background

The objective of this research project is to examine the composition of each of the protagonists as well as supporting characters in each of the films, in relation to the context of each films plot. In doing so, this paper will identify and analyse the characterisation of black actors in South African films produced in the last eight years. Through the use of a theoretical framework, this paper strives to understand factors such as social, cultural and political, all of which influences the ‘plot-culture’ of South African films and to understand the scripting of black characters to support said ‘culture’.

To understand where the stereotypes of black characters were initially created it is important that the political history of South Africa is studied. This is important in order to identify the background related to the casting of black characters that are present in South African films today. Furthermore, this paper will identify the social impact of the characterisation of black characters. For instance, the casting of black South Africans as criminals in the gangster genre or as affluent, suburban families in dramas and identifying whether or not the character representations are in fact a reflection of the South African lifestyle today or merely fabricated for the purpose of entertainment.  

Lastly, the research topic was chosen out of a need to analyse the South African film industry and its development over the last eight years, by tracing its evolution from the stereotypical apartheid motif to a contemporary style, telling all types of stories about black South Africans through film.

Acknowledging the application of the vibrancy of the Third Cinema, a term coined by filmmakers Octavio Getino and Fernando Solanas, in relation to the South African film industry, it voices the attempt of films such as Gangsters Paradise: Jerusalema (Ziman & Matatu 2008), The Two Of Us (Nkosi 2015) and The Jakes Are Missing (Figjam & Isaac 2015), particular to this project as revolutionary in their scope because of their stance to tell different tales. The application of the Third Cinema to the South African film industry applies two-fold. That is to the idea that South Africa is ‘third’ world, a developing country with a long road ahead and secondly as an opposition to the lucrative, monetary gains of the film industry that are typically associated with the mainstream film industry today.

Additionally, the chosen research topic highlights issues faced by black South Africans living in post-apartheid face. As well as the vast economic and education gap that exists amongst the majority race. The application of the Third Cinema is echoed by scholar Poobendren Govender (2011), who writes about one of the chosen texts Gangsters Paradise: Jerusalema (Ziman & Matatu 2008), which “offers an intricate insight into post-liberation South Africa and the direction of the country, causes of crime, the problems of capitalism and contradictions within the ‘South African Dream” (Govender 2011:80). This briefly touches on the lack of fear by film-makers to tell real-stories about black South Africans who are living in post-apartheid South Africa.

1.4  Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and analyse the measurable outcome of the characterisation of black characters in films that have been produced in a democratic South Africa. In the past South African film industry was known to produce stories about the political trends of South Africa. The political story lines were used as a tool to share stories of the fight against oppression and to communicate to the world the state of the country. In recent years films such as Gangsters Paradise: Jerusalema (Ziman & Matatu 2008), The Two Of Us (Nkosi 2015) and The Jakes Are Missing (Figjam & Isaac 2015) are samples that portray contemporary black characters in South African films. These films represent a small sample of films that tell the story of the life of black South Africans living in South Africa in the 2000’s. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to identify and analyse the changes in the representation of black characters and the importance of the role of South African films to share with audiences a sense of reality about the changing South African society.

1.5 Significance

This research paper will identify the characterisation of black people in South African films. This is important because it can help to understand the trends of the South African film industry, post-apartheid. The importance of focusing of black characters in particular is drawn from the uprising of black South Africans from oppression to democracy. By using film and its attributed influence we can gauge the growth and development of black people in the Republic of South Africa based on their representation.

If a study such as this is not conducted, the footprint of the South African film industry will continue to be ignored. As society today is significantly influenced by film and the media in its various forms, it is vital that its communication even for the means of entertainment is studied, acknowledged and appreciated for its value as well as its influence on society. This study is particularly important to communication studies scholars as the film industry and the representation of race through film needs to be considered as it is a reflection of the development of the nation.

LIST OF SOURCES CONSULTED

Govender, P. 2011. Exploring the South African gangster film genre prior and post liberation: a study of Mapantsula, Hijack Stories and Jerusalema. Master’s dissertation. Pietermaritzburg: University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Figjam (dir) & Isaac, B (prod). 2015. The Jakes Are Missing. [Film]. Figjam Entertainment.

Nkosi, E (dir). 2015. The Two Of Us. [Film]. Monarchy Group.

University of South Africa. Department of Communication Science. 2016. Media Research: Tutorial Letter 101/0/2016 for COM4802. Kwa Zulu Natal.

University of South Africa. Department of Communication Science. 2016. Honours Studies: Tutorial Letter 301/0/2016 for CMNHONE.Kwa Zulu Natal.

Ziman, R (dir) & Matatu, T (prod). 2008. Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema. [Film]. Muti Films.