‘Long Street’, Pays Homage to Creative Cape Town

Revel Fox’s new feature is a compassionate portrait of fragile family relationships

Acclaimed director Revel Fox’s new film, ‘Long Street’, opens in selected cinemas on 24th September. Set in Cape Town, the film is an intimate and unique exploration of the effects of drug addiction on family relationships, brought to life by sparse dialogue, acclaimed musicians and stunning shots of the Mother City.

Long Street is a moving and powerful account of the lack of trust, anger and resentment between mother, Maria, and  her daughter Sia who is recovering from heroin addiction and trying to make it on the music scene. It also explores their relationship with estranged husband and father, Wesley (David Butler) who finds it difficult to express himself. However, when they meet powerful Zulu singer, Andiswa, the healing power of her voice causes them to reconsider their relationship and discover things they didn’t know about each other.

Fox cast his own daughter, Sannie Fox, and wife, Roberta Fox, as the lead roles, which adds to the films authenticity. Not only did he make this decision to live out and come to terms with his own experiences, but to reach out to those affected by drug addiction.

“It’s great to have a film which speaks directly to women in a contemporary setting,” says Helen Kuun, CEO of local distributor, Indigenous Film Distribution.

Long Street is so called as it is the spine of the city and is home to a wealth of secret, creative places and changing history. It’s not just the city that provides a breathtaking backdrop, but the presence of wonderful musicians in the film including; Sanie Foxes blues-rock band, Machineri, Busi Mhlongo, Leslie Javan, Alex van Heerden and Greg Georgiades.

“Musicians brought a unique element to the film,” adds producer, Florian Schattauer.

Long Street will be released in selected cinemas on 24th September 2010.

Keep updated on the latest happenings in Cape Town and Surrounds, by regularly checking our News Section, or for theatres, museums and galleries, check out our Arts & Culture Section