The Story
Sylvia first saw Gregory Maqoma perform during a US tour several years ago. She was struck by the passion with which he danced, his extraordinary body movement, and the beauty of the total performance – the choreography, story-telling, music, lighting, set, and costumes.
Later we learned about his upbringing in Soweto during the apartheid regime and his efforts to give back to his community. He runs outreach programs to provide opportunities for students in the often still segregated townships surrounding Johannesburg. Sylvia then discovered a friend in common, we got introduced, and he agreed to let us share his story!
Over the course of several conversations and then meeting him in South Africa during our first film shoot in March this year, we were struck by his social activism and the personal impact he has on people around him. Today Gregory is one of South Africa’s top choreographers. He has worked with Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Angelique Kidjo, Hugh Masekela, and Akram Khan.
Currently he is working on one of his highest profile productions, with artist William Kentridge called the Head and the Load which commemorates the two million African porters, who carried arms and equipment for Europeans soldiers fighting WWI in Africa. Many died and few who survived got any recognition. This work will be performed in London, the Ruhr Triennale in Germany, and in New York, later this year. (Go see it if you can!)
Greg's life wasn't always like this. He grew up in the violence of Apartheid South Africa - where racial segregation and discrimination was written in law. The first time he ever saw a black man portrayed in a positive light was on TV when he as 9 years old. It was Michael Jackson. Greg realized that music and dance can transcend barriers, and just allow people to feel. He decided then he wanted to make a difference and he chose dance as his language.
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We want to share his life and leadership story and take it around the world to inspire others. The film will follow Greg as he is creating a new work on blackness and whiteness, a defining issue of his life, working together with photographers, musicians and other artists. He will also reflect on how the extraction of minerals has generated such wealth but also so much conflict across the African continent and the world.
As racial discrimination and nationalism grow across the globe, the film will give an insiders perspective of someone who made his own path against all the odds - and excelled. And it will show what happens when young people have safe spaces to explore creativity. In Greg’s words, every child deserves a place to imagine, play and dream.
What We Need & What You Get
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We have unique access to Greg's life story and started filming in March in Johannesburg, South Africa. With your support we can kickstart the next phase. In October 2018 Greg will resume a teaching assignment in Senegal, during which time he will explore, research and test ideas for his new creation. We need to raise US$20,000 to cover the costs of hiring a film crew and equipment for a 7-day shoot. Your contribution will support:
- Equipment Hire (Camera, Tripod, Lenses, Lights, Audio)
- 7 days pay for Cinematographer, Sound Technician, Production Assistant/Fixer, and Driver
- Food, Lodging and Transport for the Crew
To show our appreciation we have a wide range of perks for you - listed on the right of this page. Click on each perk to see the full list of items included in the perk at that level.
Other Ways You Can Help the Filmmakers
Even if you can't contribute but are interested in the story and want to see it come of life spread the word about our film and sign up as a supporter at joydancerdocumentary.net. We'd also be happy to get contributions in kind for our shoot in Senegal.
About the Filmmakers
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Director and Writer: Sylvia Solf
Sylvia has 15 years of experience working internationally on social and economic development with international organizations in 3 continents. Her professional career took her from organizing a youth program in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Guadalajara, Mexico, to working as a journalist to leading global teams and programs in international financial institutions. She has traveled to over 60 countries, interviewed and interacted with hundreds of political and social leaders worldwide and has extensive media experience. She is also a dancer, and trained in classical and contemporary styles in Germany, UK, Mexico, US, and Cuba. She holds degrees in Audiovisual Communication and Communication, as well as International Economic Development, and lives in Washington DC.
Producer and co-director: Suzanne Smith
Suzanne has worked for 25 years in international economic development, taking her to more than 50 countries. Much of this work involved managing large communications and technology projects, involving global media campaigns, conferences, road shows, and web platforms. A few years ago she decided to move into visual story telling. She did a graduate documentary film program at the New School in New York, various production and line producing courses at the New York School of Visual Arts, and worked with documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney. She has written, directed and edited several short form documentaries and multimedia installations. She lives in New York.
Co-writer: Nkosinathi “Natty” Mncube
Natty was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he studied his dance training at Moving into Dance. In 2001 Natty won the British Council & Rio Tinto Scholarship to study at The London Contemporary School of Dance. He also did a Master’s Degree in Research & Choreography and worked with renowned international choreographers such as Wayne McGregor, Carol Brown, (UK), Sello Pesa (South Africa), Olga and Peter Kobos (Spain) and Philip DeCoufle (France). After moving to the USA, he was an adjunct professor teaching dance in South Carolina. He is currently working with at-risk youth in Washington DC, but continues to dance, direct, and teach with DC-based dance companies. He has toured extensively across Africa, Europe and the US. He has also had his own radio show and is a passionate writer.
