Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema

Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Ralph Ziman
Produced by	Ralph Ziman Tendeka Matatu
Written by	Ralph Ziman
Music by	Alan Lazar
Cinematography	Nic Hofmeyr
Editing by	David Helfand
Distributed by	United Int'l Pictures
Release date(s)	29 August 2008 (South Africa)
Running time	120 minutes
Country	South Africa

Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema, originally titled Jerusalema, is a 2008 South African crime film written and directed by Ralph Ziman. The film was submitted to the Academy Awards to qualify as a nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, but it was not selected.

Production

Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema is based on the story of Lucky Kunene, an underworld figure who in the 1990s took over real estate in the Hillbrow neighborhood of Johannesburg, South Africa.^[1] Writer-director Ralph Ziman learned about how a gang stole a building in Hillbrow through coercion and began researching the phenomenon, interviewing reporters, police officers, social workers, and lawyers and discovering that the phenomenon was commonplace. Ziman wrote the script for Jerusalema based on his research. He said of the film and its title, "I wanted Jerusalema to take a harsh but realistic look at Johannesburg, but I also wanted to reflect the hopes and aspirations of its citizens. When you look at Hillbrow from a distance, it does look like that shining city on a hill, the New Jerusalem that will be our salvation, but when you get onto its streets, you find another story." The director also used an African hymn, "Jerusalema", throughout the film, saying of the intent, "[It] might seem pretty cynical but it also underlines a continuing sense of hope." Ziman also sought to connect the crime wave to the political changes taking place in South Africa.^[2]

Producer Tendeka Matatu said the characters were based on sketches from their research for the film. The producer said of the roles' background, "During the research of the script we came across many MK vets who are living on the very edge of poverty and who, after fighting for a better life for all, now feel betrayed."^[3]

Production of Jerusalema was difficult because the filmmakers struggled to find a budget when South Africa's National Film and Video Foundation would not invest in their project. The filmmakers found enough financing to make the film, and Ziman reflected that the budget was smaller than music videos he had directed. Ziman said of the experience, "We used skateboards as dollies on the set and old-technology cameras to film. We cut down on the crew but I don't think anyone who sees the film will realise that."^[2]

Cast

• Rapulana Seiphemo ... Lucky Kunene
• Jeffrey Zekele .... Mbolelo Nazareth
• Robert Hobbs ... Detective Blakkie Swart

Release

Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema's filmmakers initially sought to distribute the film in theaters through the South African cinema chain Ster-Kinekor, but because the filmmakers sought to hold onto rights for release on DVD and TV, the chain chose not to back them. Instead, the filmmakers found backing from Metro FM and the Gauteng Film Commission, which helped them with publicity, including a premiere in Berlin.^[2] Jerusalema premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on 11 February 2008. The film was commercially released in South Africa on 29 August 2008, and the film was well-received by critics and audiences. Jerusalema grossed US$400,000 at 14 theaters in the course of a month. The South African film was submitted to the Academy Awards for consideration to qualify as a nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.^[1] The film was expected to succeed Tsotsi as the next South African contender for the award, but Ziman's film was not selected.^[4]

Robert McKay of South Africa's The Times wrote of Jerusalema, "Having shirked off the burden of the heavy, heavy lessons of apartheid in favour of drug deals, shoot-outs and armed robberies, Jerusalema is as quick and devastating as a smash and grab." He said of the direction, "Ziman's extensive experience as a music video director ... makes Jerusalema crackle with energy."^[5]

The Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association criticized the film for its portrayal of the military veterans. Its national chairperson, Kebby Maphatsoe, said, "The insult is painful as it does not afford the people of South Africa and our children the opportunity to learn the truth about their history."^[3] The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa criticized the film for its title, based on the holy city of Jerusalem, where the film portrayed a criminal underworld. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa also criticized how the Biblical name Nazareth was used for a gangster's name.^[6]

See also

• List of South African submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film

References

1. ^ ^{a b} De Jager, Christelle (7 October 2008). "Oscar gets trip to 'Jerusalema'". Variety. http://www.variety.com/awardcentral_article/VR1117993596.html. Retrieved 22 September 2009. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} Ronge, Barry (31 August 2008). "Smashing SA film's stifling mould". The Times. http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article91548.ece. Retrieved 22 September 2009. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Alfreds, Duncan (19 September 2008). "Jerusalema raises the bar". News24. http://www.news24.com/Content/Entertainment/SouthAfrica/1043/227f356687f5486d93e4d4d7c4fc8add/19-09-2008-10-12/Jerusalema_raises_the_bar. Retrieved 22 September 2009. 
4. ^ "Jerusalema not selected for Oscar 2009 nominations". nfvfco.va. National Film and Video Foundation. http://www.nfvf.co.za/article/jerusalema-not-selected-oscars-2009-nominations. Retrieved 22 September 2009. 
5. ^ McKay, Robert (29 August 2008). "Welcome to Jerusalema". The Times. http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/article23805.ece. Retrieved 22 September 2009. 
6. ^ Lekotjolo, Nkosana (23 September 2008). "Churches slam 'Jerusalema'". The Times. http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/article23881.ece. Retrieved 22 September 2009. 

External links

• Official website
• Jerusalema at the Internet Movie Database