It is the week of the highly anticipated Johannesburg Film Festival and the excitement is almost palpable as Young, Gifted and Queer takes center stage as the must-see documentary. Let’s tap into the mind of filmmaker Renaldo Shchwarp who reveals a bit about the entire process.
According to their website, the Johannesburg Film Festival (JFF) is “more than just a cinematic showcase; it’s a celebration of African narratives that resonate across the world”. It has become an important platform in our entertainment industry, as it has granted and continues to grant many creatives an opportunity to make a name for themselves and make an impression on anyone watching, in hopes for bigger and better opportunities.
Among the plethora of films and shows that will be available to see, a documentary titled Young, Gifted and Queer has particularly stood out to the us, not only because it is fitting, seeing as it is Pride Month, but also because the film provides a platform for those who are often left voiceless by society. It is a passionate celebration of the existence of black, queer bodies in South Africa.
Half a decade after debuting his show and eponymous book SKEEF on Showmax, Renaldo Schwarp makes a return as a director with this daring documentary and will definitely get the audience talking with this offering. Renaldo reveals that although nerve-wracking, watching Young, Gifted and Queer come to life, from a mere concept in his mind has been a surreal but rewarding experience, as he has been able to create something that resonates deeply with people from all walks of life. “It’s a moment of visibility, celebration, and affirmation—not just for me, but for everyone who sees themselves in this story. The fact that the JFF team and its audiences have embraced it so wholeheartedly makes it even more impactful,” Renaldo says.
He also credits the success of the final product to the talented team he worked with throughout the whole process, particularly the cast, who trusted him and his team with portraying their stories accurately to the masses. “This is all thanks to the amazing talent in the film, Andiswa, Umlilo and S’bo leaned into what we set out to build and their stories are the heart of it all,” he says.
If you are film fanatic, or someone looking for new and interesting experiences, the JFF is perfect place to explore, and be sure to check out Young, Gifted and Queer, but don’t take it from us, take it from the many others who have checked it out themselves and swear by it and have reached out to Renaldo to commend him and his team for the amazing work.
“Honestly, the sheer amount of love the film has received has been overwhelming in the best way. People have reached out saying how much it means to them to see themselves reflected in a documentary like this, and that’s exactly why we made it,” Renaldo says.
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