Is This About Filmmaking?

Is This About Filmmaking

Welcome to the meeting point between craft, theory and the lived experience.

  1. 5h ago

    Night of the Kings P1: Character Analysis

    Night of the Kings (2021) follows a young man who is thrust with the responsibility of being a storyteller on his first night in prison, with his life being at stake should he fail to fulfill this responsibility. On today’s episode, we unpack the theme of the dichotomy between the young and the old generation, through the characters Roman and Barbe Noire. This episode is brought to you by Eyethu Heritage Hall who are responsible for Eyethu Franco Xchange, a gathering where Francophone Africa meets Soweto through music, film, and conversation. For more information, follow @eyethuheritagehall on Instagram and visit their website eyethuheritage.co.za

    21 min

  2. May 31

    Kanarie Pt 5: Continuation of Opening Sequence Analysis

    In our last episode, we continue to talk about the opening sequence, which introduces Johan Niemand and who he is in his imaginary world, which would eventually influence his trajectory in his journey with the Kanaries. We speak about Boy George, music in the film and the overall impression this film made and what it means to us as individuals. Listener discretion is advised.

    17 min

  3. May 24

    Kanarie Pt 4: Opening Sequence

    On this week’s instalment of Christiaan Olwagen’s Kanarie, we focus on the first ten minutes. We analyse the opening sequence: the wedding dress, the flawed Boy George makeup, and the sudden shift into a new-wave musical fantasy. How does this intro act as a microcosm for the entire film's exploration of queer identity and compulsory compliance. Listener discretion is advised.

    14 min

  4. May 17

    Kanarie Pt 3: Identity & Social Institutions

    We identify the social institutions shaping Johan’s journey, including the military, masculinity, nationalism, and examine how they enforce conformity while suppressing identity and desire. Listener discretion is advised.

    31 min

  5. May 10

    Kanarie Pt 2: The Virgin’s Promise

    Today we discuss the “Virgin’s Promise” story structure in Kanarie, focusing on Johan Niemand as the “virgin” figure. What is it like to be a young man trapped between duty, identity, and self-expression in apartheid-era South Africa? Listener discretion is advised.

    17 min

  6. May 3

    Kanarie Pt 1: Film’s Throughline & Character Analysis

    Kanarie (2018) is a coming of-age film that follows a young man trying to navigate his identity and place in the world. In this episode, we discussed our initial thoughts on the film and give a brief character analysis, with focus on characters that speak to the film’s throughline. Listener discretion is advised.

    24 min

  7. Apr 26

    Black Girl Pt 4: Scene Analysis

    In the final episode on Black Girl, we unpack one of the film’s most powerful scenes, still exploring themes of identity, colonialism, and isolation. We reflect on how Diouana’s story reveals the emotional toll of displacement and the lasting impact of power and race dynamics. Listener discretion is advised.

    16 min

  8. Apr 19

    Black Girl Pt 3: Respectability Politics

    A discussion on respectability politics as a regulating force, examining how it informs identity, social mobility, and belonging. We explore how characters navigate these expectations, and how compliance and resistance coexist. Listener discretion is advised.

    29 min
See All (19)

About

Welcome to the meeting point between craft, theory and the lived experience.

Information

  • Creator
    Is This About Filmmaking
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Is This About Filmmaking
  • Show Website
    Is This About Filmmaking?