Indlala

An account on the efforts of an organisation to provide help to people in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This intriguing short documentary was filmed primarily using mobile phones and includes archive footage. Basically, the film shows how a group of samaritans worked very hard to assist people in Plastic City and Brakpan Town, when the pandemic arrived and the lockdown followed.

A great deal of the film involves Waner filming with her phone, usually looking into the camera and explaining the situation, what she and her colleagues are up to and what they plan to do next. Her footage contains a lot of South African people, particularly children being assisted. There is also news footage about the pandemic and the consequences of the lockdown, which is causing hunger. The documentary effectively reveals how individuals came together in order to help others in need.

Watching this is emotional and inspiring. It reveals the awful conditions that the residents of those areas have to live in, the poverty that surrounds them and it is moving observing others as they provide them with food, water and masks. Considerable emphasis is placed on the children and it is heartbreaking seeing the conditions they live in and it is hearwarming watching them receive valuable assistance and being entertained.

Waner also edited the film and utilises split screen techniques to great effect and there is a lot of fast motion going on, which makes the viewing more interesting. The soundtrack contains some amusing music and beautiful chorus.

Although this documentary is about underprivileged individuals in underprivileged areas receiving valuable help, there is actually more to it. 'Indlala' means 'hunger' in Zulu and the film points out that lack of food is a 'pandemic' that has been present in certain parts of the world since way before COVID-19. The film raises awareness of problems regarding famine and poverty and also shows how helpful and supportive people can be towards those who live harsh lives.