Entrepreneurial filmmaker and storyteller Charlie Vundla’s film “Hotele Lerallaneng” Premieres at 50^th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)

Entrepreneurial filmmaker and storyteller Charlie Vundla’s latest film HOTELE LERALLANENG has landed him an Official Selection invitation to the 50^th edition of the INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM (IFFR). HOTELE LERALLANENG is the only South African Feature Film in this year’s festival. The prestigious event takes place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands 2 June - 6 June 2021 and marks the film’s world premiere.

Set in this unprecedented season of shutdowns and inertia, HOTELE LERALLANENG is an introspective drama that goes in search of the most authentic expression of the deepest feelings and uncertainties.  With his keen eye for detail, honest characterisation and riveting storylines, Vundla skilfully draws the viewer into the lives of a group of young artists as they struggle with personal demons and questions of creativity, family and life in this new reality, while waiting out the pandemic in a beautiful hotel high in the Melville Koppies.

The film stars Moopi Mothibeli and Zethu Dlomo-Mphahlele, as well as Zoe Mthiyane, Celeste Khumalo, Cameron Scott and Buntu Petse.

“This is an amazing validation of my film and our talented cast and crew,” says Vundla of the invitation.

“HOTELE LERALLANENG is more than a film, it is a testament to the human spirit and a reflection on this time of stagnation. We were able to turn the lens inwards, try something different and authentically portray the lives of Black South African artists in a way that is not usually seen on screen”, he continued.

This is the third film Vundla has written and directed. His first, How to Steal 2 Million (2011), which starred Rapulana Seiphemo, Terry Pheto and the late Menzi Ngubane was met with critical acclaim and box office success. It won four Africa Movie Academy Awards including Best Film and Best Director and was an Official Selection at the Seattle International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest and the Pan African Film Festival where it was nominated for a Jury Award. His second film, Cuckold (AKA The Tribe), premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2015 and met with success at the Chicago International Film Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival where it was nominated for a Jury Award,  and the Africa International Film Festival where it won the Best Actor Award.

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Charlie Vundla and Hotele Lerallaneng – www.charlievundla.com

For Media Queries and additional info contact JT Comms on 011 788 7632 or email media@jtcomms.co.za

Note to Editor

Click here For Hotele on set pics

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About Rotterdam Festival Fact Sheet – Hotele Lerallaneng

• Charlie Vundla’s third film as writer/director Hotele Lerallaneng is the only South African feature film invited to premiere as an Official Selection at the 50^th International Film Festival Rotterdam. It is premiering in the non-competitive Harbour section of the festival, “Echoing Rotterdam’s port city identity, IFFR’s newest programme offers a safe haven to the full range of contemporary cinema that the festival champions.”
• The June section of the festival which runs from June 2-to-6 will be a “hybrid” event. Films will be streamed on-line for a fee at IFFR.com for viewers in the Netherlands only. While accredited film professionals from around the world can stream via Festival Scope Pro. Should the Dutch government allow, films will also be screened in cinemas with a limited capacity.
• IFFR’s Vision Statement: International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) offers a high quality line-up of carefully selected fiction and documentary feature films, short films and media art. The festival's focus is on recent work by talented new filmmakers. We represent the strength and impact of independent filmmaking.