Spike Lee is bringing his visionary storytelling to the animation world. His latest project, an animated short film titled APART, is set to make its world premiere at this year’s Tribeca Festival. Set against the harrowing backdrop of South African apartheid, the film promises to be a moving exploration of innocence, fear, and human connection.
Co-written by Lee alongside Tim Jones, Jeff Leisawitz, and Lubabalo Mtati, APART follows the story of two young boys, Themba and Joel. Growing up amidst the brutal realities of apartheid, the two form a dangerous and unlikely friendship.
As the societal forces of hate and fear threaten to tear them apart, their bond is put to the ultimate test through a life-saving gesture. Through the eyes of these children, the film captures a fragile moment of innocence where empathy, understanding, and hope still manage to break through the darkness.
What makes APART even more compelling is the incredible roster of South African talent bringing it to life. Directed by internationally acclaimed visual artist Pola Maneli, the film is deeply rooted in South African history and culture.
To ensure the story looks and sounds as authentic as it feels, the production tapped some heavy hitters. Grammy-winning South African musician Black Coffee serves as the film’s Music Supervisor. Meanwhile, South African fashion designer, Laduma Ngxokolo, stepped in as wardrobe designer. Ngxokolo infused the characters’ clothing with rich cultural heritage, specifically utilizing his signature isiXhosa style to bring the animated cast to life.
For those heading to the Tribeca Festival this June, APART will be screening as part of a highly anticipated block: the Animated Shorts Curated by Whoopi Goldberg. Goldberg is actually marking a decade of curating animated short films for the festival this year. The world premiere is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th, at 2:30 pm.
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