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THE PEOPLE OF THE SUN

‘The People of the Sun' is an avant-garde short film that delves into the world of the San community. Blending documentary elements with narrative storytelling, it spotlights Ouma Katrina, the final guardian of the ancient N|uu language, alongside the evocative poetry of Siphokazi Jonas. Together, they underscore the significance of preserving indigenous cultures and languages.

  • Lucinda Ohlson
    Director
  • Tom Falck
    Creative Director
    'Bumped' (BBC Film), 'Jus+ Like Me', 'White' and 'What They Took'
  • Siphokazi Jonas
    Writer
    We Are Dying Here
  • Lauren Seymour
    Producer
  • Ouma Katrina
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Siphokazi Jonas
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Tom Falck
    Executive Producers
    'Bumped' (BBC Film), 'Jus+ Like Me', 'White' and 'What They Took'
  • Zayd Halim
    Executive Producers
  • Lauren Seymour
    Executive Producers
  • Adam Vinokur
    DOP
  • Ben Harrex
    Editor
  • Christopher Nicholas Bangs
    Original music and score
  • Raife Burchell
    Music Supervision
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short
  • Genres:
    docu, experimental, narrative
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 1 second
  • Completion Date:
    October 5, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Edmonton International Film Festival
    Edmonton
    Canada
    September 26, 2024
    North American
    Official Selection
  • British Urban Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    October 17, 2024
    UK
    Official Selection
  • Aesthetica Short Film festival
    York
    United Kingdom
    November 6, 2024
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Lucinda Ohlson

Lucinda Ohlson is a visionary film director and writer hailing from South Africa, known for her ability to bring high-concept stories to life through her unique imagination and passion for creativity. Her work is visually stunning, emotionally impactful and well-choreographed, establishing her as an influential force in the film industry. Lucinda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Medium, majoring in Directing and Writing from AFDA, where she honed her skills as a filmmaker. Her natural talent and dedication allowed her to work as a trainee director and researcher for global brands, where she received valuable mentorship.

Her passion for filmmaking and the arts began at the age of six when she first ventured into art, acting and writing. Since then, she has continuously developed her filmmaking skills and attributes, benefiting from a strong arts and performance background that enhances her directing abilities and enables her to execute stories with versatility.

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Director Statement

As a filmmaker, I am captivated by storytelling's ability to transport audiences to different places and times. Creating "The People of the Sun" was a journey celebrating cultural diversity, history, and South Africa's beauty.

Our film highlights the San community, bringing African storytelling to mainstream media. Working with Ouma Katrina, the last fluent N|uu speaker, was life-changing. She preserves the endangered N|uu language and advocates for justice despite economic challenges. She emphasized the importance of identity, culture, and language, reminding us of our shared human spirit.

The San people have faced marginalization, making their story significant. Narrator Siphokazi Jonas beautifully wove identity and unity into a poem, aiming to empower and inspire. Despite challenges, the San community embraces tradition and modernity, embodying courage and a connection with nature.

I believe every story can inspire, change, and heal. Through "The People of the Sun," I hope to showcase South Africa's heart and soul, fostering appreciation for our heritage and diversity. Our gratitude extends to the San community for sharing their lives. We hope our film inspires, educates, and unites audiences in the power of diversity, unity, and love.