Experiencing Interruptions?

The Reconciliation Bridge

A South African documentary that that follows two friends one being a Zulu black man and the other being an Afrikaaner white man. The film follows the two man as they 5race the historic interactions between their respective tribes, and how that has contributed to current racial tensions. The aim is to understand their history together and start a conversation on how to move on from the tensions and relate on a human level, regardless of race.

  • Zwelibanzi Sibiya
    Director
    Mkabayi kaJama, OR Tambo Light at the end of the tunnel, Welcome to Johannesburg, My next ex-wife
  • Refilwe Sibiya
    Writer
    uMalume, Mkabayi kaJama & Interrogation Room
  • Refilwe Sibiya
    Producer
    Interrogation Room
  • Richardt Nel
    Producer
  • Zwelibanzi Sibiya
    Producer
  • Richardt Nel
    Key Cast
  • Zwelibanzi Sibiya
    Key Cast
  • Nhlakanipho Ntsuntsha
    Director of Photography
  • Refilwe Sibiya
    producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    60 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 30, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    35,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    Afrikaans, English, Zulu
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Reconciliation Day Commemoration 2021
    Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal
    South Africa
    National Premier
    Official selection
Distribution Information
  • Not yet applicable
    Rights: All Rights
    Country: Worldwide
Director Biography - Zwelibanzi Sibiya

ZWELIBANZI SIBIYA
PROFILE
Zwelibanzi Sibiya is a BA Dramatic Arts graduate with honors from the University of Witwatersrand. It was during his years at Wits Drama School where he honed and polished his writing and directing skills.
While working for Wits Writing Centre as a Senor consultant he wrote and directed “Welcome to Johannesburg” which became part of the State Theatre’s 52 Seasons. During his student days at Wits University he was also the university’s praise poet, a skill that earned him an invitation to long time associate of Terry Furlong, Dr Nelson Mandela, whom he had the honors of singing praises to.
He had his poem ‘The Light’ translated into Gikuyu language of Kenya by professor Ngugi waThiongo. This was followed by an invite by Ngugi to perform in honor of Kamau Edward Braithwaite in United States of America. He later directed his production of ‘The Mysteries of a Praise-singer’ in London’s Diarama Art in the United Kingdom.
In 2001 Zwelibanzi was awarded a certificate of First Class in Directing and a Certificate of Merit in Performance Studies by the University of Witwatersrand. He went on to be Assistant Director for the Opera Carmen, where he worked all side Artistic Director Mark Donford-may at Spier Festival in 2001.
In 2004 he worked as Trainee Director in the Hollywood blockbuster film Hotel Rwanda, where he also appeared as one of the Rwandan Army Generals. In the same year he worked for Urban Brew Studios as producer for the shows ‘big Time, Blue Couch and It’s for life’ under the watchful eye of renowned Television Producer Harry Hofmeyer.
Zwelibanzi got the opportunity to be part of E-TV Backstage’s writing team under one of South Africa’s top producers and director Deon Opperman. He is also a published author for a series called “Art and Culture for all’’ by Macmillan Publishers.
In 2011 he wrote and directed the stage play ‘Mkabayi kaJama the Zulu Museum’, which had its debut at the Windybrow Theatre in Johannesburg. He worked with the likes of Baby Cele, Sphiwe Nkosi and Sabelo Makhubu. It also played at the Springs Civic Theatre. The Show performed on the biggest stage in South African theatre, the South African State Theatre in 2012. The play is also available is book for a published by Macmillan Publishers.

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Director Statement

We tell our stories through film, music and art....it is the best way to preserve them and encapsulate them for future generations.