GHOST DIAMOND

SHORT FILM (2016)

"Ghost Diamond" is a film by Chris Saunders and UK based musician Okzharp (Gervase Gordon). The film was crafted over the last two years and received support from the SA-UK Seasons 2014 & 2015, a partnership between the Department of Arts and Culture in South Africa and the British Council.

In "Ghost Diamond," a young woman embarks on a journey to the heart of a burgeoning African metropolis. There, she discovers a jewel amidst the dust and receives a book from a stranger. Inspired by this encounter, she is compelled to find a purpose for her newfound possession and the knowledge it contains. As she navigates the cold city's twists and turns, figures, objects, and places from her past reappear. Can she unearth hope in this time and place?

The film interweaves specific Zulu and Japanese mythologies through elements of its storyline, visual style, and Manthe Ribane's mesmerizing dance performance. It delves into the emotional landscape of the modern hyper-connected African city, where new international dialogues are taking shape. "Ghost Diamond" itself emerged from such a collaboration, with Okzharp's previous South African tours alongside Zaki Ibrahim and Okmalumkoolkat under the British Council's Connect ZA project paving the way. This collaboration led to Chris Saunders directing short films for Okzharp's previous group, LV, and Okmalumkoolkat, both on Hyperdub. "Ghost Diamond" represents the latest installment in this audiovisual partnership.

The film was shot on location in and around Johannesburg, with editing taking place in Cape Town. The soundtrack, a collaborative effort between Okzharp, Manthe Ribane, Zaki Ibrahim, and Petite Noir, was composed and recorded at various South African locations, including a security bunker in the Cape Flats, Red Bull Studios in Cape Town, and a cavernous ex-marshmallow factory in Maboneng, Johannesburg. The final mix for the picture was completed at The Crush in London by Okzharp, alongside UK mixing engineer Dil Harris. Some of the music will be released later this year.

Directed and Produced by: CHRIS SAUNDERS
Written & Produced by: OKZHARP

Director of Photography, Editor, Grade & Online Composting: DEON VAN ZYL
Graphics and Animation: OPTIGRAM

Performers: MANTHE RIBANE, BHUBESSI AKA KHAYA SIBIYA, JAMAL NXEDLANA, ZAKI IBRAHIM, TEBOGO RIBANE, KAY KAY RIBANE
Choreographer: MANTHE RIBANE

Styling and Wardrobe: JAMAL NXEDLANA & MANTHE RIBANE
Hair, Makeup, Styling, Production Design: ZAKI IBRAHIM & MANTHE RIBANE
Security: BAD BOYZ OF HILLBROW, JHB

Original soundtrack: OKZHARP featuring MANTHE RIBANE, ZAKI IBRAHIM, PETITE NOIR

Thanks to Tiffany Mentoor (NFVF / SA-UK Season Liaison), Marcus & Steve (Hyperdub), Richard & Jake (Red Bull Studios Cape Town), Zaki & Yannick, Smiso & Zamani (Dirty Paraffin), Mkay, Justin McGee, Jacques de Jager, Freddy & Neo (Bad Boyz),

This project has been supported by the SA-UK Seasons 2014 & 2015, a partnership between the Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa and the British Council.