Durban filmmaker lands DIFF premiere
Glenmore dad and internationally acclaimed film maker Junaid Ahmed's feature film Hard to Get will open the Durban International Film Festival.
DURBAN father and filmmaker, Junaid Ahmed may have received a great deal of international accolades for his documentaries, short films and feature films in the past, but having his latest film, Hard to Get open the Durban International Film Festival has been overwhelming.
Ahmed cannot wait for the Durban audience to see the movie and said, “I am hoping they leave the theatre feeling proud of South African film industry and that the movie instills audience confidence in South African films.”
Hard to Get is Ahmed’s first commercial film, the filmmaker was usually known for his socio-political storylines. Hard to Get is about two young South Africans who come from rural life to seek their fortune in the big city life of Johannesburg.
“Things don’t go well and the two become easily vulnerable to a criminal warlord and have to learn to trust, love and fight on so many levels to survive.
The message may seem simple, but the complexity is woven into the journey that the two make and addresses issues in a way the audience can relate to,” he added.
What makes the film a winner, according to Ahmed, is its extraordinary performance by the cast, cinematography and music.
“These elements combine to make it a really good film to watch!” He said his co-producer veteran South African producer Helena Spring has also brought her expertise and energy to make the production a good feature film.
The sports fanatic, can be found watching sport and following the World Cup matches passionately and reading voraciously when he has some limited spare time.
The worldly filmmaker has filmed all over the world but is proud to call Durban his home.
“I love Durban and am a passionate Durbanite, so despite working in many cities, this is home and the best place to be.”
