Reflective Encounters

“Before a single word of dialogue is uttered, Lindiwe Makgalemele deftly establishes the setting of The Town, capturing the stifling heat, isolation and innocence with long sparse shots that deliberately linger. Long hazy shots introduce the young protagonist Lesedi, as she makes her own fun taunting motorists as they zip past her sleepy roadside home.

Four women of colour tell this story - the film’s three characters along with director Makgalemele - and the importance of that should not go unnoticed. The Town explores the Westernising influence on South African storytelling. By taking a common occurrence from her own youth and exploring it on screen, Makgalemele shares a story inspired by her home culture with a predominantly Western audience. In doing so, the film implores audiences to consider themes of colonization and the generational effect it has on communities as well as cultural identity. This film is beautifully constructed, with easily likable characters, but The Town’s true importance lies in its ability to encourage viewers to reflect on who tells whose stories and for whom: a prime example of why diverse representation is vital in cinema.”

— Vithiya Murugadas