Silvertown's James Matthews’ legacy comes alive in film adaptation of The Park
The film 'The Park' is based on the book by the late, pictured, James Matthews, a celebrated South African poet, author, and activist.
Image: Supplied
The enduring spirit of James Matthews, the world-renowned poet, author, publisher, and political activist, comes alive in the NFVF-SABC-supported film The Park.
Based on Mr Matthews’ beloved book of the same name, the film will be screened on television and streamed online on Saturday, January 10 at 10.30pm, bringing his legacy to a new generation, said Zelda Hintsa, communication manager of Bridgetown Theatre Company.
The Park tells the story of a twelve-year-old coloured boy in the 1960s who delivers ironing in Pinelands and catches sight of a municipal playground - off-limits under apartheid laws. One day, he steps inside, and through his eyes, the horrors of apartheid unfold.
Theo E. Davids, writer, producer, and director from Bridgetown, brought the late James Matthews’ book 'The Park' to life on screen.
Image: Supplied
Mr Matthews, who died on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 95, lived a life steeped in creativity and courage, she said.
Residing in Silvertown, Athlone, he published five books of poetry, a collection of short stories, a novel, and an anthology of poetry that he edited. Many of his works were among the first to be banned under apartheid but resonated far beyond South Africa, translated and published overseas, she said.
“His death marked the end of an era for Cape Town’s cultural landscape. Mr Matthews was more than a writer; he was an icon, a pioneering voice of resistance in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s,” Ms Hintsa said.
Actor Gary Gribble plays David in the movie 'The Park.'
Image: Supplied
The idea of adapting The Park to film came from writer, producer, and director Theo E. Davids, who collaborated with Mr Matthews following his participation in the SABC/NFVF/SEDIBA screenwriters and producers programme.
“I grew up knowing and seeing Mr Matthews in Athlone, donning his famous black Che Guevara-like beret and leather waistcoat, often clutching books or walking to libraries, schools, and the post office. Many a day, he could be found happily typing on his portable typewriter under the Mulberry tree in his garden,” Mr Davids said.
Mr Matthews was also a motivational speaker and facilitated free writing and poetry sessions at schools and creative institutions.
“I admired his work, values, and integrity. Filmmaking is not a one-man show - it is a collaboration. We are humbled that our collective talents and the power of the Almighty could bring Mr Matthews’ vision to fruition,” Mr Davids said.
Audiences can look forward to seeing Gary Gribble, Pam Bernado, Ernest Samuels, Melanie Reeves, Nomvula Nqinigane, and Leon Goliath bring their characters to life on screen.
Shot on 35mm with Arriflex cameras, the film involved the SABC, NFVF, Film Lab, Cinegate Afrika, Bridgetown Theatre Company, and residents from Athlone, Silvertown, Bridgetown, Garden Village, and Pinelands.
The film will have reruns from February to March, with specific dates and times to be confirmed.
The Park will screen on DSTV Channel 263, FreeVision Channel 331, the FreeVision mobile app, FreeVisionPlay.co.za, and Cape Town TV.