A special 15% discount code for the Alison shop is available to all SAMDB newsletter readers. Simply use the “samdb” discount code when paying.
It takes a special stretch of the imagination, a positive attitude infused with hope and a definite dusting of magic to turn one of the most horrific true stories to ever play out in South Africa into a contemporary fairy tale. Uga Carlini, writer and director of the hybrid feature film ALISON, drew her inspiration from the courage and strength of her subject, Alison Botha, who suffered a brutal attack but survived and became her own hero. Uga insisted on telling Alison’s story in a way that will offer people hope and jolt people into action. And now her vision is being widely recognized and rewarded.
In 2017, ALISON received 5 SAFTA Nominations – one in every category possible for a documentary feature film. The nominations came in the categories Best Documentary Feature, Cinematography, Sound Design and Directing and Editing. The film also won an African Magic Viewer’s Choice Award for Best Documentary at the AMVCA’s in Lagos. This comes shortly after Uga was awarded the Writers’ Guild of South Africa Muse Award for Best Documentary Screenplay. The Muse Awards celebrate the work of performance writers and the awards are judged by peers – it is the writing community honoring the work of fellow writers. The SAFTAs will take place from 16 – 18 March – here’s hoping there’s more of this magical winning streak of local and international awards in store for the team behind ALISON.
ALISON is a story of monsters, miracles and hope. It was inspired by Alison’s best-selling book, I Have Life, and this is the first time Alison has ever allowed cameras into her home to document her story. The film has done the rounds at local and international film festivals, amongst others showing at Dances with Films, the first ever South African film to be selected for this festival, and a screening on the Hollywood Strip.
If you haven’t seen ALISON yet, you can buy the DVD from the online store (www.ecwid.com/store/alisonthemovie ). Alison’s book, I Have Life, is also available for purchase in the online store, and now includes two new chapters: A catch-up with Alison, and a chapter by Uga Carlini about the film. This special edition book is signed by the director and includes a limited edition bookmark.
Those living outside of South Africa can watch ALISON on Vimeo On Demand (vimeo.com/ondemand/alison).
A Towerkop Creations production in association with kykNET Films, the NFVF, the DTI & Waterfront Film Studios.
Directed and produced by Uga Carlini.
Starring Alison as herself and Christia Visser as Young Alison.
Read the full SAMDB review of Alison.
