Writer: Melody Chironda

We always rush to crowd cinemas just to catch a glimpse of  the latest Hollywood blockbusters, but lately there is a crop of homegrown flicks making it BIG telling our stories we had to point them out.

Set in Kwa-Zulu Natal in 1988, Otelo Burning tells the story of three township youngsters who discover the freedom of surfing despite being surrounded by the violence and mayhem of the apartheid era. The movie takes us into the lives of Otelo, his 11-year-old brother, Ntwe, and his best friend, New Year. Otelo learns how to swim at the local municipal swimming pool, a step which leads him closer to conquering the waves on a surfboard. In the midst of romance and rivalry, tragedy compels Otelo to make a choice between fame, money and girls on the one hand, and justice (or revenge) on the other. Intriguing an well worth watching.

Drama: 72 mins
Rating: 4 out of 5/PG 13
Release date: 11 May 2012