PIETERMARITZBURG choirs, dance crews and young filmmakers are wanted for a film to be shot in the city. Vuka Solomon, which is being made by Vudubox Media and Mobile Stage Promotions Africa, is the third project to be done in the city.

In June the two companies released the film Ubuntu and Anger, written and directed by Cuba Ikaneng, who has worked on the television shows Gospel Time, Take 5, BigUp, The Chatroom and several films for e.tv’s eKasi Stories.

Ikaneng says his project aims to enhance the profile of the arts in Maritzburg. “We want to give back and to expand the film industry … we want to incubate the talent here and see how far we can take it,” Ikaneng said.

“We don’t want film to be limited to big cities like Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, but want to create and grow the industry in smaller towns and cities.”

Speaking about Vuka Solomon he says: “It picks up where Ubuntu and Anger left off in terms of development and artist promotion. We aim to involve more participants, both as actors and behind the scenes. We would also like to cover more locations and landmarks that will promote the district and its municipalities as a viable film location.”

Ikaneng said his team were keen to use choral singers and dancers in the film and to work with young filmmakers.

“The filmmakers would be doing an internship with us,” he added, “but we don’t want just anyone. We want people who have previously done a short film as we would like to build something with them.”

Filming on Vuka Solomon will start on September 4 and will last until September 13. Asked what the film was about, Ikaneng said it was a “story about honesty in the face of hardship and disappointment”, adding: “The main character of the film is unemployed and believes he has a talent that will take him out of his situation.”

Vuka Solomon will be screened at cinemas, colleges, churches and in community halls.

• Those wishing to participate in Vuka ­Solomon should phone 079 755 2254, e-mail vuduboxmedia@gmail.com or visit the website http://www.vuduboxmedia.co.za.