Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Acting Head of Department in the Faculty of Arts and Design’s Video Technology department, Lance Lütge is elated at the news that their documentary titled, Maskanda and the Professor will be screened at The African Film Festival (TAFF) in Dallas, Texas in the United States of America later this year.

The TAFF is a non-profit organisation that was founded by Kelechi Eke which aims to celebrate and teach African culture through motion pictures, arts and storytelling. TAFF serves as a Dallas film premier and art exhibition opportunity for all the independent filmmakers and artists.

The documentary which is funded by the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) will be screened during the festival which will take place from 1 to 3 June 2023. It is a collaborative project between the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Durban University of Technology and the University of Zululand.

University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN’s) Dr Kathryn Olsen and Lütge gave a full-length about the feature documentary.

“The Documentary is filmed in both English and isiZulu and delves into the relationship between spiritual beliefs and maskandi music in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Through a carefully crafted investigation grounded in lived experience we investigate some of the foundational principles concerning perceptions of reality that inform and direct people’s lives. The documentary makes apparent the intertwined relationship between people’s beliefs and their actions,” they said.

Maskanda and the Professor’s central character is Thulani Nkwanyana who is a traditional healer popularly known as Professor 3 seconds.
Prof 3 Seconds is widely recognised across South Africa and in neighboring countries as a key figure in the realm of spiritual healing. Prof 3 Seconds is also actively involved with local music as he supports, mentors and creates performing opportunities for musicians.

Pictured: DUT Video Technology’s Lance Lütge. Image by Thembi Mthembu.

Sthembile Ndlovu