The Gooseberry Grandmother’s Daughter
Title: The Gooseberry Grandmother’s Daughter
Directed by
Julie Laurenz
Country: South Africa
Duration: 24 mins
SYNOPSIS
Malungelo didn’t always get on with her mother. But when Mam’Fikile was brutally gunned down, her daughter is determined to find out why she was killed. To her surprise she discovers a hero who stood up against a corporate giant.
In October 2020, Malungelo ’s world came crashing down. Her mother, a tough but big-hearted woman with a bellowing singing voice was murdered. She was shot 6 times as she enjoyed afternoon tea at her kitchen table. Malungelo’s son, 13-year-old Buyile witnessed the murder. As is customary, when a visitor arrives at a Zulu homestead, the children can be asked to restrain the family dogs. Buyile and a friend were playing in the front yard when 3 strangers came to the house. As instructed by the men, the youngsters held the growling dogs back so the trio could greet Mam’Fikile inside. But, within minutes of entering the home, the assassins opened fire. What could the 63-year-old grandmother possibly have done to warrant such a violent death? Malungelo believes it is because she refused to move off her land to make way for a coalmine.
Mam’Fikile had a voice, and she used it.
Directors’ Bio
Julie Laurenz
The filmmaker is from KwaZulu Natal on the east coast of South Africa, where the documentary is set. A former investigative journalist she produced a number of television news features between 2014 and 2020 on the damaging effects of mining felt by communities living next door to these coal mines. She build trust not only with the women who are activists in the community, but those working tirelessly with them.
Director's Statement
Julie Laurenz s a producer, filmmaker, journalist & writer. She has covered a wide spectrum of subject matter; from human interest to human rights, corruption and consumer fraud, education & health issues, lifestyle and conservation & wildlife documentaries. Her work is characterized by strong characters who lead the narrative and she tells sensitive and deeply personal stories with empathy while still maintaining an objective eye. She has produced for top South African & international television shows , series and documentary strands. More recently Julie has applied her skills to the development of original television series formats for the UK, Canadian and European markets.
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