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IOL News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
‘Womxn: Working' shed light on the struggles of South African sex workers
Womxn: Working - A powerful documentary on sex work activism in South Africa Image: Armand Hough/Independent Media A new documentary, 'Womxn: Working,' making its world premiere at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, sheds urgent light on the ongoing struggle of sex workers in South Africa. Directed by Shanelle Jewnarain and produced by Tiny Mungwe and Mitchell Harper, the film chronicles a journey of activism spanning a decade of activism, resilience, and relentless advocacy for decriminalisation and justice. The film, made possible by NFVF and KwaZulu-Natal Film and Tourism Authority, set against the backdrop of South Africa's alarming femicide crisis, 'Womxn: Working' follows the lives of prominent sex work activists such as Nosipho Vidima, Dudu Dlamini, Constance Mathe, and the late Ruvimbo Tenga. According to Sharlene Versfeld from Versfeld & Associates, these women are fighting in courtrooms and Parliament, leading protests, organising vigils, and supporting their communities from the ground up. 'Their stories are a testament to the courage and leadership of those fighting for their rights amidst systemic violence and societal stigma.' Filmed over ten years, the documentary exemplifies a collaborative approach rooted in the principles of 'Nothing about us, without us,' working closely with activist groups like SWEAT and Sisonke. Versveld stated that this partnership ensures that the voices of sex workers remain at the heart of the narrative, challenging stereotypes and highlighting their agency. 'The film explores key milestones in South Africa's sex workers' rights movement, including efforts to influence policy through the Asijiki Coalition, a coalition uniting trade unions, legal experts, gender rights organisations, and political allies. 'Their advocacy has led to calls for the long-awaited report from the Law Reform Commission on the legal status of sex work, igniting national debates and community engagement.' In addition, 'Womxn: Working' revisits campaigns like 'Say Her Name' and the legal case involving artist Zwelethu Mthethwa's prosecution for the murder of a sex worker, illustrating the ongoing fight for justice and recognition. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Our film shows sex workers as they've rarely been seen,' said director Shanelle Jewnarain. 'Not as subjects of pity, but as organisers, mothers, leaders, and fighters. I hope it disrupts stereotypes, prompts reflection, and challenges viewers to interrogate the systems that criminalise and punish women for survival while enabling the violence they endure. 'Through it all, these women find strength in solidarity, balancing activism with care work for their families and communities.' Producer Tiny Mungwe emphasised the importance of centering Black women's voices in the documentary, describing it as a deeply personal and communal journey. 'We have tried to push back stereotypes and focus on Black Womxn, who are often silenced. The film explores the polarising debate surrounding sex work in South Africa, where discussions tend to focus on morality rather than women's autonomy over their bodies.' SWEAT spokesperson Megan Lessing highlighted the broader significance of the film. 'This documentary honours the courage, resilience, and leadership of sex workers who have fought relentlessly for their rights, safety, and dignity. 'It's a story from the frontlines-led by sex workers themselves. We hope audiences understand that decriminalisation is not just policy reform; it's about recognising humanity and protecting the lives of sex workers.' 'Womxn: Working' will be screened at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town on Saturday, June 21, at 4:30 PM, with further screenings scheduled in Johannesburg. IOL Politics
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
South African doccie about sex workers showing at Cannes film festival
The 67-minute documentary focuses on activists who have conducted a decade-long fight to reform discriminatory laws. Womxn: Working, a documentary that tells the story of a group of fearless South African sex worker activists, is showing at the Cannes Film Festival in France. 'This documentary is not just a film, it is a powerful advocacy tool that amplifies the voices of sex workers and champions the fight for decriminalisation in South Africa,' the film's producer, Tiny Mungwe, said before flying out to France. The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicked off on May 13 and ends on Saturday, May 24. ALSO READ: Denzel Washington 'blessed beyond measure' after surprise tribute at Cannes Film Festival Womxn: Working The 67-minute documentary zooms in on activists who have conducted a decade-long fight to reform discriminatory laws while working to protect the dignity of sex workers in South Africa, which is still grappling with HIV and gender-based violence. The film, which will soon be screened in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, as well as to lawmakers and politicians, is expected to raise awareness by educating and engaging the public. It is also expected to shift perceptions and build wider support. Mungwe is in the French Riviera to lobby and build relationships with global decision-makers and distributors to get her latest projects onto the international film circuit. ALSO READ: Trump's film tantrum: Brandon Auret calls on Gayton McKenzie to invest in local films Support from the province Womxn: Working was produced in Durban and is financed by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), which has also sent two KZNTAFA representatives to Cannes with Mungwe. For more than a decade, the KZN Film Commission – now known as the KZN Tourism and Film Authority – has participated in Cannes. Each year, the KZN delegation, comprising filmmakers, officials and emerging producers, has used the festival as a springboard to build international networks, pitch co-production projects and attract foreign investment. The Commission has hosted networking events, participated in panel discussions, and partnered with national bodies such as the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) to present a unified South African presence. Acting CEO of KZN Tourism and Film Sibusiso Gumbi said consistent participation has elevated the province's global profile and led to direct economic benefits 'including location shoots in KZN by international productions and strengthened bilateral relations with foreign film commissions and skills exchange programmes for emerging filmmakers'. Earlier this month US President Donald Trump proposed a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced content shown in the US. If implemented, it would apply to locally made films, potentially even productions filmed in Mzansi locations such as KZN and series sold to the US. The Womxn: Working team believes that the documentary will position KZN as a beacon of innovation and advocacy in the film industry. Mungwe added that she had two feature films in development and had strong leads for them at Cannes. ''We also have an artist residency called Ehoin Retreat in which we run labs for the film industry. So, we took meetings with potential partners while at Cannes, proving that this is a phenomenal platform for filmmakers to attend and build solid partnerships.' NOW READ: Tom Cruise has world guessing as he unleashes 'Mission: Impossible' at Cannes
