Backdrop preview Tokoloshe backdrop
Tokoloshe

Tokoloshe (2010)

Nov 11, 2010 13m Documentary

Back in June, we invited South African rave-rap crew Die Antwoord to play their first show in New York City. They are one of our favorite bands and their performance that day was one of the most hectic, intense and amazing shows we had seen in a long time. While we were hanging out with them here, Ninja and Yo-Landi kept talking about a little monster called Tokoloshe, the most feared of all African demons. Ninja told us about how when he was growing up, his nanny would use a stack of bricks to raise her bed up, just to keep the Tokoloshe away at night. It turns out this is a fairly common practice among women in South Africa since this hairy, pot-bellied dwarf, unlike your typical Western boogiemonsters, is believed to have a penis the size of a horse’s and a penchant for sneaking into people’s bedrooms and raping them.

Directed by Bernardo Loyola

Cast

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Ninja
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Ninja

as Himself

Yo-Landi Visser
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Yo-Landi Visser

as Herself

Crew

Director
  • Bernardo Loyola
Producer
  • Brendan Fitzgerald

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Thematic Analysis

Tokoloshe represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Bernardo Loyola brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2010, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Tokoloshe took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 13 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 33 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 2010, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: November 11, 2010
  • Runtime: 13m

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