by Dan Bloom
Filmmakers Jann Turner, Kenneth Nkosi and Rapulana Seiphimo are the co-founders of ‘Stepping Stone Productions,’ and their debut feature is titled ‘White Wedding.’ Already a hit in South Africa, the film follows a funny and lighthearted plot but reveals uncomfortable truths about today’s South Africa along the way.
Jann Turner’s father Rick Turner was an anti-apartheid activist and professor. He was ‘banned’ by the Apartheid government in 1973, which prevented him from working, traveling or meeting with more than one person at any given time. In 1978, Rick Turner was assassinated by still unidentified gunmen. After splitting with Rick and his subsequent death, Jann Turner’s mother Barbara returned to England, married novelist Ken Follett (who executive produced ‘White Wedding’) and became a Member of Parliament in the Labour party. Barbara Follett’s website, here.
‘Stepping Stone Productions’ is comprised of two black actors from Soweto and a white director whose father died for the struggle against Apartheid. The symbolism of their union if profound, but at the end of the day, they’ll be happy if audiences who see ‘White Wedding’ have some laughs and enjoy a cinematic journey to South Africa.
‘White Wedding’ opens on September 3 in New York and Los Angeles, visit WhiteWeddingMovie.com for a complete list of showtimes.
Jann Turner’s website
White Wedding film website
Barbara Follett’s website