Director

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  라라-얀 드 웨트Lara-Ann de Wet

  Alive & Kicking: The Soccer Grannies of South Africa (2016) South African born and raised, I wanted to make a film that celebrates the spirit of African women as often they are the unsung heroes of a flawed society. Upon discovering the story of Beka and the grannies and witnessing their warmth and resilience it quickly became apparent that I had found the definitive group of women to champion this very notion.Alive & Kicking is 20 minute social documentary that serves not only to capture the struggles of many South Africans but through the game of soccer is as a testament to the vibrant and enduring nature of the elderly women of South Africa.The film is also an extension of my Masters in International Business whereby I did my dissertation on Social Entrepreneurship in South Africa and its economic & social importance in aiding and alleviating social ills. With high unemployment, a high murder rate and widespread AIDS South Africa has the highest death rate in the world. The elderly in most African societies are a vulnerable group as a result of a lifetime of hardship, malnutrition, poverty and a high susceptibility to chronic diseases.The story of the soccer grannies is an enlightening example of a grassroots movement whereby an unsuspecting group of grandmothers take on the game of soccer to emotionally & physically empower themselves. In doing so they triumphantly bring about an infectious joy to all and a colourful cause for celebration.​