Director Phumi Morare was seeking a subject for a thesis project and she recalled her mother’s story years ago on apartheid. Thus, Morare proceeded to produce the short film When the Sun Sets based on the story of her mother saving her brother during the unrest.

Here is the synopsis of When the Sun Sets short film:

A young, Black nurse in 1985 apartheid South Africa must face her worst fears when she learns that her activist, younger brother may be in danger when he doesn’t return after school. Inspired by a true story.

The film also known as Lakutshon’ Ilanga played at international film festivals, including Telluride Film Festival, Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival, and the American Black Film Festival. It won a gold medal at the 2021 Student Academy Awards, won the 2021 HBO Short Film Competition at the 2021 American Black Film Festival, and was a nominee with the 2021 Student BAFTA Award.

The song that opens and closes the film is titled “When the Sun Sets” by Miriam Makeba. The poetic song is about someone waiting and searching for a loved one who’s disappeared during apartheid and never comes home.

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LRM Online’s Gig Patta spoke with Phumi Morare on her short film by retelling her mother’s story and apartheid. Also, she talked about creating the period piece, including using an armored vehicle for authenticity in her short film.

Morare’s upcoming project Why The Cattle Wait was selected for the 2021 Berlinale Talents Durban program and the 2021 Tribeca Chanel Through Her Lens Women’s Filmmaker Program.

When the Sun Sets is shortlisted for the 2022 Academy Award in the Live Action Short Film category.

Watch the exclusive interview with director Phumi Morare below. Let us know what you think of the interview.

Source: LRM Online Exclusive