Sandulela Asanda’s Award-Winning “Black Burns Fast” Now Streaming on Amazon Prime
After captivating audiences on the local cinema circuit, Sandulela Asanda’s vibrant award-winning debut feature is now streaming on Amazon Prime worldwide. Its local premiere at Nu Metro Hyde Park brought together the who’s who of South Africa’s queer community, alongside filmmakers, actors, creatives and industry leaders, marking a significant moment for a film that places Black queer girlhood, joy and self-discovery at the centre of its story.
The much-anticipated local cinema release of the film did not disappoint and became an instant hit with cinema audiences, particularly Black women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The response has been particularly meaningful from audiences who have rarely seen themselves represented in stories of young love and adolescence.
Black Burns Fast promo poster | SUPPLIED
Queer activist and filmmaker Bev Distie reflected on the film saying, “I would have loved to see this when I was in high school because we did not get enough representation of films like this. We didn’t get to see ourselves on screen, especially in the context of young love.”
For Sandulela Asanda who has screened Black Burns Fast at more than 30 festivals internationally, this response speaks directly to the reason the film was made in the first place, to create the kind of representation she wished she had encountered growing up.
“The continued opportunity to reach audiences is meaningful. It also highlights the importance of supporting South African films, not only through box-office numbers, but by showing up, engaging with the work and giving local stories the opportunity to find their audiences.”
Director Sandulela Asanda | SUPPLIED
In addition to a theatrical release, Black Burns Fast held independent screenings and masterclasses with organisations such as Girls In Film, Pride, SAE Pretoria and, due to demand, continues to screen at The Bioscope in Johannesburg.
The film’s local release also saw Asanda emerge as one of the country’s most exciting new filmmaking voices. Sunday Times Lifestyle spotlighted her as a disruptive “New Talent on Fire.”
“While this school is set in a girl school in South Africa we have already seen how it resonates with international audiences, we are excited that an even wider audience will be able to see it through Amazon Prime,” says Asanda.