Exclusive Screening at the Russian Film Festival in Cape Town
A Night of Firsts
Date: March 9, 2025
Venue: Cine Centre, GrandWest Casino, Cape Town
Time: 6:00 PM
Mark your calendars for an electrifying evening of cinematic adventure at the exclusive South African screening of Spelonk—a genre-defying, post-apocalyptic thriller set in the heart of a dystopian Cape Town. This is South African cinema on a bold new scale, and we want you to be part of this unforgettable moment!
Why Spelonk Matters
Spelonk plunges viewers into a world undone by greed and carelessness—a vision that resonates powerfully in our own times of global unrest and environmental uncertainty. Originally inspired by an old Afrikaans legend, the film reimagines local folklore in a steampunk, futuristic landscape. It asks urgent questions:
What happens when water becomes the most precious currency on Earth?
How do people survive—and who decides who gets to live or die?
For director Desmond Denton, Spelonk is more than just a movie; it’s a testament to the power of South African storytelling and an invitation to look deeply into our own future.
A Visionary Cast
Prepare to be captivated by a line-up of talented actors who have left their mark both locally and abroad:
Greg Kriek (Die Hart 2, The Serengeti Rules) – an internationally celebrated actor with over 95 global screen credits.
Jenny Umbhau (Warrior, Raised by Wolves, Wednesday) – recognized for her commanding presence in some of the biggest streaming hits.
Scot Cooper (Homeland, Maze Runner: The Death Cure) – known for his versatility on both film and television.
Abduragman Adams (Barakat, Noem My Skollie) – a mainstay of South African cinema and an award-winning performer.
Eric Uys (Black Sails, The Salvation) – a dynamic actor with a flair for intense, physically demanding roles.
Supported by Bernadette Beyers and a host of top-tier stunt specialists, each performance in Spelonk brings you one step deeper into an otherworldly Cape Town scarred by drought, desperation, and hope.
A Gritty, Steampunk Sci-Fi Thriller
In Spelonk, the beauty of the Mother City has been transformed into a stark wasteland. Tribes and clans vie for survival in a futuristic world where water is scarce, and everything—even hope—is for sale. Enter Dante, a once-loyal military commander haunted by his past. As factions clash for control of the last drops of water, Dante’s path collides with the “Cape Rebels,” forcing him to confront the very ideals he once served.
From adrenaline-pumping chases to underground hideouts, every frame brims with custom-crafted costumes, inventive weapons, and an unflinching look at humanity’s fragile moral compass.
The Man Behind the Vision: Desmond Denton
Raised in Bellville, Desmond found his love for storytelling early on, crafting homemade films with a videotape recorder and immersing himself in local art programs at Totius Primary, DF Malan High, and Tygerberg Art Centre. Guided by the city’s diverse cultures, he honed his storytelling craft at AFDA Film University and later pursued postgraduate degrees in Communication Science and Psychology.
Spelonk is the culmination of Desmond’s lifelong passion for exploring the human condition under extreme circumstances. Drawing inspiration from Cape Town’s own “Day Zero” water crisis, he fuses rich folklore with gritty realism, creating a film that both entertains and challenges viewers to reflect on the fragility of modern life.
Critical Acclaim & Global Reception
Even before its official release, Spelonk has generated serious buzz. Early critics call it a “must-watch” sci-fi thriller that combines incredible world-building with unforgettable characters and relevant social commentary. Its North American premiere in Washington, D.C., sparked important discussions on immigration, leadership, and the stark realities of resource depletion—themes that feel eerily relevant today.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Post-Apocalyptic Cape Town
Filmed entirely in the Western Cape, Spelonk embraces iconic but often overlooked locations—from abandoned factories in Wellington to the deserted corners of Macassar. The team’s resourcefulness shines in every custom prop and costume, achieving big-screen impact despite the constraints of independent filmmaking.
A Unique Dual-Language Experience
Spelonk has been shot in both Afrikaans and English, with separate musical scores and post-production teams for each version—an ambitious move that underscores its commitment to authenticity and broad appeal.
Bigger Than a Movie: A Conversation Starter
Beyond the spectacle of action and steampunk aesthetics, Spelonk raises pressing questions about leadership, resource distribution, and environmental responsibility. At a time when “Day Zero” scenarios loom in real life, the film serves as both a warning and a beacon of hope, reminding us that the future is shaped by our actions (or inactions) today.
Join Cape Town in Celebrating South African Cinema
From early-morning bicycle routes delivering newspapers in Welgemoed to red-carpet premieres in Washington, D.C. and now an exclusive slot at the Russian Film Festival, Desmond Denton’s journey reflects the spirit of South African resilience. His story is one of faith, passion, and unbreakable ties to home, and Spelonk is the next step in a career defined by inspiring, meaningful storytelling.
Be part of film history in the making—reserve your seats, bring your friends, and immerse yourself in Spelonk. Together, let’s show the world what South African cinema can do.
Spelonk
Because sometimes the boldest stories emerge when the lights go out—and the human spirit must shine brighter than ever.
For Tickets - Click Here
Let’s make March 9, 2025, a milestone in South African film history—see you at the Cine Centre, GrandWest Casino in Cape Town!
For press kits, additional interviews, or behind-the-scenes details, visit:
www.spelonkfilm.com or reach out to directordes@gmail.com
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