Olympus Pictures has announced that a feature length, scripted project, inspired by Selema (Sal) and Hugh Masekela, is “in development”. The film will explore the relationship between Hugh (of Ladysmith Black Mambazo Fame) and Sal (of surfing and EXPN fame). More specifically, Hugh’s exile and return to South Africa (both because of/in opposition to apartheid), while his family stayed in the States, left Sal dealing with the distance and separation from his father.
Alekesam, a short documentary on the duo, just premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April (h/t to Shadow & Act for their coverage here and here). The synopsis of Alekesam explores the dynamic between the father and son; the Olympus Pictures will project will imaginably be similar:
Hugh Masekela, a musician, activist, and father, was exiled from his family and native South Africa for more than 30 years as a direct result of apartheid. Undaunted, he would find musical success in late ’60s America. Alekesam explores the story of a father exiled from his country, a son exiled from his father, and their mutual attempt to connect to the world, and each other through music.
The as-yet-untitled Olypmus Pictures feature will be written and directed by Mukunda Michael Dewil and produced by Paul Haggis, Michael Nozik (both of Hwy 61), Leslie Urdang, and Dean Vanech.
Below, the Alekesam trailer:
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