Kanarie Pt 3: Identity & Social Institutions

Night of the Kings Pt 2: Language, translation and cultural meaning

This week, we explore language, translation, and storytelling through Night of the Kings. From the role of the djeli and African oral traditions to adaptation, cultural nuance, and storytelling as survival. We examine how stories travel across cultures, what gets lost in translation, and why specificity often makes stories more universal rather than less. Listener discretion is advised.

Night of the Kings Pt 1: Character Analysis

Night of the Kings (2021) follows a young man who is thrust into the responsibility of being a storyteller on his first night in prison. Should he fail to fulfil this duty, his life will be in danger. On today’s episode, we unpack the dichotomy between the young and the old generation through the characters Roman and Barbe Noire. This episode is brought to you by Eyethu Heritage Hall who are responsible for Eyethu Franco Xchange, a gathering where Francophone Africa meets Soweto through music, film, and conversation. For more information, follow @eyethuheritagehall on Instagram and visit their website eyethuheritage.co.za Listener discretion is advised.

Kanarie Pt 5: Continuation of Opening Sequence Analysis

In our last episode, we continue to talk about the opening sequence, which introduces Johan Niemand and who he is in his imaginary world, which would eventually influence his trajectory in his journey with the Kanaries. We speak about Boy George, music in the film and the overall impression this film made and what it means to us as individuals. Listener discretion is advised.

Kanarie Pt 4: Opening Sequence

On this week’s instalment of Christiaan Olwagen’s Kanarie, we focus on the first ten minutes. We analyse the opening sequence: the wedding dress, the flawed Boy George makeup, and the sudden shift into a new-wave musical fantasy. How does this intro act as a microcosm for the entire film's exploration of queer identity and compulsory compliance. Listener discretion is advised.

Kanarie Pt 3: Identity & Social Institutions

We identify the social institutions shaping Johan’s journey, including the military, masculinity, nationalism, and examine how they enforce conformity while suppressing identity and desire. Listener discretion is advised.