Harriet Gavshon, one of South Africa’s most prolific film producers, has built a reputation for telling extraordinary tales about ordinary people. The producer of such South African classics as Ordinary People, Ghetto Diaries and Real Lives, award-winning Gavshon documentaries allow us access to the stories behind the headlines. From mail-order matchmaking to virginity testing, Gavshon’s cameras use cinema verité to get a grip on South African lives.

After graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand, she went on to complete an MA at the Tisch School of the Arts, New York University. On her return in 1984, she lectured at UNISA and Wits, before embarking on her film career with Mail & Guardian Television.

We are pleased to welcome Harriet Gavshon as a guest of Pro Helvetia and this (1999) Festival. She will introduce a screening of each of her productions and answer questions from the audience. They are Real Lives, Tuesday 22 June 1999, at 5.45 pm and Charmaine’s Story/Sara Baartman, Wednesday 23 June 1999, at 8.45 pm.