Beneath the Stars | Encounters Mega Archive/Library
Awards (click to collapse)

Edda Awards, Iceland (2005) – Nominated: Documentary of the Year (Heimildamynd ársins)

Feature
African & International

2004

 Poster
Film Poster

This is the world premiere of an engaging and remarkable approach to a social problem that exists in our midst, and is judged harshly, even feared, but little understood. In 2003, Freda Darvel was a 19-year-old street kid that sniffed glue with her boyfriend Boeta Claassen. But she can sing, and she is plucked from the streets by the Coca Cola Popstars competition. Freda is immediately elevated to national stardom with everyone wanting her to sing, in restaurants, on planes, in shops. Once the competition is over, Freda returns to the harsh “normal” life of the streets. The film subtly displays Freda’s emotional attachment to her friends and surroundings, and how she becomes the celebrity pawn. But nothing changes until, frustrated, the filmmakers offer her a real chance.

Courtesy of the Directors

Guests

Co-Director: Titti Johnson

Co-Director: Helgi Felixson