Banele (138 days / 19.5 weeks) 01 00:07:51

Banele | Fathers, Awareness of Camera, Self-regulation, Communication, Wondering, Siblings

Nomusa’s grandmother has passed away. She is the person who Sihle, Banele’s oldest sibling, grew up with until last year. Sihle is visibly upset and leaves the room. The whole family is at home, except for mom who is out making arrangements. There are two new family members in the household – an “auntie” who is helping in the house; and a young woman who is mom’s cousin from a rural area staying for a while.

Banele is wrapped in a blanket, propped up on the couch. Zanele spends a lot of time interacting with him – some of this appears to be for the camera/filmmaker. There is a mixed atmosphere in the room. The boys are eating on the floor. There is a lot of conversation taking place around Banele who, from the background, follows the discussion and activities. Siyabonga, the younger of Banele’s two brothers, comes to talk to him.