Otelo Burning 2012

Against the backdrop of the tumultuous apartheid era in 1989, three teenage friends—Otelo Buthelezi, his younger brother Ntwe, and their best mate New Year—find themselves swept away to a stunning beachside paradise. Here, the legendary wave rider Mandla Modise introduces them to the exhilarating world of surfing, a stark contrast to the dangers of their township home, rife with political violence and the ominous threats from rival factions: the Inkatha hostel residents and the United Democratic Front.

As they immerse themselves in the sun-drenched beaches, any initial fear of the daunting ocean quickly transforms into an intoxicating thrill. For Otelo, the feeling of “flying on water” evolves into a symbol of emancipation, a passion he is drawn to with an irresistible force. A chance meeting with the older white man, Kurt Struely, who sees their untapped potential, catalyzes a chain of events that will forever change their lives.

Struely’s allure lies in his ability to transport them into a world of opportunity as he invites them to his home to witness professional surfers in action. This exposure paints an enticing vision of what their lives could open up to if they hone their surfing skills. With each competition, Otelo’s prowess begins to overshadow Mandla’s, igniting a fierce jealousy within him. Adding to the emotional complexity is the entrance of Dezi, New Year’s younger sister, who finds herself drawn to the rising surfing star, further complicating relationships among the group.

As Otelo racks up victory after victory, Mandla’s jealousy deepens, culminating in an unthinkable betrayal when he sells out Ntwe to the apartheid security police in exchange for a coveted new surfboard. The shocking revelations surrounding Ntwe’s untimely fate push Otelo into a critical crossroads: should he chase international surfing fame, with all its promises of wealth and adulation, or should he seek justice and redemption for the brother he lost?

In the midst of this intense turmoil, the historic return of Nelson Mandela on December 11, 1989, after a staggering 27 years in prison signals monumental change. It is within this context that Otelo’s pivotal decision emerges, a choice that will indelibly shape his future and the course of their lives.