text=Feature Film in development
Germany, UK, South Africa, 100 mins

No prison was or will ever be as absurd and ridiculous as Robben Island - a place where, for forty-five years, South Africa*s black intellectual and political elite was imprisoned by racist incompetents. A microcosm of human madness.

THE BLACKNESS IN MAGIC tells the story of Magic Makela, a hot-headed young township gangster and clown, who is sentenced to five years on Robben Island for throwing a stone at a police sergeant during a township riot. When he arrives on the island, Magic is a rebel and a loner - interested only in his own survival. This is the story of his redemption - of his choice between an appeal prepared by a young, ambitious, white female lawyer and faith and friendship with fellow inmate, Raj, an inspiring, political firebrand. It is a tale peppered with the absurdities of everyday life on the island - from the malapropisms of their imbecile prison commander to Magic*s fateful tennis match against the king of the inmates: Nelson Mandela.A bittersweet, at times hilariously funny deconstruction of popular legends and heroes. A moving tale of oppression, survival, love and triumph. 

THE BLACKNESS IN MAGIC is written by South-African born, London-based screenwriter, playwright and actor Paul Herzberg who first caused an uproar with his play (later adapted for the screen) *The Dead Wait*. Based on the true experiences and recollections of two former inmates: Strini Moodley - right-hand man to Steve Biko in the Black Consciousness movement and today a respected journalist and business consultant and Nkwenkwe Nkomo - a former young BC activist who today is one of South Africa*s top advertising men and head South Africa*s Boy Scout Association.

To be filmed on location in South Africa.

SCREENPLAY: Paul Herzberg
PRODUCER: Jens Meurer
CO-PRODUCER: Chris Curling, Zephyr Films
DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTED BY: Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg, MEDIA II