Stars, director and the real South African hero
talk to Sidewalks about the film, "Catch A Fire"
 

EDITOR UPDATE: The film is being released on DVD and HD DVD on January 30, 2007 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.


Written By Cindy Rhodes

"Catch A Fire"  is a powerful story of a South African hero’s journey to freedom.  Directed by Phillip Noyce ("The Quiet American,"  "Rabbit-Proof Fence," "Patriot Games," "Clear and Present Danger"), this political thriller takes place during the country’s turbulent and divided times in the early 1980s, and in the new South Africa of today.

Actor Derek Luke ("Antwone Fisher," "Friday Night Lights") portrays real-life hero Patrick Chamusso. Patrick is a loving husband to his wife Precious (Bonnie Henna, "Drum," "Zero Gravity") and father of two girls.

Comment about CATCH A FIRE
in our Sidewalks On The Corner Blog

He has a senior level position working as a foreman at the Secunda oil refinery - a proud symbol of South Africa’s self-sufficiency at a time when the world was protesting the country’s oppressive apartheid system.

Carefully walking the hard line imposed on blacks by apartheid, Patrick has no political affiliation at all until he is wrongfully accused of a “terrorist” bombing at the oil refinery by Nic Vos (Tim Robbins, "Shawshank Redemption," "The Player"), head of the Police Security Force.  With his alibi compromised, Patrick is desperate to shield Precious from a past indiscretion and keep his job. He soon discovers he is ill prepared to withstand the brutal interrogations by the country’s Police Security Force and to see his adoring Precious jailed and tortured herself.

After the horrific experience he and Precious experienced at the hands of the Police, Patrick is stunned into action and completely reorients his sense of self and purpose. He leaves his family to join up with the African National Congress to become a rebel fighter and political operative.  Patrick is radicalized on behalf of his people and his country. He plans a formidable and dangerous follow-up strike against the Secunda refinery, risking his own life and future.  Change must and will come, for Patrick and his family, and for South Africa itself.

"Catch A Fire" is Rated “R.” A Focus Features presentation in association with StudioCanal of a Working Title/Mirage Enterprises production.


Host Cindy Rhodes interviews the cast, director and the real Patrick Chamusso in the film:
Actor Tim Robbins & director Phillip Noyce Interview
Actor Derek Luke Interview
Actress Bonnie Henna & Patrick Chamusso