One of the advantages to having a big TV is the free HD channel package that came with it. My favourite is the Documentary Channel. I've seen some great docs over the past few months. One of the most offbeat was The Swenkas by Danish Director, Jeppe RØnde. The Swenkas are urban, working-class Zulu men in post-apartheid South Africa who put on flashy designer suits every Saturday night and compete before judges for the title of most stylish. These very manly men preen and pirouette down the runway, lifting the hem of their pants to expose a bit of brightly coloured sock. The Swenkas have held this fashion show for so many years that no one remembers exactly when or how it all began. These men use swanking as a way of achieving the respect that otherwise eludes them in their hard labouring lives.
This story is about a young Swenka, Sabelo. His father died just a week before Christmas and only a week before his own wedding. His father was a Swenka big shot. The big question is: will Sabelo give up swanking? Who will now lead the Swenkas? They seem truly adrift without a leader.
I hadn't heard of this cultural practice until I saw the film. Mr. Nag watched it raptly; I'm hoping he doesn't take a notion to sashay down a runway in his best togs.
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