Africa Shafted: Under One Roof

About This Movie

Africa Shafted: Under One Roof is an intriguing look at life in Johannesburg, captured entirely in the lifts of Ponte Tower. Ingrid Martens spends five years weaving the stories of the tower's tenants, and what you get is a raw, almost intimate glimpse into their daily interactions, the awkwardness, the laughter, and even the silence. The pacing is unique; you feel the skip of time as the elevator doors open and close, revealing snippets of lives in motion. The atmosphere is heavy with the weight of reality, but there’s an unexpected warmth in the moments shared between strangers. It’s a distinct take on urban life—like a microcosm in motion, all framed by the constraints of an elevator ride.

Filmed in Ponte Tower, Johannesburg.Exploration of urban life through elevator encounters.Subtle storytelling with a raw atmosphere.