SPELONK

The Earth we once knew is gone, destroyed by greed and carelessness. Our trees no longer grow, and the land is cold and barren. Conflict, disease, and social collapse have left little but ash. Those who survived now hide beneath the earth they once vowed to protect, without hope to rebuild. Water is scarce, and everything, even hope, is for sale. In these troubling times, come closer and listen. Set in a dystopian Cape Town in 2044, Spelonk follows Dante, a disillusioned bounty hunter caught between hunting rebels and questioning his mission. His encounter with rebel leader Ophelia sparks a journey of redemption and revolution. Inspired by South Africa’s “Day Zero” water crisis, the film blends folklore, steampunk, and intense action to tell a story both local and universal.

ABOUT DESMOND

Desmond is an artist who explores the unknown while revealing the familiar in unexpected ways. His films open windows into other worlds, inviting audiences to discover new perspectives while reflecting on their own.

He graduated from AFDA Film University and holds postgraduate degrees in Communication Science and Psychology from UNISA. Desmond has been selected for prestigious programmes including Berlinale Talents, the Big Fish Producers Lab, and the NFVF Writing Course. He has worked with notable figures such as Desmond Tutu and Jamie Oliver and has been mentored by industry leaders including Sarah Blecher and Akin Omotoso.

WORK PRODUCED

Desmond Denton has written, produced, and directed several short films, including Fatherland, Infidel, Land of Fear, Scarytown, Circle of Fate, and Adoption. He has also directed documentaries and television series, including the Turning Point series, featuring William Austen, Paul Steyn, and Melissa Hertz.His feature films include Anderkant die Stilte, Springflower, Between Ashes and Hope, and Spelonk. Desmond has also produced and directed commercials for major brands such as Dos Equis, Unilever, Ford, and Lux.