SA singer stars in Italian film

Cape Town - South African singer Lira was a guest at the recent Taormina film festival in Italy, where the film The Italian Consul was screened. She stars in a lead role opposite Italian actress Giuliana De Sio.

The Italian film, which focuses on human trafficking, is a co-production with South Africa and was shot in Cape Town. The film will next be shown at a film festival in Japan.

Lira sat at the same table as American filmmaker Oliver Stone at a dinner held in his honour.

Sing a song

She attracted attention when Stone asked her to sing a song, which led to a lot of exposure on local TV stations.

Antonio Falduto, director of The Italian Consulate, saw Lira’s photo on a magazine cover and approached her for a role in his film.

She plays a model who later has to work as a prostitute.

Lira's music is a mixture of Afro-pop, R&B and Jazz. She is currently touring Europe with Hugh Masekela.