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Idol Pictures

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    Sando to Samantha

    film/video, 1997

    The true story of Sando Willemse, aka Samantha Fox, a black drag queen turned soldier in the South African defence Force. And did she turn soldiers! Sando perfected the art of dikvel - a real thick-skinned queen who never let life's challenges get the better of him. Having survived, thrived and found a place in the army, Sando was tested for HIV without his permission. His HIV+ status was disclosed to his entire squad by the army command and he was summarily discharged from the army. He turned to the road to survive, finding a new home and support from other drag queens working Cape Town's streets. He died of HIV related complications in 1966 aged 22 years. This docu-drama is narrated by Sando and blends interview and drama to provide testimony to his courage and daring.