Metamorphosis

The documentary is very much about the notion of 'created identity' - how Leonard Du Plooy (a 'Coloured' working class man) created a new persona, gender and even race, making the legend of Granny Lee a a living, breathing reality. He transformed himself into a white pensioner called 'Granny Lee - Queen of the Discos'. South Africa, a country historically obsessed with the definition of identity, is a unique landscape in which to find a story such as Lee's. 'Metamorphosis' tells the story of Granny Lee through a variety of techniques. Firstly Granny Lee herself narrates her life story - based on an audio interview recorded shortly before her death. It is through Granny Lee's own unique perspective and wicked humour that we embark on the fascinating journey. Secondly, Granny Lee's friends and acquaintances as well as the key players in Johannesburg's party scene share their experiences with and stories of Lee with the viewer. Recreations also reproduce key events of her life as well as the thriving clubland of the 60's, 70's dn 80's (loaded with memorable and outrageous imagery). The film explores the landscape of Lee's life, Kimberley and Durban, and highlights the city where she finally found herself - Johannesburg. Lastly, 'Metamorphosis' makes use of a vast amount of archival material - video footage, photographs, newspaper articles and the actual audiotape of her final farewell. Underdog's award winning work is renowned for its dynamic and creative production values and 'Metamorphosis' is no different. It combines a mix of media including archive home video footage and upper-end digital video formats.