In Johannesburg in 1984, a black gay, political activist determined to rewrite the constitution of a nation, is arrested, faced with the death penalty, he must fight against a police officer with a personal vendetta and an AIDS diagnosis that only gives him a few months to live.
GStarLogliner
In Johannesburg in 1984, a black gay, political activist determined to rewrite the constitution of a nation, is arrested, faced with the death penalty, he must fight against a police officer with a personal vendetta and an AIDS diagnosis that only gives him a few months to live.
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There are two big issues (AIDS and Aparthide) dealt with in the one concept, both are story worthy and can be used in the script but only one needs to be in the logline. I remember you posting this a while back, the latest version is an improvement but it still needs to be distilled down for a decision maker to be able to wrap their head around the story in an efficient manner. AIDS should be taken out of the logline as there’s no conflict with the disease, it’s a ticking time bomb but so is the death sentence. The personal vendetta is a negative objective and can play against the MC without a proper setup. Ultimately his fight against the regime is the biggest issue of all as it applies to millions of people fighting that makes him a true hero.
My try:
After a vengful police officer jails a black activist during apartheid, he must lead a movement from inside the prison to change the constitution and free South Africa before his death sentence.
When I think of South Africa in 1984 I think Apartheid
If your lead character’s gay?orientation is important to the logline and you don’t want to take it out because he is fighting for gay rights, not against apartheid, then you should mention the fight for gay rights in the logline.
Isn’t his ultimate “death sentence” — the ticking clock — his diagnosis with AIDS?
>>>political activist determined to rewrite the constitution of a nation,
How?? As he is incarcerated, he doesn’t seem to be in any position to do so.? To agitate for change, to struggle to overthrow the existing Apartheid order is one thing.? To have a seat at the table, to have a direct hand in rewriting the constitution for a new government is quite another.