rorkesdriftvc.com :: View topic - Actual 'Isandhlwana' filming location of Zulu Dawn????

Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 10:34 pm

Where is it? Often misquoted as Zulu Dawn being filmed on location at 'Isandhlwana' (of course there was a long-shot where Pulleine says : 'Issel, Isan... it was shown in the distance as I say) but the actual hill they filmed at wasn't of course, Isandhlwana mountain. Worse still, we know they called it 'Isandula' at the time (testament in a street also named as such in Nottingham).
I remember in 1978/9 when it was being filmed an article in the Daily Mail, 'on set'. All I remember was that they said at the time of filming, they WERE filming at Isandhlwana, but its shadow cast too heavily over the set, so bad 'lighting' resulted in a move to another location. (I imagine they were filming on the OPPOSITE side to the memorials). Subsequently, they filmed at the hill we see in the film. Was it near, or further away? Anyone know the name/location of the 'other' hill? Thanks.

Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 11:48 am

Naseby

The film location used for Isandlwana is Isiphesi Hill. It's about nine miles East of Isandlwana.

The scenes of Melvill and Coghill's death were filmed on the banks of Fugitives Drift.

The death scenes of Sgt. Williams and Pvt. Williams were filmed at both Isiphesi and Rorke's Drift. If you look closely you will see how the background changes and Shiyane Hill is clearly visible in some of the cuts. Bob Hoskins was not happy, apparently, with his scenes at Isiphesi so had some of them reshot but, due to convenience, shot them at RD.

The scenes of the invasion crossing into Zululand were actually filmed at RD. However, it was filmed in reverse with the British Army crossing from the Zulu side of the river.

Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2014 3:45 pm

Mel, sorry for the delay - thank you so much for that piece of information, pal! Take care!