The announcement has quickly gone viral, touching the hearts of social media users all over the country. That, dear reader, is what happens when two Black phenomenal actors such as Terry Pheto and Ayanda Borotho team up to produce their own film.
The duo will premier their short animation film about King Shaka at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) on the 23rd of this month.
Explaining the short animated film, DIFF said, “A young meek boy, Manzini is bullied by three boys on his way back from school in an incident that almost costs him his life. Manzini confesses to his Gogo his desire to quit school. His Gogo narrates a profound tale of resilience evoking the coming-of-age story of a great warrior and King, Shaka Zulu to inspire her grandson through the strength of his lineage.
“Transporting viewers to the 1700s, in the grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal, Nandi gives birth to Shaka illegitimately fathered by Senzangakhona KaJama a prince of the Jama tribe. Here Shaka is bullied and tormented.
“Nandi, Shaka and Nomcuba (Shaka’s younger sister) are forced to flee their home amidst a warning of an impending attack. On the run for their lives, they find refuge at the Mthethwa clan led by Chief Dingiswayo who shows more benevolence. We follow the grooming of a young bold Shaka into a menacing warrior, great conqueror and influential King of the Zulu people.”
The animation film stars Themba Ntuli, Lilian Dube, Mondli Makhoba, Ayanda Borotho, Thulani Stukie Mtsweni, Dawn Thandeka King, Motlatsi Mafatshe, Nhlanhla Mdlalose, Nomsa Xaba, Mbuso Khoza, Melusi Mbhele and Buzetsheni Mdletshe.
The film is executive produced and directed by Manzini Zungu, produced by Terry Pheto, Ayanda Borotho and Amanda Zungu with Nick Cloete as the editor.
Speaking on the animation to Isolezwe, Ayanda said, ‘There are many films that are based on Shaka story but most of these films don’t give kids a clear full understanding of the history. We have decided to create an animated film that would attract the little ones. The film is edited in isiZulu language, usual famous Zulu songs and rhythms are also used.
Ayanda also said that the film was put together by Pacinamix under their company three-year-old company, Avad Media, which is owned by black women. So far Avad has created a new television show ‘Nqobile’ which will be shown on Mzansi Magic from Monday 5 July.
Main Image: okmzansi
