Local filmmakers forge own path
Instead of waiting for big production companies to discover them, a group of East London filmmakers have taken matters into their own hands and launched a YouTube drama series aimed at exposing local talent.
The drama series, Umafungwashe, released last month, was developed by Kumkani FM founder Unathi Dyubula.
He said the series followed a businessman who was on a mission to unite his children so they could inherit his empire.
“This is a mission impossible for him because his wife only wants her children to inherit the empire and exclude those born out of wedlock,” he said.
The businessman, Mzwandile, played by Lefty Qinela, is rooted in his Xhosa culture and is not on good terms with his daughter Noluthando, played by Unathi Lali, who got married without the blessing of her parents.
On top of this rift, his two sons are associated with a notorious drug dealer. “Mzwandile fails to realise his goal but his first daughter (known as Mafungwashe in isiXhosa) is the one who fulfills the father’s mission in the coming seasons.”
Currently on YouTube are five episodes of the weekly series. Actors include Siyabulela “Kweries” Rasmeni, Mfundo “Kay Jee” Mama, Lungelo “Lens” Mampofu, Silk Damoyi and Masoft Sofuthe.
“For some it was their first time acting but they managed to bring the characters to life,” he said, adding that he was grateful to East London people for opening their homes and businesses for the production.
“In Mdantsane the Bobongoza family in NU3 opened their home for us and 1st Class Manor B&B, Manala Guest House and Mthombo’s Palace also accommodated us,” he said.
They have also featured music by local musicians Manigo, Manskap, Super, Lynch Master, Zagga, Trapperdons and Towers, among many.
Dyubula said they were on a mission to create their own East London film industry, under the title: Montywood.
“We have a couple of projects in the pipeline scheduled to be shot later in the year. We are also shooting a radio reality show called On-air. By such initiatives we are hoping our artists will stay in the province and help develop the industry,” he said, adding that they were collaborating with filmmakers in the Buffalo City Municipality.
To see the drama series, subscribe to their YouTube page, Umafungwashe The Series. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
This article is free to read if you register or sign in.
If you have already registered or subscribed, please sign in to continue.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@dispatchlive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.