Benoni film producer Ashish Gangapersad’s A Queen’s Lobola, which explores the risks we take for our passions, has won a remarkable seven awards since making its big-screen debut on December 14.
The film won six awards at the Simon Sibela Awards (KZN Film and TV Awards) and a single gong at the Pretoria Film Festival.
The accolades at the Simon Sibela Awards included best feature film, best actress in a film for Jo-Anne Reyneke, best use of cinematography and then another best use of cinematography award at the Pretoria Film Festival.
Described by Gangapersad as a comedy heist film, A Queen’s Lobola follows the story of Cliff, played by Jefferson Lan, and Zamani, portrayed by Linda Nxumalo, who meet in London.
The friends discuss the importance of pursuing one’s passions moments before Cliff meets Queen, played by Reyneke. After a year of dating, Cliff proposes marriage. But Queen insists he receives her family’s blessing before walking down the aisle.
Cliff then travels to SA. After meeting with Queen’s family, they ask him to pay an exorbitant lobola of 100 cows within seven days. He’s able to raise money for 40 cows, but to get the remaining 60, and with no farmers willing to help, Cliff proposes a cattle heist.
Gangapersad explained that this humorous and heartwarming tale explores love, commitment and the sacrifices we often make for our passions.
“It’s a story of ‘boy loves girl’, but the girl’s grandfather does not like him, hence the hefty lobola. Cliff was born in SA but grew up in London. He does whatever it takes to get his bride,” said Gangapersad.
“I want viewers to enjoy the film and have a good time.”
This film is based on an idea the producer had for 11 years. It touches on real conversations about lobola and addresses the stereotypes attached to this practice. eVOD, etv’s video-on-demand service, commissioned the film and completed shooting it within seven months.
“I started developing this idea after I left Isidingo. Lobola is the worst topic to discuss in SA culture. It’s sometimes expensive, and people don’t have money. The film has real conversations we should be having as South Africans,” he said.
But how does this movie differ from the many lobola-themed films?
“All those are romantic movies,” he said. “A Queen’s Lobola is an agricultural heist film. The love story is set on three friends following each other to help a friend achieve his goal.”
The film is available on eVOD.
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