Local filmmaker releases star-studded romcom

HAPPINESS is a Four-Letter Word, the highly anticipated South African romantic comedy which opened over the weekend was produced by internationally acclaimed filmmaker, Glenmore's Junaid Ahmed.

Showcasing some of the most talented names in the country's entertainment industry, the film follows the lives of three black women living out their dreams and is the first film to be adapted from a book written by a South African black female author Nozizwe Cynthia

Jele. Mmabatho Montsho plays Nandi, a lawyer and compulsive perfectionist, Khanyi Mbau plays Zaza, a go-getter who lives the high life as a trophy wife and Renate Stuurman plays the role of Princess, a trend-setting art gallery owner. While all three support each other and have everything they could ask for, they learn that happiness runs deeper than just accumulation of material possessions.

Ahmed said his second commercial film, co produced with Helena Spring and Bongiwe Selane is “filmed with an African spirit, yet has international appeal. “It is a big urban contemporary story with a distinct African feel taking one into the fast paced lived of so-called Sandton cougars. The story takes you on their journey of joy, pain, sadness, hope and finally love,” he said. Happiness is a Four-Letter Word is the second in a slate Ahmed is working on through the National Film and Video Foundation. Hard to Get, the first feature film co-produced with Spring, was a more edgy while Happiness is a Four-Letter Word is “a more lyrical film with beautiful shots and takes you into the world of the characters. The three leading ladies have a very good onscreen chemistry,” he added, saying audiences would love the movie simply because “it has a universal story that would resonate with people from Alaska to Durban. The story cuts across age and gender, it is a very human story, told well and a celebration of of South African and Africa's talented artists and the power they have as performers. Despite the difficult times we are living in, it is an enriching film that fills you with hope and love.”

The highly anticipated romance Happiness is a Four-Letter Word, smashed box office expectations in cinemas in its opening three days, with 45 000 attendances and gross box office receipts of R2 371 782, making it the best performing film of all new releases this weekend.