New film addresses youth problems
The Bakwena Productions feature film has received various international nominations, including Best International Feature Film.
South African actor, director and producer Kagiso Modupe and his team visited Nigel Secondary School on March 17 as part of an anti-bullying campaign.
The campaign forms part of Modupe’s second film, Thando, which will be released in cinemas nationwide on April 8.
“This narrative feature film shines a light on the increasingly prevalent issues of teenage pregnancy, abortion, bullying, cyberbullying, colourism and teen suicide,” explained Vanessa Tloubatla, the post-production supervisor of the film.
“Thando has been making waves on the festival circuit for some time now. The film debuted at the Africa Rising International Film Festival.”
The Bakwena Productions feature film has received various international nominations, including Best International Feature Film.
The cast includes Zikhona Bali (Isi’thunzi), Thembi Nyandeni (Isibaya, Generations), Siyabonga Shibe (Hlomu the Wife, Umnisamvula), Jerry Phele (Zulu Wedding), Mpho Sebeng (Ring of Lies), Khayakazi Kula (Blood Psalms), Sannah Mchunu (Muvhango) and newcomer Gaisang Noge and twelve-year-old Toivo Muofhe.
Modupe directed and produced the film and Rashaka Muofhe executively produced.
“We aimed to make a film that was both educational and would give hope to young people who are struggling to cope with the many issues they face,” said Modupe.
“The film deals with issues of gender-based violence, of young girls needing to fit in, and how often bullying is a trigger leading to suicide.”
Muofhe said: “Thando also explores colourism and how skin tone, having a very dark complexion as opposed to those who are ‘yellow-boned’, leads to discrimination and ostracisation.
“We want to tell teens that no matter their skin tone, they are worthy, can walk tall and are beautiful.”
