North Coast actors produce amateur short film, hits 70 000 views
Dilapidated equipment no barrier to creativity.
Amateur Charlottedale filmmaker Mandla Shandu’s first shot at producing a short film has found unexpected appeal among YouTube viewers.
Hamstrung by dilapidated and broken equipment, his mini movie “Idlozi Lotshwala” which highlights the dangers of alcohol abuse, has attracted
70 000 views since its debut only three weeks ago.
The story follows a young man struggling with alcoholism, sending his marriage and career into a downward spiral.
“The purpose of this film is educational, to make the youth aware of the devastating consequences alcohol abuse is likely to have,” said Shandu.
It was shot in Charlottedale, Thembeni, Groutville and Gledhow with a group of aspirant actors who got together last year to live out their passion after failing to enroll at university.
“We couldn’t get funding for tertiary education, so we taught ourselves by watching television and reading drama books to improve our skills,” said Shandu.
Apart from Shandu himself, the team of actors comprised Fanozi Mthembu, Lungelo Mhlongo, Sibongile Bhengu, Pumlane Mhlongo, Tutu Ntuli, Nomthandazo Dludla, Happiness Hlatshwayo and Jessica Khumalo.
The good viewer response has raised the group’s ambitions.
“We want to expand our team and secure grants that will allow us to develop unique storytelling styles,” said Shandu.
Catch it on the KwaDukuza TV YouTube channel.
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