SA film ‘Nothing for Mahala’ hits the small screen

South African Film Nothing for Mahala hits the small screen

The South African movie Nothing for Mahala had tongues wagging upon its release – and has now made its way to a small screen near you.

Billed as one of 2013’s best South African films by critic Barry Ronge, Nothing for Mahala will premiere on SABC1 on 2 March at 8pm.

Written by Darrel Bristow-Bovey and directed by Rolie Nikiwe, it explores issues of money and values in a changing society.

“Morals and values are the human code we live by in a civil and just society. As South Africans we naturally identify with values such as respect, responsibility, compassion and accountability. Nothing for Mahala is heart-warming and encourages specific values around money issues,” head of SABC Education Danie Swart said.

Lead star Thapelo Mokoena acts as Axe Gumede, a property agent on the verge of closing a career-propelling deal.

On the surface, Gumede appears successful with a flashy sports car and an apartment address to match. But his suave appearance belies a debt-ridden lifestyle part-financed by greedy loan sharks.

Award-winning actor Marius Weyers stars as the grumpy Hendrik, who warns Axe of the dire consequences of spending one’s life chasing money.

Heartlines CEO and executive producer of the film Garth Japhet believes the film is appropriate for today’s South African society.

“Statistics show that South Africans are drowning in debt – largely in order to survive but also to impress others or show material progress in their lives,” he revealed.

Nothing for Mahala opened on the local cinema scene to rave reviews last October.

The well-rated film also stars stalwarts like Mmabatho Montsho, Jamie Bartlett, Warren Masemola, Casper de Vries, Lilian Dube, Desmond Dube, Kenneth Nkosi and June van Merch,

Produced by award-winning NGO Heartlines and Auckland Park-based Quizzical Pictures, the film kick-started the NGO’s values and money campaign, which urges people to consider how they earn and use their money.

With the SABC1 screening, Heartlines aims to open up discussions and encourage the nation to reflect on the values that inform their money choices.

“These days materialism seems to override values, the culture of ‘making it big’ – no matter what or who stands in your way trends negatively. This film makes us think deeper about our financial management and responsibility. [It] encourages society to act and react with inherent good values,” commissioning editor Surekha Singh maintained.

Details: Facebook.com/HeartlinesZA, @HeartlinesZA