South Africa’s film industry is known for telling unique stories that resonate with an international audience. As the industry makes interesting transformations to tell new stories from every perspective post-apartheid since the very first South African movie released in 1916 recreating the war between the Afrikaner soldiers and Zulus. The industry has paved the way for local storytellers to tell their stories while creating jobs in the movie and television industries.
We handpicked 3 of our favourite recently released South African movies that are a must see, amongst others which are steadily being released in 2016.
1. Hard to Get
This action movie is set in Johannesburg, South Africa and tell the story of an enigmatic woman who causes a whirlwind in a small rural township. Skiets (played by Thishiwe Ziqubu) steals a car belonging to a local gangster, Mugza (played by Isreal Mokoe) and TK (played by Pallance Dladla) blinded by lust steps into defend Skiets and ends up running off with the stolen car to Johannesburg. Directed by Zee Ntuli, the story is risqué and offers viewers a taste of purely South African drama, tension and adventure.
2. Tell Me Sweet Something
Moratiwa (played Nomzamo Mbatha) is an aspiring writer who owns a bookstore in Johannesburg. She is out of luck when it comes to love and her bookstore is barely flourishing and she ends up falling in love with Nat (played by Maps Maponyana) who is a male model and has never read a book in his life. The relationship has its complications and it tells a truly South African love story; displaying the talent of world class director, Akin Omotoso.
3. While You Weren’t Looking
This film was created by Out in Africa and it explores the concept of privilege in the South African queer community. Set in Cape Town, the story explores life before and after apartheid. Being queer in South Africa is a different experience for people across economic classes and the character of Shado (played by Thishiwe Ziqubu) highlights this when she starts a relationship with Asanda (played by Petronella Tshuma). Shado comes from a township and Asanda comes from an affluent community.
Originally published May 21, 2016. Updated November 12, 2018.
