Hands up if you’ve seen “Trainspotting” or “Requiem for a Dream”….You know all those anti-drug movies with a lot of flair, style and story zaniness. Prepare to add Skyf to that list. A proudly SA production about addiction (cigarette), peer pressure and people putting themselves between a rock and hard place and yes, cigarettes.
Starring Thapelo Mokoena, yes the dude from that beer commercial , yes him with the beard who once upon a time was Karabo’s bodyguard on Generations. Yes him, he's the lead actor and producer. The film also introduces us to a name to watch in the future Lungelo Mdlalose, the director, this is his first feature film.
The film was independently produced and revolves around 4 sets of people in a 24-hour period. Showcasing various aspects of life in the Jozi town that neither dehumanizes or turns the city into a place of horror but a place of meat and bone people, like you and me. Shot on the DSLR cameras (those high end still cameras) ,the film has that golden tint that’s the craze at the moment but two things make this film stand out.
One, it has visual flare; from mounted cameras, to playing with fishbowl lens, to Spike-Lee like character tracking shots. There are some cool visuals in it, although it starts slowly but when it gets cooking there's no stopping it.
The other thing the film has in spades is heart - the last sa film (ish) that had so much heart and made you care so much about the character(s) so much was District 9. Still haven’t seen Material yet. Thapelo’s character is flawed but genuine, so much so that it’s hard to stop from screaming at the screen during his escapades.
The young cast of Samkelo Ndlovu and Dineo Moeketsi as horny and mischievous teens are a joy to watch, as is Skoop aka Siyabonga from Yfm and Vuzu does a great cameo. Dude should consider acting if presenting don’t pay the bill.
Credit has to be given to Lungelo Mdlalose for a script that speaks of and to our times. Although one can say the anti-addiction messaging can make it at times feel too PSA-ish but the story and characters compensate for that. This is sort of flick you’d like to watch with your brother, parents or teens and discuss the emotions and lessons afterwards.
So spare some change and go support this local talent, currently playing at Hatfield Numetro and Lakeside mall nu metro. The dvd is also available just check their facebook page.For an independent film the guys have done way better than expected.