By Kwezikazi Mjuza
Inqwelo Cinema, a relatively recently established film production company is currently on tour screening their second short film, My Father My responsibility. The company was established in 2020 and invented by two men Andile Nodada and Yandisa Ndzeku. They invented the company after experiencing how difficult it is to professionally get into the movie production realm. They also saw the need to expose artists whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds and have no means of getting into mainstream media productions.
The short film My father My responsibility focuses on a young lady who gets caught up in criminal activities while trying to provide for her younger sister and paying medical bills for her sick father. Andile commented that the issues portrayed in the movie are day to day struggles that are experienced in the townships and it was intentionally crafted to represent “iKasi” as he calls it, which directly translates to “home” which in this sense are the marginalized communities.
The short film has been screened twice and on the 9th of September they had their 3rd screening which was in Philippi Village in Cape Town. The location of the event was intentional as Andile reports that the company felt the need to bring the Cinema to the people whom they make the films for. Their next screening will take place in Port Elizabeth in the Nelson Mandela University on the 16th of September 2023.
The motive behind the tour is to not only promote the short film, but they also aspire to raise funds for the film to make it a full feature production. The movie is starred by fresh talent from and around the Garden route. Andile perceives Saturday’s event as a successful one with an attendance of 40 people, he appreciated the feedback that he received from people who went to watch the film and support the initiative. There were artists amongst the attendees who also performed as part of entertainment, Riley Roulette, Rophus Indigo, Abospitter SA and Mgiqwa the comedian. There were also special guests such as the International award winning actress Blackqueen Afrika and Xolani Joja from the City of Cape Town.
The company has other projects that they are engaged in. Inqwelo Cinema recently produced a music video for Riley an upcoming artist and singer, the music video is expected to be aired on one of DSTV’s music channels, Chanel O sometime in September. “I am very excited for what is yet to come for the company and we look forward to taking on more projects and looking even more forward to working with fresh new talent within the Garden route” said Andile.
If you wish to see the preview of the film, please click on the provided link: