This December, Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) will be screening two Original Films created exclusively for the channel by M-Net’s 2015 Magic in Motion Academy Interns.
Twelve top graduates who’ve been part of a year-long work acceleration program and experienced some of South Africa’s biggest productions faced their toughest test when M-Net challenged them to create two of their very own films for broadcast! The results was a creation of the drama Ilizwi which will debut on December 12 at 19:30 and the romantic comedy The Ring which premieres on December 19 at 19:30.
Both 60-minute movies were conceived, written, produced and directed by the Magic in Motion Academy’s Class of 2015 – Alice Mataboge, Aluta Qupa, Ignatius Shongwe, Kabelo Ramputa, Lele Dinte, Mark Madai, Mbali Zulu, Palesa Rathebe, Sivela Mgudu, Themba Mfebe, Themba Twala and Yalezo Njuguna.
“We’re delighted that the interns were able to successfully deliver two movies and are in the process of making two more. Their tenacity and talent will no doubt see them make a lasting contribution to the local film and TV industry. At M-Net, the transformation of our sector and empowerment of new storytellers are key objectives and they drive the Magic in Motion Academy.” says, Yolisa Phahle, CEO at M-Net.
Starring Nhlanhla John Lata, Sli Nodangala, Cebile Mlaba and Sihle Dlamini, Ilizwi tells the story of Siboniso, who moves to Joburg with his Mother, Nomzamo to live with his uncle, Mandla after the passing of his father. But trouble comes knocking when Mandla’s wife Agnes discovers that years before they married, Mandla and Nomzamo were a couple. As the family tries to cope with the changes, Mandla gives Sibo a bracelet that belonged to his dead grandmother. Soon the power of the bracelet is felt when Sibo begins to hear the secret thoughts of others. Now as he discovers just who he is, Agnes tries to rid herself of both the boy and his mother.
The film, The Ring, is a hilarious comedy starring Kenneth Nkosi, MacMillian Leshomo, Sivenathi Mabuya, Sana Mchunu, Cedric Fourie and Ntando Mncube.
The story is centred on hotel clerk Thami, who has been dating Mpumi for three years. Her parents, Josephine and Vuyani, disapprove of their relationship believing that Thami isn’t good enough for their daughter. Things get interesting when Mpumi’s rich ex-boyfriend, Clinton, comes back to town and charms Josephine and Vuyani into helping him reunite with Mpumi. Feeling threatened, Thami decides to propose to Mpumi but he can’t afford a glamorous ring. Then, while cleaning a hotel room, Thami finds a beautiful ring and he quickly proposes without realizing who the ring belongs to.