New movie being filmed in Chatsworth features local talent!
It's time for Chatsworth's close-up and it's ready.
The South African film industry has been coming in hot over the last decade, moving forward in leaps and bounds.
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In the last few years, the local industry has provided us and the world with some incredible feature films, showing diverse storylines from all across the country.
One of the most notable releases being the Netflix documentary 'My Octopus Teacher' that went on to win the Oscar for Best Documentary Film.
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South Africa has a lot of great talent that is just waiting to be utilised and the pandemic has given this industry a hard knock, but it's finally on its way to bouncing back.
Who knew that they might be filming a movie right here in your backyard?
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Rampertab ‘Zahra’ Maharaj, who is part of VeerZahra Productions, is a Welbedacht-born independent filmmaker who has been making thought-provoking and inspired productions for years.
Now she's working on her latest feature film called, 'Phone... It Breaks', which she wrote while also producing and directing.
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In an interview with the Rising Sun, Zahra spoke about the movie and shared a few details, but was careful not to give away too much.
The movie is being filmed in Chatsworth and surrounds, and features quite a bit of local talent. The cast includes a professional musician, Ramesh Munilal, as the lead, Mageshni Naidoo, who is also currently a third-year B.ED student at Varsity College, and Vigie Naidoo, who is also the project manager.
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But that's not all - Mr India South Africa 2020, Shavin Sookoo, is also a cast member.
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Maharaj said that she is constantly on the lookout for new talent and loves working with people who have a genuine passion for the industry, much like herself.
Without revealing too much about the movie, she provided a vague plot description saying the movie takes inspiration from a lot of people's reality and is a family drama. It focuses on the decisions a person makes based on the situations and circumstances they find themselves in, rising above and coming out on top.
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Maharaj uses film as a form of expression:
I have always been part of the entertainment industry. Just watching the struggles of my parents, other women and myself, inspired me to write untold stories. This has led me to wanting to turn that into pictures where many can relate. Film-making is a powerful art form because it blends with other arts.
Zahra hopes that this production will also help highlight the incredible local talent that is right here on our doorstep.
I do believe that there are many unsung heroes, who need recognition and a platform to showcase their talent.
We can't wait to see the final product!
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Main image courtesy of Rising Sun Chatsworth