WRITTEN & DIRECTED: Zee Ntuli
FILM PRODUCTION COMPANY: Darling Films
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Lorraine Smit & Melina McDonald
PRODUCER: Anastasia Tsobanopulos
CINAMOTGRAPHER: Deon Van Zyl
PICK UP SHOOT CINAMOTGRAPHER: Michael Cleary
PRODUCTION MANAGER: Kirstin Twiss & Vasilea Ackermann
ART DIRECTOR: Claire Gritten
WARDROBE STYLIST: Neo Serati
HAIR & MAKEUP: Orli Meiri
STARRING: Bongeziwe Mabandla & Kaabo Mokhine & Patrick Mthuthuze
MUSIC PRODUCER: Tiago Correia-Paulo
MUSIC LABEL: Black Major
“Umntwana Ongaphakathi” (‘The Child Inside’) immerses us in Khumbula’s poignant journey of self-discovery and healing. The film explores the tumultuous relationship between Khumbula and his inner child, set within a derelict home and a murky tavern. Reflecting a psychotherapeutic exercise, the narrative emerges from Bongeziwe’s haunting track “soze” from his album “amaXesha.” Love transcends time, leading to an introspective exploration of self-love. Khumbula grapples with his past, facing self-destruction, while his inner child remains a constant presence. Through emotional mirroring, their conflict and reconciliation take us through their darkest recesses, culminating in a cathartic confrontation and a path to healing, guided by maternal love. This universally resonating narrative speaks to reconciling with the past and seeking redemption. The film’s creation involved personal introspection and technical finesse, and Bongeziwe Mabandla’s versatility shines as the lead. “Umntwana Ongaphakathi” is an artistic manifestation of finding beauty within darkness, inviting audiences on a deeply personal introspective journey.
Additional Credits:
DIRECTOR’S ASSISTANT: Koketso Matabane
1ST AD: Travis Nel
FOCUS/LOADER: Ruan Barnard
DIT/VT: Thando Mphahlele & Scott Macbeth
VT ASSIST: Phumzile Nkosi
BTS: Thabo Mthombeni & James Reynolds
KEY GRIP: Tyler Geldenhuys
BEST BOY GRIP: Alan Thorpe
GAFFER: Ryan Tucker
BEST BOY LIGHTING: Wandile Sihle Dlamini
RIGGING BEST BOY: Floyd Hlongwane
STUNT COORDINATOR: Lebo Mayeza
PROPS MASTER: Sandile Maseko
ART ASSISTANT: Elton Jones & Sbu Nkosi
WARDROBE ASSISTANT: Nthabiseng Molebeleli
UNIT MANAGERS: Mandla Madi & Chad Machogo
UNIT ASSISTANT: Siyanda Twala
MEDIC: Tau Likhethe
PRODUCTION INTERN: Daniel Pieterse
EQUIPMENT: Panavision, Cine Connect, Orbital Lighting, Sunshine Co
POST PRODUCTION BY: Post Modern Post Production
EDITOR: William Kalmer
COLOR BY: Kolab
COLORIST: Terry Simpson
ONLINE ARTIST: Michael Naidoo & Andries De Jager & Tyla Koen
POST PRODUCER: Leanne Schalekamp
VFX COMPANY: Sphere Collective
VFX ARTISTS: Ettiene Bosch & Ian Dehning
VFX PRODUCER: Matthew Stead
MUSIC BY: Bongeziwe Mabandla
BRAND MANAGER: Sevi Spanoudi
MUSIC ARRANGEMENT & SOUND DESIGN: Will Mono
Special Thanks: Antoinette & Pitika Ntuli, Jabu Nadia Newman, Mateen Suliman, Tlhabaki Setlalentoa, Chloe Coetsee
Listen to amaXesha: https://platoon.lnk.to/amaxesha