Principal photography has started on the newest feature film from legendary South African filmmaker Leon Schuster, also starring his long-standing co-star Alfred Ntombela (Oh Shucks I’m Gatvol, Mama Jack) Kenneth Nkosi (Jerusalema, Tsotsi, White Wedding) and Tanit Phoenix (Spud, Straight Outta Benoni).
The film, entitled Mad Buddies, is the latest from Schuster, who’s been responsible for some of South Africa’s most notable local box-office successes, including Mama Jack, Mr Bones and most recently, 2010’s World Cup-inspired hit Schuks Tshabalala’s Guide to S.A.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring another fun-filled Schuster adventure to South African audiences’, says Helena Spring, producer of the film, who worked with Schuster on Mr Bones, Mr Bones 2 and Mama Jack. “Mad Buddies is a fast paced comedic romp, jam-packed with stunts and laughs that will have audiences rolling in the aisles.’
The film, due for release in 2012, is the product of an 18 month development period between Schuster and his longstanding collaborator, director and co-writer, Gray Hofmeyr, who will be reprising his directing duties on the film. In addition to Johannesburg, the shooting schedule includes a large portion of filming in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Mad Buddies will be released nationwide on 22 June 2012. Distribution rights for the film have been acquired by Disney South Africa – although the film will not be distributed under the Disney banner.
