Hundreds of guests gathered at Ster-Kinekor The Zone in Johannesburg on 14 June to attend the much anticipated world premiere of Mad Buddies, the latest film from South African king of comedy, Leon Schuster (Mr Bones franchise, Mama Jack, Schuks Tshabalalala’s Survival Guide to South Africa).
Co-starring popular actors Kenneth Nkosi and Alfred Ntombela as well as FHM model Tanit Phoenix , Mad Buddies releases nationwide on Friday, 22 June.
As reported by Screen Africa on 4 November, The Walt Disney Company will distribute the film worldwide under the Touchstone Pictures banner.
“We’re proud to be the first film in South Africa to have been co-produced with Disney,’ said producer Helena Spring at the premiere. “A special thanks to the crew who worked so hard to make this film.’
Country manager for The Walt Disney Company in South Africa Christine Service added: “Working with director Gray Hofmeyr and Helena Spring has been a wonderful experience and together we’ve created a great film.’
Hofmeyr, who co-wrote the screenplay with Schuster thanked the crew and cast, while Ntombela treated the audience to his iconic giggle.
“I’m very excited to be here as I’m sure you are,’ said Phoenix.
Mad Buddies follows the adventures of two sworn enemies who are forced to do a road trip together on foot, only to discover that they have been conned into being part of a TV reality show.
Schuster is responsible for three of the top five grossing films in local box office history, establishing him as the most commercially successful entertainer in South Africa. On a local level his movies have even out-grossed mainstream Hollywood blockbuster franchises such as Harry Potter and James Bond. Schuster’s distinctive brand of humour has proved its appeal for millions of South Africans right across the country’s cultural spectrum.
