When Lou discovers that she has been promised to a Zulu King in order to repay an ancestral debt that her late parents left her, the 28-year-old choreographer is forced to leave her New York home to c28-year-old troubled past and forgotten traditions in her birthplace of South Africa.
Zulu Wedding is director Lineo Sekeleoane’s debut feature film which took her 10 years to complete. “I sold my apartment and every asset I owned, I was also ready to sell my internal organs on the black market, but my awesome husband wouldn’t let me. I pitched the film to everyone I knew, friends gave me money and I created sponsorship and product placement opportunities in the film to help us raise additional money,” shares Sekeleoane.
Described as a “loving tribute to the richness of African culture,” the film acknowledges how urban South Africans are still shaped by their cultural heritage.
The romantic-comedy sees Durban-born actress, singer and dancer, Nondumiso Tembe play the lead character, Lungile ‘Lou’ Sabata: “Our lead was brought to my attention by my husband after reading an article about her in a magazine. I wanted a Zulu girl, who was classically trained in ballet, and she fit that profile perfect and she is an excellent performer to boot.The story resonated with her and it all felt like kismet when we met,” shares Sekeleoane.
The narrative commences with Lou living in New York, far removed from all family ties and steering clear of romantic relationships in favour of focusing on her budding ballet career. However, as fate would have it when Tex – played by Darrin Dewitt Henson – stumbles into her life, she falls in love.
Tex and Lou hit it off, with Tex later asking for Lou’s hand in marriage, not knowing that the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with is already promised to another.
A love-struck Lou decides to pack her bags and head to South Africa, to finally confront her past and convince the King that she doesn’t want to marry him.
However, things don’t go as planned when she heads to the royal compound and meets the charming royal advisor – Zulu (Pallance Dladla), who later reveals himself as the King’s son and declares their encounter as true destiny.
When Lou visits her homestead in South Africa, she gets acquainted with her true identity and experiences the Zulu-Sotho traditions with the help of her alcoholic best friend Sam (Bubu Mazibuko).
Other cast members include Carl Anthony Payne, Makgano Mambolo, Jerry Phele, Kelly Khumalo, Lorcia Cooper, S’thandiwe Kgoroge, Treasure Tshabalala and Kole Omotoso.
Shot over three months, using a Red Dragon camera, Sekeleoane explains that colour played an important role in the film, bringing to life specific moods and emotions in different scenes. “I wanted to show a very warm South Africa and contrast our main character’s inner world by making her world in New York seem cold and detached,” she explains.
Costume designer Sheli Masando further enhanced Sekeleoane’s vision, dressing the film’s characters in eye-catching designs from fashion icons including David Tlale, Palse, Thula Sindi, Paledi, Laduma and Sheldon Kopman.
Sekeleoane’s long-time industry friend Julie Hall was responsible for the screenplay, with cinematography by Lance Gewer and editing by Jeremy Briers, Richard Marshall and George Artope. Post-production duties were done in-house at Luju Pictures Film.
While still in the production phase, Zulu Wedding was screened at the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival. “It really was very helpful because it got me a bit of money, a lot of interest and some distribution offers – we couldn’t strike a deal on them but we have better things in the pipeline so it was really worthwhile,” shares Sekeleoane.
Some behind-the-scenes footage of the film will run on the SABC channels in early February before the film’s local theatrical release date of 23 February 2018. “I am really trying to focus on the South Africa release which is very important to me. If my people don’t like my film then what was it all for? I want it to be very well received here and I want to put my best foot forward,” shares Sekeleoane
Zulu Wedding was produced in association with Brand Contact, the DTI, NFVF and Tsoga Afrika.
