36th Durban International Film Festival Opening Night Film 'Ayanda'.

Director:

Sara Bletcher

Producers:

Terry Pheto

Robbie Thorpe

Busi Sizani

Cast:

Fulu Mugovhani

OC Ujeke

Ntathi Moshesh

Kenneth Nkosi

Japhta Mamabola

Thomas Gumede

Sihle Xaba

Vennea Cooke

Release Date:

August 2015.

Ayanda had its world premiere at the LA Film Festival after successfully screening at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. I had the chance to see the film at DIFF in July. Lead actress Fulu Mugovhani does an exceptional job playing 'Ayanda'. Her love Interest  'David' played by actor OC Ujeke delivers well on his character as well. Ayanda produced by Terry Pheto's production company Leading Lady Productions has produced an authentic story. Set in a vibrant, buzzing Johannesburg Ayanda a care free young lady is keeping the memory of her dad alive by running his business as a mechanic. She is told that the business is not making money, Ayanda finds innovative ways to keep the business afloat as she falls in love, deals with family problems as well as finding herself in this coming of age story.

I appreciate this film, the writer, director and producer are all females. Smart minds came together to create a story. I absolutely loved the cinematography it seems like a lot of fun was had throughout the making of this film. I particularly liked the 'side stories' where the film did an amazing job at bringing the people of Africa together in segments where people from all works of life were Interviewed. Terry Pheto made a cameo appearance, I wasn't surprised by that. What I didn't like though, the film was a little to long. There were times when I thought it was not coming to an end, there could've been some bits that should've been left out without the story lacking. However this is a SA Film and I am an advocate for beautiful home films, so I encourage everyone to go see it. Sara Bletcher who directed Otelo Burning does not disappoint and the new talent is refreshing.