Jozi – home to local and global filmmakers
17 September 2015
Johannesburg’s reputation as the preferred location for shooting local and international movies has been further bolstered by the rave reviews that new box office sensation Tell Me Something Sweet is generating.
Directed by renowned actor and highly respected flimmaker Akin Omotoso, Tell Me Something Sweet joins a growing list of top international and local films that have been shot in Johannesburg in the recent past and gone on to win international acclaim. They include The Bang Bang Club, District 9, Tsotsi and Invictus.
Tell Me Something Sweet became an instant box office hit when it premiered on September 4.
Filmed on location in Maboneng, the film showcases the unusual beauty of the inner city and the people who make the precinct one of Johannesburg’s trendiest eclectic hubs.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development Councillor Ruby Mathang says Johannesburg’s exciting cultural, social and sporting offerings make it “a very attractive location of choice for both local and international filmmakers”.
“Johannesburg is a premier all-year round business, filming and leisure destination for local, national and international audiences. It is a gateway to Africa and a world-class African city offering world-class facilities and skills,” he says.
Some of the things that make Johannesburg a favourite filmmaking destination are its first-rate infrastructure, ideal all-year round weather conditions, accessible locations, state-of-the-art production facilities, skilled and experienced film crews, a burgeoning labour force, excellent logistics and services.
MMC Mathang says the City is committed to creating an environment in which the private sector can confidently invest in the film sector and thrive.
“As the City, we recognise that the film industry is important for our economic growth as well as for our reputation as a world-class African city and business hub,” he says.
Tell Me Something Sweet is a local romcom that tells the story of an unlikely pair whose love prevails against the odds.
Nomzamo Mbatha stars as Moratiwa, an aspirant writer and owner of a bookshop who meets dashing male model Nat, played by Maps Maponyane. The two fall head over heels in love. Enters Nat’s pregnant ex-girlfriend and all hell breaks loose. Tell Me Something Sweet has received rave reviews for its beautiful story-telling, the professionalism of the actors and its local flavour.
Johannesburg also attracts a variety of top film events. These include the Fédération Panafricaine des Cinéastes, Photo and Film Expo, and Discop Africa.