South Africa’s First Ever Black Female Superhero For The Big Screen Packs A Punch Against Crime And Corruption!
Supermama’s remarkable journey to becoming a crime fighter with a homemade costume, karate chops and an over-inflated ego is what makes the film so original and amusing, making it a definite must see for the South African audience and movie patrons.
Director, Karen van Schalkwyk says she is thrilled that audiences will have the opportunity to see the film on circuit and that it has been well received at various festivals. “It has been the culmination of many years of hard work. It was great fun making this film and it is fantastic that Supermama can finally have a life of her own and get out there into the world.”
Read interview with writer-director Karen van Schalkwyk
Directed by van Schalkwyk from a screenplay crafted by Van Schalkwyk, Damon Berry and Ben Tjibe the film is produced by Rory Downing and Damon Berry
In a world of tsotsi’s there must be one to save us all… Doris, an ordinary yet determined Mama from Alexandra meets a mysterious Kung Fu Master Mr. Hung, he helps her turn herself into an unconventional superhero.
Nomsa Buthelezi, South African Film and Television Award winner (SAFTA’s 13), takes on her first feature film lead role. She plays the stubborn and heroic Doris Ratabane, an ordinary family woman with a passion for fighting crime. Also featuring in this entertaining family movie, is the much liked South African celebrity and accomplished actor Desmond Dube and well known Michael Mabizela who plays Doris’s husband, Jabu Ratabane.
Making his debut as an actor is martial arts expert Leo Ming, who plays the role of Supermama’s Kung Fu master, Mr Hung. Child star Siyabonga Mtshali plays Doris’s number one fan (Tiny), and Joe Vaz (Mr. Kilber) and EFC heavyweight fighter Bernardo Mikixi (Black Jack) also his debut film, conclude this ensemble of actors.
The film has already made a positive entrance at numerous industry recognized festivals, such as DIFF, Jozi Film Festival and CTIFF and was nominated for Best Comedy of the year at the African Movie Academy Awards 2018 – popularly known as AMAA. Most recently it is to be screened as part of the official selection the Africa Film Trinidad & Tobago 2019 – an annual film festival showcasing the best of contemporary and classic films from the continent and the African diaspora; to name just a few successes.
“There is no doubt that this movie will be well received by the South African audience, and we are pleased that this unique film will be released by very supportive partners of South African film industry; Nu Metro and Century Cinemax” says producer Rory Downing of Waterfall Pictures. He goes on to say “I believe that the South African audience would like to be entertained at cinema’s and are tired and apathetic of the selection of local films that are currently been promoted and distributed. It is obvious by the recent success of comedy and action films that audiences would prefer to watch entertaining films that offer some relief and laughter from the everyday grind. After all Entertainment is about escapism and is a great vehicle to promote hope and overcoming the odds.”
“The Adventures of Supermama is a fresh South African movie for the whole family and a great privilege for us at Supermama Films to be the first to present a South African Black Female Superhero for the big screen; making it an exceptional box office leader in aligning with the Film industry’s transformation agenda” says producer Damon Berry. “Trust us, Nomsa Buthelezi went the extra mile for her role as Supermama. Just wait until you see Nomsa in her fight sequences. She packs a punch!” he adds.
The public can look forward to the first movie release on 14 June at selected Nu Metro Cinemas nationwide, as well as the Century CinemaX Cinema in Northgate Johannesburg; preceded by a star studded Premier set to take place on Wednesday 12 June.
Participating cinemas are Nu Metro Canal Walk (Cape Town), Menlyn (Pretoria), Mamelodi (Pretoria), the Pavilion in Durban (KwaZulu-Natal), Trade Route Mall and Westgate shopping Centre, as well as Century Cinemax cinema in Northgate, Johannesburg.
Supermama will be available for VOD streaming download via Box Office / DSTV and West Africa following a recent partnership with Trace Distribution Africa.