“At its core, A Scam Called Love is a love letter to South African humor, resilience, and reinvention,” says writer-director Carla Fonseca Mokgata. “We hope audiences walk away laughing, maybe even thinking a little, and most importantly feeling seen. And if you ever consider scamming your way to love, well… make sure you get the right partner in crime.” Says writer-director Nthato Mokgata “We wanted to make a film that wasn’t just funny, but cleverly chaotic, deeply South African, and effortlessly stylish—a romcom that hits with both sharp wit and real heart.”
South African Filmmaking
Directed and written by husband-and-wife duo Carla Fonseca Mokgata and Nthato Mokgata, A Scam Called Love promises a blend of romance, comedy, and heartfelt moments set against the stunning backdrop of Cape Town.
The inspiration behind A Scam Called Love comes from the directors’ desire to create a film that is both funny and deeply rooted in South African culture. Nthato Mokgata shared that they wanted to make a “cleverly chaotic, deeply South African, and effortlessly stylish film—a romcom that hits with both sharp wit and real heart”.
Their goal was to create a film that resonates with audiences, making them laugh, think, and feel seen. The film’s unique blend of romance, comedy, and cultural representation aims to capture the essence of South African life and humor.
The film is deeply South African, celebrating the country’s humor, resilience, and reinvention. It aims to create a film that is not just funny but also “cleverly chaotic, deeply South African, and effortlessly stylish”
The film explores themes of love, family, and deception, making it relatable to a wide audience. It highlights the complexities of relationships and the lengths people go to for love and survival.
A Scam Called Love is poised to captivate audiences with its perfect blend of romance, comedy, and relatable charm.
Zola (Didintle “Didi” Khunou), an ambitious chef with big culinary dreams, and Julian (Tobi Bamtefa), a free-spirited line cook who thrives on risk, find themselves in a financial bind. To solve their problems, they hatch a wild plan: a green-card marriage. What starts as a simple scheme quickly spirals into a web of hilarious mishaps, tangled emotions, and unexpected family drama. With government officials on their tail and their own families growing suspicious, Zola and Julian must keep up appearances without catching real feelings.
Carla Fonseca Mokgata and Nthato Mokgata, also known as Spoek Mathambo, have worked on several notable projects: The indie full-length dramatic feature Burkinabe (2019) and Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire (2023 )directed and written by Nthato Mokgata (Spoek Mathambo).
Carla Fonseca-Mokgata is a multi-disciplinary artist hailing from the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa and Mozambique. She is a director, writer, actress, and musician, known for her audacious and thrilling ideas that have captivated audiences worldwide. Carla graduated from the University of Cape Town in 2010 with a BA in Theatre and Performance. She also attended Pro Arte High School of Arts, where she matriculated with additional drama subjects. Carla is a tireless advocate for cultivating a vibrant storytelling and artistic culture within South Africa. Her creative arsenal spans a diverse range of mediums, all meticulously wielded to achieve her visionary objectives. She draws inspiration from personal experiences, African history, traditions, and global affairs. Carla’s work is deeply rooted in exploring the historical and contemporary societal traumas of South Africa. She has transported her storytelling prowess to numerous countries, leaving her mark on audiences globally. Co-writer and co-director of this highly anticipated South African romantic comedy A Scam Called Love.
Known by his stage name Spoek Mathambo, Nthato Mokgata is a multifaceted South African artist, producer, singer-songwriter, and rapper. Mokgata grew up in Rockville, Soweto, and later moved to Sandown, Sandton. He attended St John’s College in Johannesburg and initially studied medicine at the University of Cape Town before switching to graphic design. Mokgata’s musical career began in the local rap and electronic music scene in Cape Town. He collaborated with artists like Waddy Jones (Die Antwoord), Simon Ringrose (SiBot), and Markus Wormstorm. Mokgata was named the 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist for Music at the Virtual National Arts Festival. He directed “Future Sounds of Mzansi,” a documentary exploring South Africa’s cultural landscape 20 years into democracy.
