Pretty How Town is poised to captivate audiences nationwide with its comedic yet heartfelt narrative. Written by Richard Starkey and directed by Alan Shelley, this upcoming film promises to be a compelling reflection on grief, identity, and the bonds that tie us to our origins.
When Victoria, a transgender woman, returns to her remote South African hometown to care for her dying mother, she steps into a minefield of buried secrets, strained family ties, and a community that barely remembers, or chooses not to. Posing as a cousin to ease her re-entry, she crosses paths with a grieving doctor, a wary old flame, and a teenage boy who might unknowingly share her blood. As identities blur and truths unravel, Victoria must face the past she left behind and the person she’s become in a town struggling to keep up.
Pretty How Town is a comic, quietly radical story about belonging, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to come home as yourself.’
Director Alan Shelley describes the film as “a comedy about the grief that follows any big change.” He believes the project resonates well with audiences, stating, “When we let pain fester into disappointment and bitterness that becomes our identity. … I believe our work will resonate with people in its gentle, unassuming way.” The film balances the bitter with the sweet, presenting a narrative that expresses the importance of allowing space for mourning, all while maintaining a sense of hope and renewal.
Produced by Margaret Zambonini alongside Hisham Samie and Irfaan Fredericks, the project is the collaborative effort of multiple production houses, including Benchfilms, Ardenslate, and Wallflower Productions. Zambonini reflects on the film’s central themes, noting that it encourages individuals to explore the notion of stepping away from their communities and families to truly discover themselves. “Working with a world-class South African cast and crew brought forth an incredible dedication that was palpable throughout the project,” she said.
