First movie about TB hits SA screens
THE country’s first film about tuberculosis (TB) premiered on Friday at Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg.
Titled The Lucky Specials, the film boasts a star-studied cast that includes Blondie Makhene, Oros Mampofu, Richard Lukunku, Fulu Mugovhani, Thomas Gumede, Linda Sebezo and Sibulele Gcilitshana, among others.
The film educates people about TB, the importance of taking the treatment and the dangers of late detection.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, who attended the event, pointed out that TB was among the deadly and silent killer diseases in South Africa.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2013 89 000 people, including those who have HIV, died from TB in South Africa.
The story is set around a small-time cover band in a dusty mining town. It is about a young man, Mandla (played by Oros Mampofu), who works as a rock driller at a mine, and is also lead guitarist of a band called The Lucky Specials.
Mandla is passionate about playing guitar and dreams of making it big in the music industry. He is taking guitar lessons with Bra Easy (portrayed by Blondie Makhene). Bra Easy owns a tavern and he also plays drums for The Lucky Specials.
Speaking to Sowetan after the premiere, Makhene said the strong message in the film was not only directed at people with TB.
“I agreed to be part of the film because it is a story that seeks to change perceptions about TB, and open people’s minds. The message is clear TB is dangerous and we all need to take it seriously.”
Makhene said he enjoyed playing Bra Easy as it reminded him of his journey as a young musician. He said he saw himself in the character of Mandla.
“Just like Mandla, I used to take guitar lessons with seasoned jazz singer Bra Allen Kwela. Every time I go for lessons, I [would] bring him a traditional beer and we start practising.”
The legendary musician said though The Lucky Specials addresses the issue of TB, it also exposed the real challenges facing young musicians.