Actress claims sacking over her spiritual calling
Producer says Sihomo quit as director can’t fire and hire actors
Nelly Kemp, an international producer from X Media and Sound Hub, has dismissed claims they had withdrawn their support for a local film because one of the actresses is training to be a sangoma.
This week actress Sinesipho Sihomo, 27, made allegations that MOG Films founder and director Leclere Serumulo discriminated against her because of her ancestral calling, and that resulted in her being let go from the project on the basis that “he doesn’t want to go against his beliefs” by working with her.
Sihomo had been cast in the film Strings Attached, which was supposed to go into production from July 19.
She claimed that she and Serumulo, a staunch Christian, had clashed over their beliefs.
“He [Serumulo] called me back the following day to say that [as much as] we both have similar callings, with mine being ancestral while his is strictly about God, he will have to release me from the project,” she said.
The film has been canned, leaving close to 60 people without jobs. X Media and Sound Hub took the decision this week after Serumulo told them there was a disagreement between him and Sihomo.
In his defence, Serumolo, who is also an evangelist, said he could not collaborate with Sihomo because “the spirit she carries and the spirit that I carry can’t function in one room”. He decided to leave the project entirely, he said.
But Kemp, who partners with Serumolo and a third international production house, said Serumolo asked to excuse himself from the project and that Sihomo was not removed from the project
“In fact, I’ve received evidence that she has removed herself from the production cast group way before we even came to a decision and conclusion regarding our involvement with the production.
“It is not in the director’s capacity to hire and fire cast. His right to dismiss and adapt talent can only be exercised with the crew he works with as he believes their collaboration of skills will work as one to create a good production.”
Kemp said the actors are approved by producers and executives.
“And as one of the major executive producers, I don’t recall dismissing anyone nor terminating any agreement with the cast. I have not approved any dismissal of the actress, neither has my partners done so. It was only yesterday [Tuesday] that executive producers involved in the project decided to dismiss the production in its entirety...
“When this was further discussed we realised it’s a matter beyond our control and exceeded the profession. And for that reason we have decided to pull out from the project financially and otherwise. We do not wish to take any sides but respect each individual’s beliefs,” said Kemp.