A funny and touching slice of life
NO MATTER how long it has been since you last saw your relatives, meeting up for family gatherings, especially after the death of a loved one, can lead to drama and more drama. This typical and often very emotional scenario is also the inspiration behind award-winning producer Bianca Isaac’s directorial debut, 3 Days To Go, which puts family relationships and their dysfunctionality in the spotlight.
3 Days To Go tells the story of adult siblings who, after the sudden death of their father, are forced to return to their childhood home
– with an assortment of partners, children and issues in tow. They need to survive three days in each other’s company, under one roof, before they spread their father’s ashes and part ways. This universal story of family, healing and forgiveness boasts a talented cast.
Bollywood actress Lillette Dubey (The Second-best Marigold Hotel,
Best Marigold Hotel), came to South Africa specifically to portray the role of matriarch Lakshmi Isaac, who loses her husband of 45 years unexpectedly.
Leeanda Reddy (Isidingo, Mr
Bones 2) can be seen in the role of second-born, Janet, who was living with her parents at the time of her father’s death and has to juggle love, a rebellious teen and sibling tension, as well as coming to terms with her own sorrow. Of all of the cast members, she gives the most convincing performance by far.
Well-known radio, stage and television personality Jailoshini Naidoo (Keeping Up With The Kandasamys) is Melissa, the oldest of the four Isaac siblings, who is stuck in an emotionally and physically abusive marriage. Kajal Bagwandeen (Madiba, Jozi) is Amy – the baby of the family who is on the brink of getting divorced and stands to lose everything.
Kajal is well known for being the host of Eastern Mosaic and later Mela on SABC. She has also held soughtafter acting roles on local soapies and dramas, such as Isidingo and 7de Laan.
The only son and gambling addict of the family, Riki, is played by Rahul Brijnath (The Indian Detective).
Other cast members include: Kiara Govender, Zakeeya Patel, Pranesh Maharaj, Ashish Gangarpersad, Tumi Morake and Top Billing presenter Jonathan Boyntonlee as Leeanda Reddy’s love interest.
The movie marks a milestone for Isaac, a talented writer and producer, who has crafted a career in storytelling with acclaimed drama series Umlilo, Swartwater, Kruispad and Getroud Met Rugby.
Isaac, who owns Figjam Entertainment, a production company specialising in feature films, is looking forward to being in the director’s seat.
Isaac is supported by producer Gregory Mthanji and director of photography Jonathan De La Querra, both of whom she has collaborated with on past projects.
3 Days To Go resonates with me as the stories in the film are womencentric. The director advocates for more women of colour at the forefront of South Africa’s film industry and in saying that, Isaac has done a wonderful job on her directorial debut.
This film serves a slice of life, and the story is applicable to any culture and race, with hilariously funny moments and deeply touching ones.
It is about family, the choices we make and finding redemption. You may recognise someone you know in the story, or you may even recognise yourself.
This South African dramedy appeals to audiences of all ages.
It will be released in cinemas nationwide on January 25.