Studio aims to inspire Durban talent
CONSTRUCTION of the R7.5 billion film studio where the old Natal Command site is situated is expected to begin in the next three months.
This is according to film producer Anant Singh, who was at the launch and screening of the first episode of his first TV show, Imbewu, on Thursday night.
Imbewu (The Seed) premieres on e.tv on April 16 at 9.30pm and has been produced by Singh alongside Duma Ndlovu and Leleti Khumalo.
The drama revolves around two brothers – one in the city, in uMlazi, and the other in rural uMbumbulu, their families and a secret which involves a traditional practice.
It also features a third family, an Indian family, in business with one of the brothers – an element that one of the producers says aims to promote social cohesion in Durban.
Singh, who is the brains behind the anticipated Durban Film City, said the studios should be completed by early next year.
“We’re finally getting to take occupation in the next three months and going on site. Film studios are built very quickly so we’re hoping that by January or February we should be finished.”
Singh says having the studios in Durban means having TV and film facilities at the hub of the country’s creativity.
“I’ve always been based here (Durban) because, for me, creativity has always had a better base in Durban, whether it be music with Ladysmith Black Mambazo, storytelling with Gcina Mhlophe, pottery, painting and acting with Leleti Khumalo.”
He says based on viewer demand, season two of Imbewu could be in the pipeline and, should this come to fruition, new episodes could be shot at the Durban Film City.
Singh says while making films over the past 40 years he has seen that TV makes little use of local talent in Durban.
One of the executive producers of the show, Duma Ndlovu, says Durban deserves something like this.
“When we made the decision to grow Durban it was because we kept watching Cape Town doing its thing, as well as Johannesburg. I worked there all my life in terms of TV and we started thinking ‘what’s wrong with Durban? Let’s move to Durban’. And here we are.”
Ndlovu took the media on a tour of the set.
He said having the show shot in Durban was a milestone and a new direction in South African television.
“I’m sure the people at home watching will wonder where this was shot and you must have also been asking yourself, driving in with all the trucks, thinking where are we going?
“Well, we found a little space in a corner, a warehouse and we created this.
“We are serious about TV in Durban and we are here to stay.”