Now that The Queen star Zandile Msutwana has tasted how it feels to direct films, she is hungry for more.
Msutwana a seasoned campaigner, made her film directing debut when she directed Gog Flo. The film was flighted on Mzansi Magic on January 16 after it was shot last month.
The 41-year-old, who is currently appearing on The Queen as Vuyiswa, says as much as she was nervous, she enjoyed the experience.
She explains: “I was nervous because it was my first [as a director]. Sometimes people think that directing is about telling people what to do. There is a lot of responsibility and you are responsible for all departments, including choosing the location. That part was nerve-wracking,” Msutwana says.
“What I was confident about, though, was that I knew the story and how I wanted to tell it. And the people I worked with shared the same passion. But what I can say is that the experience has made me hungry. I want more directing jobs.”
She defines Gog Flo as an African fantasy which aims to demystify the myths about African stories. She explains that the film takes you back to the early days of storytelling by our forefathers.
“The film tells a story of a cultural practice where a female leader is chosen to serve and protect her village. The leadership is and can only be passed on to a twin female leader where only one of the twins can be appointed as the chosen leader. Gog Flo highlights themes of African female leadership, African spiritual practice, romance and love.”
By directing her first film, Msutwana joins a group of female directors like Mmabatho Montsho, who are carving a niche in a male-dominated industry. She admits that it is still difficult for women to break into directing TV shows, soapies or films. Eastern cape-born actress, whose journey started as a presenter on Heita and appearing on Backstage in early 2000s, advices that those who get a chance to direct should grab the opportunity.
“If you look at the soapie format, they have four directors. Sometimes it will be males but it’s rare to find one or two women. In my case, it is somebody who appreciated my two cents worth of ideas in how I see films. Before then, it was something I would do after I have done shooting by contributing my ideas to directors. I would causally say to people 'if you want assistance in directing I am available' perhaps I suppose I was not taken seriously.”
As a girl from the villages of King Williams' Town, Msutwana says Gog Flo is the kind of story she would like to tell because she can relate. The gifted actress, who has a diploma in speech and drama from the University of Cape Town, is proud to point out that she is deeply rooted in culture and traditions.
“Through this film, we are sharing a form of nostalgic escapism for the audience to enjoy. We have been watching fairytales like Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella and we wanted to create something with Africanness.”
Away from her work Msutwana is a reserved person who prefers to stay away from the spotlight. She tells TimeOut she also prefers to keep away from industry parties.
Her kind of fun includes driving around SA discovering new beautiful places with a group of friends, and hosting them for home cooked meals.
“I think I am allergic to pretentiousness. I sense it and I find it distracting. I don’t like being in spaces where I have to act differently. I don’t think I am in the industry for importance or fame. I want people to know me for the work I do. I do go to parties of people that I know.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.