The South African offering The Deal is among those of Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana, representing Africa at this year’s Essence Film Festival in the USA. The National Film and Video Foundation-funded film follows the life of an 18-year-old girl, Thandeka, played by accomplished poet and actress Botlhale Boikanyo, who finds herself in a transactional sexual affair with a wealthy benefactor.
Following its recent win for best short film, drama category, at the Golden Bridge Istanbul Short Film Festival in Turkey, the South African short film The Deal has been named the official selection entry for South Africa at the 2023 Essence Film Festival.
The largest yearly festival in the USA that celebrates African American culture, it empowers and offers a platform to African-American musicians, artists, speakers and entrepreneurs. Around 500 000 people touch down in New Orleans every year to attend this festival, which conducts exhibitions and conferences and has a wellness house and sprawling marketplace.
Starring legendary South African actors, such as Jerry Mofokeng, Abigail Kubeka, Aubrey Poo, Napo Masheane and Matli Mohapeloa, The Deal is a film about the nuances of gender-based violence and its impact on one’s mental health.
The National Film and Video Foundation-funded film follows the life of an 18-year-old South African girl, Thandeka, played by accomplished poet and actress Botlhale Boikanyo, who finds herself in a transactional sexual affair with a wealthy benefactor. The film delves into the thematic area of transgenerational transactional relationships otherwise widely labelled “blesser and blessee” relationships in South Africa, while exploring the toll they take on young women in pursuit of education. At its core, the film examines the fine line between coercion and consent.
Produced by Wandile Molebatsi, and written and directed by Paul Modjadji, The Deal is also the first film in South Africa to feature a dementia-diagnosed character and present a snapshot of her life and her family and care givers. This is also the first time legendary veteran actress Abigail Kubeka plays a character living with dementia. Best known for her long-standing character on Generations and the Netflix series Queen Sono, she said she took the role on because of its importance in putting the spotlight on dementia awareness in South Africa, as many people consider cognitive decline a normal part of ageing and not the ailment it is.
Executive producer of the film Katie Mohamed remarked: “The Deal is a powerful film that speaks to the intricacies of GBV. It is critical also to note the film implores men to take responsibility, as it provokes necessary discussions on the topic.”
On her lead role Botlhale said: “This character’s story is one that resonated with me, one that’s a sad reality among so many women and girls in South Africa. I hope, through her story, to reflect truths and educate to change perceptions.”
Other countries representing the African continent are Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. The musical component of the festival will be headlined by Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, Meghan the Stallion and Wizkid, among others.
