Ballito filmmaker’s documentary ‘Squashbox’ premieres at Lyric Lounge
The short film tracks the story of unique maskandi duo Qadasi and Maqhinga.
Award-winning storytelling met local pride when filmmaker SJ van Breda showcased her smartphone-shot documentary Squashbox in Ballito last week.
Lyric Lounge Theatre hosted a private screening of the locally produced documentary on Wednesday evening.
Squashbox, produced by Fun Bruh Dar Films, an award-winning South African production house, was written, directed and edited by the 34-year-old Ballito filmmaker.
Eighty-five family members and friends attended the unofficial premiere of the 10-minute bio-doc, which was filmed entirely on mobile devices (iPhone 14 Pro and a drone) between 2024 and 2025 in KZN and Ireland.
Squashbox, a concertina tuned to Zulu musical chords, tells the story of the relationship, history and work of David “Qadasi” Jenkins (33) and Maqhinga Radebe (61), a South African Music Award-winning Maskandi (Zulu folk music) duo.
SJ said it was incredible to meet David and Maqhinga’s families and friends and to share one of her films with her own family as screenings are usually held abroad.
“It was amazing to have a local screening and for everyone to see what I’ve been working on for the last few years,” said SJ.
“It was very emotional for me to have both my mum and dad see my work projected on a big screen.”
ALSO READ: Maskandi duo Qadasi and Maqhinga to premiere documentary at Aussie film fest
Guests were welcomed with drinks and a buffet table of snacks. The evening opened with screenings of Are Your Eyes Nicely Open? – a poignant film about the plight of the Kalahari bushmen in Botswana – and Rite to Sight, a documentary about the Kingsley Holgate Foundation. Both are smartphone-shot films by SJ.
A Q&A session followed, before Qadasi and Maqhinga rounded off the evening with a live performance of classic favourites and some of their latest music.
SJ praised her father, Ron van Breda, along with Yolande Kruger, Sue and Amy Jenkins and both musicians for their help and support.
“The amount of work they put in to make tonight special really paid off,” she said.
This was the only national screening of Squashbox before it premieres at the 11th Annual SF3 Gala Finals, the world’s largest smartphone film festival, on January 23.
“It’s a huge honour for our documentary to be shown at the Sydney Opera House,” said Qadasi.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
