South African movie, Umfelokazi 3, shot in Newcastle
The movie, Umfelokazi 3, follows a young man’s quest to seek vengeance on those responsible for his twin brother’s death. Michaels acts as the man’s father, an ex gangster, who guides his son in unleashing his revenge.
The glitz and glamour linked to film and television stars made its way to Newcastle recently.
Darlington Michaels, aka Georgie ‘Papa G’ Zamdela from Isidingo, and Joyce Skefu, who is known for her role in Scandal as Bra Eddie’s wife, were spotted in Newcastle on October 31.
The two popular South African actors were part of a movie production team, which was set in Newcastle.
The movie, Umfelokazi 3, follows a young man’s quest to seek vengeance on those responsible for his twin brother’s death. Michaels acts as the man’s father, an ex gangster, who guides his son in unleashing his revenge.
The third instalment of the Umfelokazi franchise might sound like a thrilling storyline made by film crews from bigger cities, but it is purely local based.
The movie is a Langelihle Films Production project, which was headed by Newcastillian, Thulani Mbatha.
Mbatha produced his first movie, The King, in 2008 and his production studio has grown steadily stronger since its inception.
Due to Mbatha’s use of Newcastle in the movie, we will see our town being featured on Mzanzi Magic, Channel 161.
“Part one was released in September 2016, Part two in January 2017 and the new movie will be released on January 2018.”
Overjoyed as being a part of the Umfelokazi franchise, Mbatha laughed at the movie’s beginnings.
“When I initially received the script, no one wanted me to film it. When I was given the go ahead for the first instalment, I only had three cast members to work with.”
Due to the movie’s popularity, it quickly grew in stature and became a successful franchise.
ALSO READ: South African celebrity Georgie “Papa G” Zamdela comes to Newcastle – (watch)
“The cast is now a lot bigger and Newcastle has a great setting for the storyline.”
While the movie had nationally recognised actors, Mbatha said it consisted of 70 per cent local actors.
“The reason the movie has so many local actors is to ensure our town’s actors get exposure. They get to learn from people such as Darlington Michaels and Joyce Skefu, and have their names promoted.”
Ensuring local talent was highlights, a small scene was shot at the Newcastle Advertiser offices on Paterson Street.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Umfelokazi 3 in January 2018; who knows who you might see…
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