INTONGA

Local, Xhosa, Mdantsane shot film based on young stickfighter from Fort Beaufort.

Intonga is a local, Xhosa, Mdantsane shot film based on a heart-warming story of Siviwe, a young stickfighter from Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape, and his fight for acceptance when he and his mother move to the city after his father dies. He gets into trouble when a local girl, the girlfriend of a local boxing champion named “Knuckles” shows interest on him. After many confrontations with Knuckles, Siviwe decides to take him on his own game, boxing, with the help of a local priest and a trainer. They guide him on his journey into the unfamiliar world of boxing.

It’s a simple and beautiful Africa story full of love, confrontations, stunning scenery and many valuable life lessons that will entertain the whole family.

The film was shot during July on location in Mdantsane and Fort Beaufort surrounds. No sets were built as authenticity was key and, with careful planning, the stunning natural winter sunlight of the area contributes to the look of the film. Those who visit Grahamstown for the National Arts Festival every year will identify with the surrounding landscape.

The process of incorporating students and learners together with experienced cast and crew proved to be hugely successful and each of them left the production with more experience than they may have gained in the industry over the years.

Distributed by Numetro Films Intonga is a joint venture between Swayani Films and Cape Peninsula University of Technology. It features top boxers such as WBF world champion Zolani Tete, Balekile Sam, Mandisi Mkile and Dudu Bungu, the brother of the ex-world champion Vuyani Bungu.