The prostitute and the gifted boy
THE story of a Hillbrow prostitute who protects a gifted boy from organised crime and discovers aspects of her own lost humanity in the process, is at the heart of a new local movie.
The film, Dora’s Peace, due for release on August 26, is directed by Konstandino Kalarytis.
It was shot in Johannesburg and stars Khabonina Qubeka in the title role.
Appropriately released in Women’s Month, the drama features a strong female cast in roles that highlight the complex circumstances and relationships that women experience in often ruthless urban environments.
Dora is described by Kalarytis as smart and tough, accustomed to beating odds by doing things her way, However, she also has a good heart.
“She’s seen it all and done it all. Into her solitary existence comes 12-year old Peace, a talented artist and the son of her down-and-out neighbour.
“Before long, Dora will be forced to make a decision – protect Peace from the bad guys or let them win. Her only ally is Ravi, a Rasta-loving Indian taxi driver with a wicked sense of humour.”
What ensues has been designed to thrill and chill audiences, as Dora comes up against her hardest opponent – her own true nature.
“Dora is the type of strong, unforgettable female lead that audiences love,” says Helen Kuun, of Indigenous Film Distribution, which is distributing the film in South Africa.
“It’s quite fitting that the release of the film coincides with National Women’s Month, a tribute to the role of women in the struggle for freedom, as Dora represents courage and strength, even in the face of difficult circumstances.”
Qubeka, who portrays Dora, is a familiar face on South African television screens, but Dora’s Peace marks the first feature film for an actress who has been nominated for many awards for her roles in series including Muvhango, The Lab, The Wild and Rhythm City.
Her first TV role was as the controversial Doobsie in SABC2’s Muvhango, and she quickly followed up with more roles in The Mating Game and Erfsondes.
Having also been seen in the successful theatre production The Table, Qubeka is currently starring as Nina Zamdela in the popular Isidingo on SABC3.
Aside from her television and feature film work, she is also a dancer, presenter and musician.
In the role of Peace’s mother, Connie, is another familiar face, Hlubi Moya, probably best known for her role as Nandipha in Isidingo. She has also appeared in local and international feature films, including How to Steal 2 Million, Death Race 3 and iNumber Number.
The cast also features Danny Keogh (Invictus, Starship Troopers 3: Marauder), Ronnie Nyakale (Jerusalema, Blood Diamond), and 12-year-old Paballo Koza (Thola, The Blanket). Also watch for Molefi Monaisa, Meren Reddy, Denel Honeyball, Israel Makoe, Tinah Mnumzana, Yule Masiteng, Manaka Ranaka, Masilo Magoro, Blessed Boshomane, Omo Kondile and Sebelethu Bonkolo.
“The film deals with people who inhabit the gangland that is Hillbrow,” says Kalarytis.
“Aspects of my own Greek background and culture are also incorporated, which I don’t think has been done before in a South African movie.
“In making the film, the most important aspect was the relationship between Dora and the young boy, Peace.
“By taking on the role of protector and nurturer, Dora is forced to confront difficult issues about her own life and her past,” adds Kalarytis.