KZN's locally shot Treasure Hunt selected for screening at prestigious US film festival
A locally shot movie, Treasure Hunt has been selected to be screened at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami Beach, Florida.
Image: Supplied
KwaZulu-Natal film company's debut feature film, Treasure Hunt, has been selected for screening at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami Beach, Florida.
KZN's CAP Studios, a pioneering film company based in Embo in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, said it was excited about the recognition.
The screening will take place on June 14 at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida.
The film company said the ABFF is a prestigious Academy Award-qualifying festival that celebrates Black talent in film and television.
'The American Black Film Festival is an incredible platform for us to share our story with a new audience,' CAP Studios founder Chim Onyebilanma said.
Onyebilanma, who wrote and directed Treasure Hunt, confirmed that he will be attending the movie premiere in Miami, saying, 'My tickets and visa are ready!'
Veteran actor Zane Meas on the set of Treasure Hunt which has been selected to be screened at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami Beach, Florida.
Image: Supplied
He said the selection was testament to the hard work and dedication of their entire team and he mentioned the contribution of Happiness Mpase, the associate producer.
"We are proud to be representing South Africa and our community on the global stage.'
The film is about an ex-con who finds stolen jewellery—and the criminals who want it back. But beneath the crime story lies a powerful message about choices, redemption, and second chances.
The movie was also filmed in the heart of the Valley of a Thousand Hills and the company said the locals offered their talents, homes and cars to make it happen.
Veteran actor and broadcaster Zane Meas, who stars in the film, praised its message. 'Treasure Hunt is a movie about making the right choices in life and a movie I believe that people would love,' he said.
The production brought together a cast of renowned South African actors including Meas, Moopi Mothibeli, Muzi Mthabela, Trevor Gumbi and Samukele Mkhize. They collaborated with young local talent from Embo, highlighting the rich potential within underrepresented communities.
Adding international expertise to the film's production was celebrated cinematographer Isaac Alongi, who served as Director of Photography. The executive producers included Onyebilanma, Frances Dlongolo and Kike Adeniyi.
Onyebilanma added that lead actors Moopi Mothibeli and Melissa Mkhize, who hails from the Embo community, are also hoping to join him at the festival, pending finalisation of funding.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
4 days ago
- The Star
Acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae remembered for his impactful storytelling and unrivalled talent
The South African entertainment industry is in mourning following the untimely passing of acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae, who died at the age of 40 from natural causes related to breathing problems. As tributes flood in from across the country, fans and colleagues alike remember the beloved actor for Chweneyagae's memorable performances that left a lasting mark on screens and stages alike. The actor, affectionately known as 'Cobrizi wa le Easy', rose to fame through his unforgettable roles, notably in the popular telenovela The River and his Academy Award-winning performance in the 2005 film Tsotsi . His ability to portray richly nuanced characters endeared him to audiences, making him one of the finest actors to ever grace South African screens. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, shared a poignant tribute, highlighting the inspiring journey of Chweneyagae from humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of hope for youth aspiring towards careers in the arts. 'Presley was proof that where you start in life doesn't have to be where you finish. He was a living reminder that dreams from kasi streets are just as valid as dreams from polished boardrooms,' McKenzie stated. He further acknowledged the profound impact Chweneyagae made during his time, underscoring the storytelling ability that resonated with the soul of the nation. 'The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture mourns the loss of a true trailblazer – a storyteller who held the soul of a nation in his craft. We salute his contribution and commit to ensuring his impact is never forgotten,' McKenzie added while extending condolences to Chweneyagae's family and friends. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Honourable Disebo Tlebere, voiced her grief, stating, 'Our winter has just become colder. The news of Presley Chweneyagae's passing has come as a profound shock, as we had hoped to witness his brilliance for many more years,' Tlebere said. Actress Terry Pheto, who shared an unforgettable moment in Oscar glory with Chweneyagae, voiced her devastation on social media, stating, 'I am shocked and saddened by the news of Presley's sudden passing. My heart goes out to his family and the rest of our friends and colleagues in the film industry.' In remembrance of Chweneyagae's legacy, memorial services are scheduled to take place on June 3 in Mahikeng and June 5 in Gauteng, with his final resting place set for June 7 in Pretoria. [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Pool players, Kyle Akaloo and Ethan Chetty, dominate at Heyball national championship
Kyle Akaloo with his accolades Image: Supplied South Africa's pool champion, Kyle Akaloo, emerged victorious once again at the Heyball National Championship at the Crucible Billiards Room in Pretoria earlier this week. Akaloo, 35, from Malvern, said he was proud to add another title to his list of accomplishments. He is also the South African 9 Ball and Straight Pool champion, and defended his titles for three consecutive years. 'Heyball is a different form of billiards. There are about 20 different forms of billiards in the world. I have now won in three different formats in South Africa. 'To prepare, I played a few sparring sessions with some of the province's top Heyball players and then I did a lot of running to condition my mind and body,' he added. The father of one said he was honoured to have bagged another title. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I am very happy. Heyball is completely different from 9 ball, so there are a lot of adjustments I had to make. But I am glad my hard work and dedication to the sport paid off,' Akaloo said. Last year, Akaloo ranked in the top 64 of the US Open 9 Ball Championships. He was also the only player to be ranked number one for pool and snooker simultaneously in South Africa. The highlights of his career include him competing in the World Cup of Pool last year. Ethan Chetty, 20, from Silverglen, was ranked number one in the Heyball men's category during the championship. He also scooped third place in the singles event. Ethan Chetty was ranked number one in the country for Heyball Image: Supplied Chetty will jet off to Australia to compete in the Heyball World Championship. 'I had the most breaks and finishes throughout the championship. I was ecstatic to have been ranked number one in the country. 'To prepare, I practised everyday and prayed for guidance. It felt amazing to win, knowing all my hard work and dedication to practising had paid off. I practised every day and I prayed for everything I wanted,' Chetty added. He said he was thrilled to play in the world championship. The dates for the championship in Australia are yet to be announced. 'I thank my parents, Pat and Christine, for their support and their belief in my skills. I also thank my mentor Sagie Jico Naidoo and my partner, Ifthikaar Ahmod, for their support. I thank Jesus for his faithfulness, his love, and his guidance in keeping my mind and head strong." Chetty, earned the nickname "Killer Laaitie" for his exceptional skills in pool and proved that with the right support, youngsters could achieve success in cue sport. He defended his U23 national champion title at the South African Blackball Nationals earlier this year, and was also the U18 and U23 pool champion for South Africa in 2023, while juggling schooling with competing globally. He has bagged an array of trophies and titles since he entered as a junior in competitive cue sport and is a member of the Friendly 8 Pool Academy in Silverglen. The teen has played in various tournaments and championships in South Africa and has travelled to different countries, including China and Morocco. He won the U18 national championships three years consecutively. THE POST
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae remembered for his impactful storytelling and unrivalled talent
The beloved South African actor Presley Chweneyagae has passed away at 40, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of fans and colleagues. The beloved South African actor Presley Chweneyagae has passed away at 40, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of fans and colleagues. The South African entertainment industry is in mourning following the untimely passing of acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae, who died at the age of 40 from natural causes related to breathing problems. As tributes flood in from across the country, fans and colleagues alike remember the beloved actor for Chweneyagae's memorable performances that left a lasting mark on screens and stages alike. The actor, affectionately known as 'Cobrizi wa le Easy', rose to fame through his unforgettable roles, notably in the popular telenovela The River and his Academy Award-winning performance in the 2005 film Tsotsi. His ability to portray richly nuanced characters endeared him to audiences, making him one of the finest actors to ever grace South African screens. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, shared a poignant tribute, highlighting the inspiring journey of Chweneyagae from humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of hope for youth aspiring towards careers in the arts. 'Presley was proof that where you start in life doesn't have to be where you finish. He was a living reminder that dreams from kasi streets are just as valid as dreams from polished boardrooms,' McKenzie stated. He further acknowledged the profound impact Chweneyagae made during his time, underscoring the storytelling ability that resonated with the soul of the nation. 'The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture mourns the loss of a true trailblazer – a storyteller who held the soul of a nation in his craft. We salute his contribution and commit to ensuring his impact is never forgotten,' McKenzie added while extending condolences to Chweneyagae's family and friends. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Honourable Disebo Tlebere, voiced her grief, stating, 'Our winter has just become colder. The news of Presley Chweneyagae's passing has come as a profound shock, as we had hoped to witness his brilliance for many more years,' Tlebere said. Actress Terry Pheto, who shared an unforgettable moment in Oscar glory with Chweneyagae, voiced her devastation on social media, stating, 'I am shocked and saddened by the news of Presley's sudden passing. My heart goes out to his family and the rest of our friends and colleagues in the film industry.' In remembrance of Chweneyagae's legacy, memorial services are scheduled to take place on June 3 in Mahikeng and June 5 in Gauteng, with his final resting place set for June 7 in Pretoria. Saturday Star
