Latest news with #SABBATICAL
The Star
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Sabbatical' cast brings power and heart to the screen
Local actors reflect on their transformative experience in the new local film Sabbatical , which explores ambition, familial ties, and the weight of silence within the context of corporate scandal. At the helm is Mona Monyane portrays Lesego, a brilliant corporate climber on the fast track to becoming the next CEO of LouwFin. However, her rise to the top takes a devastating turn when she is implicated in a financial scandal involving the embezzlement of a miner's pension fund. This twist forces Lesego back to her childhood home, where she must confront the woman who raised her and the ghosts she thought she'd left behind. Known for her acclaimed performances in Muvhango and Kalushi, Monyane describes her role as a career-defining moment, allowing her to re-establish her presence in the film industry. 'Being a part of the Sabbatical cast was like a dream come true, reintroducing myself in the industry. Telling a powerful and impactful story made me feel like I was fulfilling my purpose as somebody who tells stories to heal and to empower. It was also just a magical experience all around,' she reveals. Monyane also explains that the synergy among the cast and crew made the experience all the more rewarding, highlighting the director's ability to allow performers to inject their essence into the film. 'The noteworthy aspect of the film was the director's approach. Her respect, her ability to also allow us as the performance to bring our essence to the piece.' Another standout performance comes from seasoned actress Clementine Mosimane, who plays Doris, Lesego's fiercely protective mother. 'Being part of the SABBATICAL cast was an honour and just a humbling experience. Reading through the script as cast with the director and also realising that it is a story so close to home, authentic and realistic,' Mosimane remarks. She describes Doris as a complex character, a resilient mother who has faced tremendous challenges while raising her daughter, all while teaching them invaluable lessons about communication, tolerance, and acceptance. 'Doris is a mother/woman who has gone through a lot as a single mother, not easily showing love towards her daughter but caring and very smart. lessons to be learnt and maybe consider defending individual communication, tolerance, celebrating your kids and other people, and acceptance.' For actress Lethabo Mpoko, joining this project means so much more than acting; it symbolises exposure and professional growth within a film that addresses relatable South African stories. 'To me it speaks about exposure and professional growth. But it also means being part of a project that aims to improve the South African industry because it tells a story that more South Africans can relate to. It tells a real South African story. It also means being part of a production that aims to bring back the culture – the culture of going back to the movies and watching a production and opening up a conversation with the people around you.' Acclaimed comedian Loyiso Gola also takes on the role of investigator Percy Mthimkhulu, delivering a sharp and methodical performance that ties the narrative together. Set against the backdrop of Pretoria, the film seamlessly blends emotional weight with sharp humour, featuring familiar faces from high school sweethearts to nosy neighbours, each adding depth to this multifaceted story. The creative force behind the film includes Director of Photography Motheo Moeng, known for Queen Sono and Matwetwe, who crafts a visually arresting and intimate aesthetic. Adding to the emotional gravity is a lush, jazz-infused score by musician Bokani Dyer, enhancing the unfolding drama with soulful depth. [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
'Sabbatical' cast brings power and heart to the screen
In a remarkable showcase of South African storytelling, the film Sabbatical has recently hit the screens, captivating audiences with its raw portrayal of ambition, familial ties, and the often-hidden struggles that accompany success. In a remarkable showcase of South African storytelling, the film Sabbatical has recently hit the screens, captivating audiences with its raw portrayal of ambition, familial ties, and the often-hidden struggles that accompany success. Local actors reflect on their transformative experience in the new local film Sabbatical, which explores ambition, familial ties, and the weight of silence within the context of corporate scandal. At the helm is Mona Monyane portrays Lesego, a brilliant corporate climber on the fast track to becoming the next CEO of LouwFin. However, her rise to the top takes a devastating turn when she is implicated in a financial scandal involving the embezzlement of a miner's pension fund. This twist forces Lesego back to her childhood home, where she must confront the woman who raised her and the ghosts she thought she'd left behind. Known for her acclaimed performances in Muvhango and Kalushi, Monyane describes her role as a career-defining moment, allowing her to re-establish her presence in the film industry. 'Being a part of the Sabbatical cast was like a dream come true, reintroducing myself in the industry. Telling a powerful and impactful story made me feel like I was fulfilling my purpose as somebody who tells stories to heal and to empower. It was also just a magical experience all around,' she reveals. Monyane also explains that the synergy among the cast and crew made the experience all the more rewarding, highlighting the director's ability to allow performers to inject their essence into the film. 'The noteworthy aspect of the film was the director's approach. Her respect, her ability to also allow us as the performance to bring our essence to the piece.' Another standout performance comes from seasoned actress Clementine Mosimane, who plays Doris, Lesego's fiercely protective mother. 'Being part of the SABBATICAL cast was an honour and just a humbling experience. Reading through the script as cast with the director and also realising that it is a story so close to home, authentic and realistic,' Mosimane remarks. She describes Doris as a complex character, a resilient mother who has faced tremendous challenges while raising her daughter, all while teaching them invaluable lessons about communication, tolerance, and acceptance. 'Doris is a mother/woman who has gone through a lot as a single mother, not easily showing love towards her daughter but caring and very smart. lessons to be learnt and maybe consider defending individual communication, tolerance, celebrating your kids and other people, and acceptance.' For actress Lethabo Mpoko, joining this project means so much more than acting; it symbolises exposure and professional growth within a film that addresses relatable South African stories. 'To me it speaks about exposure and professional growth. But it also means being part of a project that aims to improve the South African industry because it tells a story that more South Africans can relate to. It tells a real South African story. It also means being part of a production that aims to bring back the culture – the culture of going back to the movies and watching a production and opening up a conversation with the people around you.' Acclaimed comedian Loyiso Gola also takes on the role of investigator Percy Mthimkhulu, delivering a sharp and methodical performance that ties the narrative together. Set against the backdrop of Pretoria, the film seamlessly blends emotional weight with sharp humour, featuring familiar faces from high school sweethearts to nosy neighbours, each adding depth to this multifaceted story. The creative force behind the film includes Director of Photography Motheo Moeng, known for Queen Sono and Matwetwe, who crafts a visually arresting and intimate aesthetic. Adding to the emotional gravity is a lush, jazz-infused score by musician Bokani Dyer, enhancing the unfolding drama with soulful depth. [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
‘Sabbatical': a journey from ambition to humility
SABBATICAL is written and directed by UCT alumna, Karabo Lediga, and tells the story of a corporate climber groomed to be the next CEO of an elite firm. Her meteoric rise crashes when she is implicated in a miner's pension fund scandal. Image: Supplied There's this wall painting in Johannesburg CBD that one just cannot miss nor ignore. It spells out CALL YOUR MOTHER in white letters on a black background. It's right there at the back of that high-rise Nota Bene student accommodation building in Braamfontein. Closer to home, right here in Cape Town, the facade of Iziko South African National Gallery has been emblazoned with the very same CALL YOUR MOTHER mural by artist, Ed Young. Cheeky. Simple and effective. A message that pricks izazela zamagoduka [the conscience of refugees]. I found myself thinking about this particular Ed Young artwork whilst watching the preview of a new South African film called SABBATICAL. Set to hit cinema screens this Friday, May 9. SABBATICAL is written and directed by UCT alumna, Karabo Lediga, and tells the story of a corporate climber groomed to be the next CEO of an elite firm. Her meteoric rise crashes when she is implicated in a miner's pension fund scandal. Relatability is the one word I can use to sum up the overall experience of this film, particularly for those who grew up in townships or relatively impoverished backgrounds and were able to secure a job in some or the other big city. It is a lingering reminder that one is one career muck up away from going back 'home'. Visit any township and you will without a doubt find many professional returnees, not retirees, lugubriously trolling township streets asking for loose cigarettes or R5. You will hear whispers of 'that was so and so in his/her time!' You see it in their faded loose-fitting Paul Smith and Aigner t-shirts, worn out Florsheims and bursts of jargon-laden English when inebriated. It is a scary destination. A destination that this film attempts to take us to via its lead character, Lesego (played by Muvhango's Mona Monyane). Lesego wakes up one morning to find herself back where she grew up, far, far away from her gated community double-storey mansion. She grapples with a R900+ Uber receipt, clearly hungover and unaware she is home until her mother, Doris (played by Clementine Mosimane), enters the room offering to wash her puke-stained clothes. Ashamed. Not much is said about what is going on and why she is there. From there it is a rollercoaster of schmaltz; being back at home, your mother constantly calling your name, endless errands, being infantilised and a growing sense of obstinance that rewards you with "leave my house!" instructions. All of which is compounded by Lesego's long absence from home. She barely ever visited. For years. Video Player is loading. 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Image: Supplied The nosy neighbours, childhood sweethearts and friends, you concocting excuses along the lines of "I am just here for the weekend" which becomes a week and then weeks then months. SABBATICAL blends this emotional weight with sharp humour, brilliant acting and some familiar television faces in roles you might have never associated them with. It was surprising to see comedian, Loyisa Gola, in a formal acting role. No goofing around or guffaws, just a serious lead investigator named Percy Mthimkhulu studiously chasing down Lesego. His portrayal of this role and his matured delivery of his Xhosa lines left me wondering why we no longer produce vernacular sitcoms or dramas in this country? S'gudi S'naysi, Velaphi, Hlala Kwabafileyo, Lesilo Rula and more. What happened? Speaking of roles, Mona Monyane as Lesego was an excellent choice; she grimes up quite well and easily glams up for the corporate chic look. There is a certain intensity in her portrayal of this character that you'd be forgiven for forgetting is an act. She goes through the most and the audience will have no choice but to empathize with her. The film's look and feel is sensual and personal. If you are one of those people who appreciates arty camera angles, Motheo Moeng, the film's director of photography goes all out to visually arrest the viewer. The at-home scenes did feel a bit long at times and I feel the film did not fully explore the depths of how humiliating Lesego's experience was. It almost felt like everyone understood her situation back home. There's a scene just after Bozza's 40th birthday that left me with question marks. Without revealing too much I would say this is a well-thought out film that steers clear of the traditional happy ending. If anything it leaves one wondering what is to happen to Lesego. Be that as it may, this is a timely Mother's Day weekend arrival. Call your mother, head down to the cinema and see how both of you feel after watching it. Cape Times
eNCA
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Family drama 'Sabbatical' hits SA big screens
JOHANNESBURG - Karabo Lediga's debut film titled SABBATICAL is set to be released in cinemas nationwide next Friday. The local film boasts an exceptional team and cast. It's about ambition, family and buried truths. READ: City of Gold | Movie promises thrilling cinematic experience Director of SABBATICAL, Karabo Lediga and Actress Clementine Mosmane had a discussion with eNCA on their upcoming movie to hit SA big screens.
Mail & Guardian
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Diary: Old Mutual Music at the Lake, Mo Eazy releases Teriba, Diprente's Sabbatical opens in May
Music, meaning and magic: Shekhinah (above) and Mi Casa will perform at a concert in Durban Botanic Gardens. Celebrate Mother's Day with Music at the Lake Old Mutual Music at the Lake makes a return on Sunday 11 May, with a special Mother's Day concert at the stunning Durban Botanic Gardens. Starting the season in style, South African chart-toppers Mi Casa and platinum-selling star Shekhinah promise an afternoon of soulful music, celebration and togetherness in the gardens' scenic lake area. Those attending can expect a laid-back, family-friendly vibe — which is perfect for picnics, lounging on the lawn and soaking up world-class live musical performances in nature. Bring your blankets, camping chairs, and snacks for the ultimate open-air music experience. The event is part of Old Mutual's Music at the Lake series, which blends entertainment with environmental purpose. Proceeds go to the Garden Window Project, benefiting plant and community development. Tickets are available via Webtickets. Stand by for Mo Eazy's Teriba Nigerian artist Mo Eazy returns with Teriba, a new single that blends soulful Afrobeat with spiritual depth. Meaning 'to surrender' in Yoruba, Teriba is a heartfelt anthem about letting go, trusting in a higher power and finding strength through faith. With its rich harmonies, emotive lyrics and cross-continental sound, the track speaks to spiritual truth while being accessible and catchy. Produced by Zimbabwean-born Sabroso, Teriba is a fusion of West and Southern African influences — a sonic bridge between cultures and a reminder of the power of music to heal and connect. Mo Eazy draws from experience and introspection, offering a song that uplifts and empowers during uncertain times. With this lead single for his upcoming EP Ibere, he sets the tone for a project grounded in identity and purpose. Now streaming … Don't miss this local film Big screen: SABBATICAL, which is set against the backdrop of Pretoria, is opening in cinemas. Opening nationwide on 9 May, SABBATICAL marks Karabo Lediga's feature directorial debut — and it's already shaping up to be one of the year's must-see South African films. Produced by Diprente, the powerhouse behind Matwetwe and Catching Feelings, this emotionally charged drama stars Mona Monyane as Lesego, a rising corporate star whose life unravels after a high-profile scandal forces her back to her roots. Set in Pretoria and rich in Sipitori, SABBATICAL explores ambition, sacrifice and the secrets we bury to survive. Clementine Mosimane shines as Lesego's formidable mother, with Loyiso Gola delivering a surprising dramatic turn as an investigator. With stunning visuals by Motheo Moeng and a soul-stirring score by Bokani Dyer, the film offers a layered, deeply human story. Perfect for Mother's Day weekend, SABBATICAL invites grown-up families to gather, reflect and reconnect — only in cinemas.
