Thembitshe, Film
Venue: Olive Schreiner
Next Screening: Monday, June 30, 19:00
Review
By Andile Mbesa
Would you rather trust a rock than a person? Both? The screening of Thembitshe grappled with this dilemma, literally and figuratively. Directed by the talented Speelman Mabena, who in 2023 won the Standard Bank Ovation Award for Azania, is my Woman, SM PRO STUDIOS presents Thembitshe. This melodramatic film follows two protagonists played by Siyabonga Sikhosana and Thomas Makhubela.
This 45-minute South African indie film showcased ikasi storytelling through its relatability and did not glamourise a life of crime. The opening scene was split into two, with a parallel depiction of both protagonists, Skhiya and Dabula, two characters who live in the same township. They are connected by an enormous rock at a cliff overlooking their township, where they met. The two developed their friendship through a common tragedy of an abusive household.
Dabula is an orphan teenager who lives with his older, cold, abusive, and distant brother, who is a gangster. At the same time, Skhiya was once homeless and is now staying with a couple who are in an abusive relationship that slowly pushes him out into premature independence. The pair of teenagers assemble and resort to a life of crime, where trust is broken, and the stakes are high.
The storyline felt rushed. It deprived audiences of the privilege of making their own interpretation by telling instead of showing. In the film, Skhiya’s female guardian, whose name is not mentioned, warns Skhiya about his new friend by telling him to trust a rock rather than a person.
Thembitshe finds its strength in its theme, social commentary and overall message. Gender Based Violence and how it has a ripple effect on loved ones is explored. For example, the woman (a mother figure) who took Skhiya in was constantly being abused in Skhiya’s presence, igniting anger. This issue persists in contemporary society. Crime is depicted as a hamster wheel, inescapable in the story, as crime gets them money and paranoia, but at what cost? The film fails to deliver its promised theme of trust as all other elements dominate. The film’s ending wasn’t consequential as it didn’t show whether or not they got away, yet this act affected them and the people around them.
Overall, Thembitshe’s strength lies in its theme, but the storytelling could have been better. This film is for someone who enjoys township-flavoured movies similar to Umlazi. Someone who questions societal structures. If you like movies like Umlazi gangster, book your seat.
