By Staff Reporter
THIS week, the Kingdom of Eswatini will be making a big splash across big screens when the highly anticipated Baka Ngwane, the birth of a nation hits theatres.
Produced by emaSwati and starring emaSwati, the movie promises to be a game changer and put the country’s film-producing capabilities on display for all to marvel at.
Minister Pholile Shakantu executive produced the movie and said she was happy to finally announce it. She said she had been working on the project for a long time and it has finally come together.
“Baka Ngwane is a film that celebrates the vibrant culture, rich heritage, and the remarkable birth of the Kingdom of Eswatini, stemming from the Bantu-speaking Nguni people,” she said.
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“I’m extremely proud of the talented cast and crew I had the privilege of working with, led by the exceptional Sibusiso ‘Sparks’ Dlamini of Tribe Studios as our production company, and a brilliant Director Shaft Moropane who brought this vision to life,” she added.
Dlamini adds that the storyline is gripping and showcases the Kingdom’s identity, heritage and history.
“We are proud to have produced such an amazing body of work which encapsulates and tells the story of our nation. It is gratifying for a people to tell its own history and we are truly honoured to have been trusted to tell the story of Baka Ngwane,” Dlamini added.
Director Shaft Moropane said apart from bringing the rich history of the nation to the screen, the movie also played a pivotal role in unearthing talent from the Kingdom of Eswatini.
He said the production worked with first-time actors who are set to become household names in the film industry.
“We worked with new talent and in the process helped them to also make a name for themselves. That and traversing the numerous locations in the country came together to create a genuine masterpiece that will live long in the memories of audiences.
All the elements of the production encapsulate everything that makes Eswatini the gem that it is,” he said.
Mandisa Mamba who plays the role of Choshile said working on the movie was a surreal experience and gave praise to the production team for having faith in local talent and giving people with no experience a chance to make a name for themselves.
“This was my first time acting but the production team was patient with us and they held our hand throughout the course of shooting. I’m really proud of what we have managed to come out with, she said.
On her Character, Mamba said audiences will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
“I can’t delve much into what goes on because I don’t want to give away the story but people need to be prepared to be blown away,” she said.
It is set to be a busy week for the team with an exclusive premiere slated for September 6 and set for official release on September 13.
Social media has been abuzz since the announcement by Minister Shakantu. Here is what some of the users said on the socials:
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Nothando Neliswa Gininda: 😍😍 This is amazing!! Love to see it! Congratulations and well done Minister Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu and to everyone involved. This is a great achievement. ❤️
Sifiso M Dlamini: Nice one Nkhosi. Someone finally telling our real story in film. 🙏🏾
Dr Siphile BV Msane: This is awesome. Something I have always wanted to do.. we need to tell eswatini history through the eyes of emaswati.
Have you read the books by jsm matsebula, Diane Sabi,Glenn Alan Cheney. This is truly awesome minister
Lungelo Mdlovu: Can’t wait to see the trailer🙌🏽🙌🏽 definitely going to Julios for this one. Siyabonga Hon. Minister kutsi natsi livi letfu ligcine livelile lekubomabona kudze