Draft:Kedibone

Kedibone
Directed by	Thomas Gumede
Written by	Zaba LeRoto Hlatshwayo
Produced by	Andrew Mahlangu Hardy Maoto
Starring	Natasha Thahane Wright Ngubeni Kenneth Nkosi Matli Mohapeloa Thabo Malema
Cinematography	Lance Gewer
Edited by	Mangaliso Nkosi
Music by	Karabo Khumalo
Production companies	Shack Pictures Smatsatsa Communication
Distributed by	Indigenous Film Distribution Netflix
Release date	September 11, 2020 (2020-09-11)
Running time	94 minutes
Country	South Africa
Languages	Zulu language English

Kedibone is a 2020 South African drama film co-written and directed by Thomas Gumede. The film stars Natasha Thahane in the titular role and explores the challenges faced by a young woman from Orlando East, Soweto who becomes entangled in Johannesburg's entertainment and social scenes while trying to maintain her relationship and identity.

The film also features an ensemble cast of Kenneth Nkosi, Matli Mohapeloa, Thabo Malema, Busisiwe Mtshali, Tessa Twala, Thami Mngqolo, Kwezi Ndlovu, and Muntu Zwane.

Kedibone premiered at the Durban International Film Festival on September 11, 2020, and was released in the South Africa on November 27, 2020 at the Africa Rising International Film Festival. It was released on Netflix on May 27, 2022. This release date was confirmed by Netflix South Africa through their official Facebook page.

Plot

Kedibone Manemala, a young woman from Orlando East, Soweto, has just finished secondary school and dreams of pursuing higher education at a university in the city. However, her plans are derailed when she discovers that her aunt, Maguata, with whom she lives, would rather have her work at a supermarket than attend such an expensive school. Maguata has spent the money saved for Kedibone's tuition on a Ponzi scheme called Hope of Glory. Instead, she encourages Kedibone to join her at the retail chain Checkers, where she works. With only a few days left before the academic year begins, Kedibone must urgently find an alternative way to fund her studies.

Her longtime boyfriend, Mrembula, sells a vintage BMW he inherited from his late father for 25,000 ZAR to help cover her tuition. Kedibone also lends 5,000 ZAR to her best friend Gheminah, who is pregnant but eager to start university alongside her.

Upon arriving at university, Kedibone and Gheminah struggle to adjust to their new environment. Unable to secure on-campus accommodation, they are offered a dilapidated room by an eccentric acting professor. At college, they meet a group of popular and influential students, including Tanya, who compliments Kedibone's hairstyle and shows interest in her.

As Kedibone navigates life away from home, she becomes drawn to the allure of independence, glamour, and urban sophistication. Despite her original values, including a personal vow to remain abstinent until marriage, she finds herself increasingly conflicted. In an effort to gain financial independence, she takes on various jobs, one of which introduces her to a party scene where she encounters drug use. This exposure triggers a series of reckless decisions. Meanwhile, Mrembula stays behind in Soweto, working twice as hard for their future, completely unaware of the double life Kedibone is leading, even as he benefits, however minimally, from her escapades.

At the same time, Gheminah grows uneasy when Tanya's wealthy father begins courting her with expensive gifts and cash. As Kedibone becomes more entangled in morally ambiguous relationships, she also catches the attention of Tanya's father. Msithi, Mrembula's best friend, discovers Kedibone's secret involvement with Tanya's father, referred to as "the pimp daddy", but chooses not to tell Mrembula.

Cast

• Natasha Thahane as Kedibone Manamela
• Wright Ngubeni as Mrembula
• Kenneth Nkosi as Franco

• Matli Mohapeloa as Dexter
• Thabo Malema as Msithi
• Busisiwe Mtshali as Geminah
• Tessa Twala as Tanya
• Thami Mngqolo as Smash
• Kwezi Ndlovu as Amanda
• Unathi Guma as Magauti
• Melvinah Eheli as Pebbles
• Sivenathi Mabuya as Niki
• Keke Mphuti as Madam
• Tshego Koke as Mingus
• Muntu Zwane as Brad

Production

In October 2018, actress Natasha Thahane shared a photo of herself beside a camera on what appeared to be a film set, expressing gratitude for the opportunity, though it was unclear at the time which project she was working on. By January 2019, rumors circulated that she had secured a lead role in a new film written, directed, and produced by Thomas Gumede. The project, which was being developed under Shack Picture's production company, featured a star-studded cast including Wright Ngubeni, Kenneth Nkosi, Thabo Malema, Tessa Twala, Busisiwe Mtshali, and others. Casting was handled by Nolwazi Shange.

Principal photography for the film began in 2018 and took place in various locations across Gauteng, South Africa, including Soweto, Bryanston, and Auckland Park. With cinematography by Lance Gewer.

Release

Kedibone was distributed domestically by Indigenous Film Distribution, while international distribution was managed by Netflix. The film was initially scheduled for release on September 11, 2020, coinciding with its premiere at the Durban International Film Festival. It later became available for streaming on Netflix on May 27, 2022, a date confirmed by Netflix South Africa via its official Facebook page.

Critical reception

Initial

Kedibone received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its visual appeal, performances, and cultural authenticity.

Pooja Sharma of LeisureByte described the film as a "visually stunning" coming-of-age story that authentically captures the essence of South African culture. She praised the film's exploration of themes such as identity, ambition, and the complexities of personal choices, and commended the cast's performances, particularly Natasha Thahane’s portrayal of the titular character.

Riya Singh of Midgard Times called Kedibone a "must-watch," highlighting its strong acting, engaging plot, and impressive cinematography. Although she noted that the ending was somewhat confusing, Singh acknowledged the film's effectiveness in portraying the challenges faced by young women pursuing fame and success, emphasizing its cultural relevance. Vivian Nneka Nwajiaku of Afrocritik described Kedibone as a compelling coming-of-age story with a well-developed plot. She praised Thomas Gumede's direction, the film's score, and Lance Gewer's cinematography but criticized the ending for using rape as a plot device. She gave the film a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Retrospective

According to Thango Ntwasa of SowetanLIVE, the film Kedibone misrepresents young Black women, arguing that it perpetuates stereotypes rather than offering a nuanced portrayal.