Mzansi Movies’ Brand-New Motion Picture Knuckle City is set to blow your mind
Mzansi Magic Movies in association with Yellowbone Entertainment brings you the very first movie to be released under the newly found Mzansi Magic Movies. Get ready for a riveting exploration of the psychology of a fighter from the boxing mecca of Mdantsane township in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Knuckle City has not even reached the cinema but it’s already making great strides in the film industry by being the first boxing movie to open the 40th edition of the Durban International Film Festival on 18 July 2019 at the Durban International Convention Centre.
Knuckle City is a gritty and authentic glimpse into the street life of one of South Africa’s largest and oldest townships packaged in an entertaining and accessible feature film. To make sure that the boxing scenes were closer to reality, the producers sought guidance from world boxing champion Zolani Tete who shared his expertise. Award winning Bongile Mantsai takes the lead as Dudu Nyakama, a down and out ageing boxer struggling to attain the one fight that he believes will uplift his fractured family. Mantsai is supported by a sterling cast comprising seasoned actors including Patrick Ndlovu, Siv Ngesi, Owen Sejake and Zolisa Xaluva.
Acclaimed Director Jahmil XT Qubeka shared the story behind the movie, “Knuckle City is inspired by great fighting and crime films – the main emphasis being a journey towards self actualisation and manhood. A violent coming of age which is so prevalent in the townships of our childhoods”. Mdantsane has produced world champions and has forged a legacy of boxing prowess against all odds. “It is my intention to capture the essence of life in Mdantsane and the restless pursuit of being a champion within a society that often dictates you are a failure”.
Producer Layla Swart states “this is the key to unlocking discussion and rehabilitation within the fractured psyche of our country’s men. As much as we require female driven narratives, we cannot ignore the importance of mirroring the masculine on screen for reflection. I am an advocate for the healing of wounded narratives through art and I believe that with Knuckle City we have crafted an insight into this world without robbing it of authenticity. The film’s primary intention is to entertain, and through this accessibility provide a platform to engage the issues the film raises.”
“We are incredibly excited to launch the very first Mzansi Magic Movies cinematic film, it is only fitting to do so with a world class film such as Knuckle City. We are currently developing phenomenal stories that are created by talented filmmakers, and look forward to releasing those on cinema in the near future,” says Tebogo Matlawa the Pre-Sales and Content Acquisitions Specialist for Mzansi Magic Movies.
Mzansi Magic Movies in association with Yellowbone Entertainment presents Knuckle City at the Durban International Film Festival on 18 July 2019 at 19:00.
