Directing his way to the top has always been the dream of Zuko Nodada. The former DUT drama student has been creating waves in the South African Theatre and Film Industry. His new movie “Between Friends” which is directed by him will be screened at the prestigious Durban International Film Festival, running from 17 to 27 July 2014. The festival runs for its 35th year and will be screening over 200 films including local and international movies.

Overjoyed at the fact that his movie will be screened at the festival, Nodada added that the concept behind the film was influenced by the American comedy “Best Man”.

“I was also influenced by some of Tyler Perry’s movies that are economical, comically-timed and easy to shoot. The idea to do the movie took about six months to put together and it was challenging, especially getting the writing on point for the movie,” expressed Nodada.

He also added that the audition process for the movie took about two weeks, including call backs.

“It was fun to make and improvising was what drove the movie. The actors really worked hard to ensure the roles that they had portrayed were done to the best of their ability,” he added.

“Between Friends” tells the tale of a group of university friends who meet seven years after graduation while some celebrate their success they have accomplished over the seven years other have a different story to tell. Like always where friends meet there is bound to be secrets and betrayal that could destroy their friendship as they meet at an upmarket game lodge in KwaZulu-Natal where they try to keep their current relationships.

“The festival is a key event for the African film industry and we are delighted that “Between Friends” has been selected for the programme,” says Helen Kuun, CEO of Indigenous Film Distribution, which is distributing the film in South Africa.

“The film is a charming comedy-drama that looks at the strains and old rivalries between a group of friends who have grown up a lot since they last met,” Kuun added.

The film stars well-known South African faces including Thapelo Mokoena, Amanda Du Pont and Lihle Dlomo better known as Dumisani Shabane from SABC1’s Generations soapie.” Between Friends” also introduces Madisa Nduna from the reality TV series class act 2.

Nodada said he always dreamed of being a big-time director from a young age and was the reason why he had enrolled for drama at the Durban University of Technology, graduating with a National Diploma in Drama in 1999. The road to fame and fortune had been no easy feat for him and had its ups and downs. He said the film industry business is not an easy industry to break into but if you work hard you will be recognised.

His career started at Ochre as a script supervisor in 2005. He has appeared in eight Rhythm City episodes as an actor, had a cameo role in Hard Copy, freelances as a voice over artist and has worked in more than 25 film productions. This year started on a high note for Zuko with a film premiere in January 2014 in Los Angeles and South African audiences viewing his latest work Loxion Lyric, a TV drama series. He has also directed a number of films, theatre shows and drama series for SABC1, including the hit drama series “Intersexions” and “Bay of Plenty”.

“It’s not easy to be a film director in South Africa because of lack of funds. I am thinking of going to work Overseas if I get a proper representative, I guess it’s every director’s dream to make it big in Hollywood and of course to keep telling interesting stories through movies,” he said.

– Waheeda Peters

Pictured: Zuko Nodada’s new movie Between Friends, will be screened at the prestigious Durban International Film from 17 July to 27 July 2014.