AWARD-WINNING director and writer Jayan Moodley could very well have another hit on her hands with her latest movie offering, Meet the Khumalos.
Inspired by the Kandasamy films, Meet the Khumalos has been released on Netflix today and stars, among others, Khanyi Mbau, Ayanda Borotho, Jesse Suntele, Khosi Ngema and Bonga Dlamini.
The movie is about two moms , who were once best friends, and now arch-enemies. They start a neighborhood war against each other when they find out their kids are head-over-heels in love. The result is a load of big laughs.
Moodley, the director and producer, said viewers could expect the same laughs and heart.
"But we get to go on the ride with new faces, a new script, and with a surprise for our Kandasamys fans."
She said every movie project she worked on had been a gift, and Meet The Khumalos was a dream come true for her.
"I hope our audiences will love it, love the characters, love the world of the story, and that the film brings families together to watch, and that the watch ends with loads of happiness all around.
"The best part about what I do is undoubtedly being given the task of bringing a story to life, of watching life breathed into the characters you have dreamed about. Then the cherry on the top is the joy that it brings to the viewers, and the love that people have for the film.
"It’s also a job that never feels like work because there is an enormous amount of love poured into the project. And we get to work with the coolest people. What more could we ask for? It is why we keep doing what we do."
While her "job" may seem glamorous to some, Moodley jokingly said there were many challenges as well - that she could probably write a book about.
She admits that she could very well be her own critic, and while criticism is important, especially when it is truthful and constructive, one tends to dissect one's work and be harsh with oneself.
"But as we grow older, we realise that in the end, it was the journey that counted the most."
Moodley said it was critical to grow the next generation of directors and producers.
"I am constantly working with youth to try and get their projects off the ground and guest lecturing at various institutions. I am also running a slate with the KZN Film Commission for first-time writers and directors."
Asked her thoughts on movies being screened on Netflix compared to the cinema, she said video on-demand over-the-top streaming service offered a worldwide release and it was beautiful to have their content watched by viewers worldwide.
"For me, we have grown the audience in ways we could never have imagined."
So is it too early to ask what's next in the pipeline for her?
"Way too early."
Any chance of the Kandasamys and the Khumalos being neighbours one day?
"We never really know what’s next in this business, so who is to say what may or may not materialise."