'Trapped': Mzansi Romantic Film Tells Beautiful Story of Gay Love
- The story of queer love often lacks a face and many who are not within the LGBTQI community struggle to relate
- A new local short film called Trapped aims to change that as it tells the very real story of two women in love
- Speaking to Briefly News, the director of the film explained the core themes and why they are important
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A romantic short film called Trapped aims to bring to life the struggles and experiences of LGBTQI+ communities in Mzansi.
The film follows the life of Ayanda, played by Zola Nombona, whose double life comes crashing down around her when a surprise visit from her mother shakes the closet she is currently hiding in. Ayanda finds herself torn between the expectations of those around her and her own.
Source: Instagram
Her doubts result in Ayanda ruining her relationship with Thando, played by Thishiwe Ziqubu. Director of the film Athi Petela weighed in on the theme of the film:
“The film showcases the juxtaposition of how acceptance leads to true happiness, but self-rejection leads to sadness. In addition, the film challenges the norms as it addresses representation, diversity, queer love and duty through the lens of sexuality in South Africa.”
The film comes out at a particularly difficult time for the queer community who seem to be facing a fresh onslaught of discrimination. Speaking to Briefly News on this observation, Petela said:
"Trapped is a very important narrative for the South African audience, especially right now. It's a consistent reminder of the existence of queer people and how human they are. It humanises queer bodies so that they are not seen as existing differently. The misunderstanding of queer bodies needs to stop."
Petela went on to say that at the core of the project is love.
"Two people who love each other and just want to be together. That's it! How wrong could that be?"
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that Transgender activist Yaya Mavundla has secured the bag and stars on a brand-new TV show called Becoming. The 32-year-old is known for her activism work through Transgender visibility and Mzansi Queer Festival organiser. She is inviting viewers into her home to zoom into her transitioning journey.
This 13-part reality show will, without judgment, delve deeper into the psyche of being a transgender person, as well as the barriers they need to overcome in order to live as their true selves.
"When I first received a phone call from Mam Basetsana Khumalo to be part of this show I was in disbelief,” said Yaya.
Speaking to Briefly News Yaya said:
“The first thing that went through my mind was the thought of how will people receive this, we live in a country where we have a lot of people that are Homophobic & Transphobic, but I thought to myself, actually, there better way of challenging Transphobia than educating through your life & experience, which includes addressing myths, and living your life honestly in front of the lenses.”
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Source: Briefly News
