Stories mirror our lives. Yet international movies dominate our screens, invading the space that could be used for South African productions. Filmmaker Unathi Dyubula’s latest initiative is pursuing a fresh direction for local storytelling.
Dyubula is the founder of Montywood, an online streaming service that gives viewers access to content created by filmmakers and musicians from across the country. “We want to be a leader in telling African stories in African ways,” Dyubula says. The programme is made specifically for high school and university students who need affordable ways to watch movies. “It is important for people to see themselves represented,” Dyubula says.
Most of the films are shot in the Eastern Cape and feature homegrown performers, but Dyubula invites creatives from all over Africa to collaborate. “Creating the platform showed me just how innovative we could be,” he says. “It was rewarding to discover how many artists can benefit from this space.” Ushering in a new era for local stories, Dyubula proves that our continent is rich in talent. Now, it’s lights, camera, and action for Africa.
