Durban actress Sivani Chinappan’s debut film is set for release on DStv on October 29.
The movie, ’Sweet Wild Things’, will be released on BET Africa, DStv Channel 129 as part of a BET film anthology called ’The 7 Deadly Sins’.
The film was created by Temara Prem and Lareina Annamallay, and written by Kevin van Whye. It is directed by Prem.
Annamallay, who also produced the film, said: “ ’Sweet Wild Things’ is a revolutionary screenplay that breaks the stereotypes and stigmas commonly related to women”.
She said the film follows the path of its central character, Amanda (played by Chinappan).
“Amanda is tough. She is a survivor. Growing up on the streets of Durban, she found herself under the protection of a gang in exchange for her loyalty, and she has to prove this loyalty again and again. She is submerged in a life of crime and violence, and it haunts her dreams.
“Amanda wants out, and she needs quick money to buy her freedom and appease her gang leader. One day on a pick-up, she meets an exotic dancer who gives her an idea that might solve all her problems,” said Annamallay.
Chinappan said when she first read the script, she found Amanada to be a layered and complex character.
“I admired her courage to fight the internal battle preparing her for the battlefield of life. Making a life changing decision and taking responsibility for that choice irrespective of the outcome. This is something we can all relate to.”
She said women’s empowerment was central to this film.
“It is a film made by young South African women. The director, Temara, and director of photography, Alice, really brought the script to life with their visual interpretation. And the story is a unique one. This film doesn’t show a princess who needs saving, but a queen who exercises her power of choice. That is its greatest strength,” said Chinappan.
Prem worked closely with the writer in the development of characters.
She said: “The inspiration largely comes from the textured and intriguing individuals we have met within our own communities that inspired Amanda’s story. Growing up in KZN, you hear the history of some of our communities and the ways in which people hustled or had to tough it out just to put food on the table.
“We thought a hardened female character would be exciting to develop, and in finding her journey, the script turned into a really punchy, stylised piece that was refreshing and exciting to piece together,” she said.
Annamallay said they had worked with Chinappan before.
“Initially she auditioned for a supporting role in the film, but she has a gravity and a stoic calm that would give such an interesting embodiment to Amanda. It also made her delivery of the funny moments unexpected and hilarious.
“Sivani was committed from day one; she availed herself for stunt training with our stunt coordinator, Tevin Kunene, as well as dance rehearsal through dancer and filmmaker Claudia Le Roux. Sivani stepped into Amanda’s skin like a perfect fit. We believe it was meant to be,” said Annamallay.
*Made with support from the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, ’Sweet Wild Things’ will premiere on BET Africa, DStv Channel 129 at 9.30pm Central African Time on 29 October.