Private Project

A Cult Called Expression

Expression is a fictional cult, or community (?), that resides on the outskirts of a small coastal city in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The cult is open and welcoming; they seem to care for their own and often they invite outsiders to come and "experience" their village. Their ritual practices and beliefs are not quite 'main stream' but the biggest attraction to the group is their beautiful and charming leader, Mother Expression. Through her divine protection they are forever protected and (mis)guided?

  • Zandile Mjekula
    Director
  • Mwango Kondolo
    Director
  • Zandile Mjekula
    Writer
  • Zandile Mjekula
    Producer
  • Asipezi Jita
    Key Cast
    "Mother Expresssion"
  • Hlumelo Dyantyi
    Key Cast
    "Appleseed"
  • Lusi Mahote
    Key Cast
    "Lovelace"
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short
  • Genres:
    Experimental, Lifestyle, Avant Garde, Drama
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 46 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 23, 2021
  • Country of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    English, Xhosa
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Zandile Mjekula, Mwango Kondolo

Zandile Mjekula is a first time director with this offering titled A CULT CALLED EXPRESSION, but she has 10 years of experience in the fields of acting and producing for stage and film.

Obsessed with storytelling, Zandile is a champion for woman's rights and has an interest in telling bold stories particularly stories about women of colour in her native country of South Africa.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This is a story about individuality and how our bold acts of expression create a sense of unease in the masses. As a black woman and artist living in South Africa, I have experienced the discomfort and confusion created by my presence in certain spaces, and I would find myself left with questions like; Am I too loud, Am I too proud, Am I too black? What’s the crime?

Much of the time I felt boxed in and backed into a corner where my voice was muted, and now looking back on those experiences I find great inspiration in recreating (and re-owning) my personal narrative through storytelling and film.

By exploring expression and its meaning this film looks to reimagine a space where the journey to the Higher Self was encouraged, and there was no limit to your ‘Ultimate Supreme Elevation’.