Anguish
In what seems to be a zombie-infested world a devoted son, Sam (Protagonist) must tend to his zombie mother. During this time, he must survive the zombie apocalypse while also finding a way to endure his zombified mother. Subsequently Sam’s relationship with his mother is ultimately tested which in turn will reveal to him the actuality surrounding the predicament he finds himself in.
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Raheem RazakProducer
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Mandisa Mary - Jane MtembuDirector
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Lerato ModiseDirector
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Lerato ModiseWriter
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Serrano LawrenceKey Cast"Sam"
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Tidimalo MoemiseKey Cast"Abigail"
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Project Type:Short, Student
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Genres:Psychological Thriller
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Runtime:11 minutes
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Completion Date:November 17, 2023
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Production Budget:2,000 USD
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Country of Origin:South Africa
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Country of Filming:South Africa
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:Digital
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes - AFDA
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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
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AFDA Graduation FestivalJohannesburg
South Africa
Best Third Year Screen Production Team – (PROD, DIR, WRT), Best Third Year Image & Sound Team – (CINE, D&G, SND),Best Third Year Screen Design Team – (PD, CDS),Best Third Year Post-production Team – (EDT, VFX, MMP),Best Third Year Film,AFDA Critics Award for an Undergraduate Third Year Production -
Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2024Los angeles California
United States
May 28, 2024
Winner - Student (2024)
Mandisa Mary-Jane Mtembu, also known as Mary Jane, is a 21-year-old Creative Director. She believes that her passion for film has been present since she was a little kid. Mary Jane always found herself intrigued by the way stories were told and the various medium styles used to convey them. She believes that every human being has a story to tell, and that the eyes are the lens of the camera, while the mind creates a film of its own.
Her passion for directing stems from her obsession with being a creative who enjoys real-life stories about real people addressing genuine situations.
The word Anguish, the title of our film, encapsulates the profound mental and physical pain experienced by our protagonist, Sam. Set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse, our narrative delves into deeper themes. Sam's harrowing emotional journey stems from a childhood marred by abuse at the hands of his mother, compelling him to cope with his trauma through substance abuse. As Sam matures, his mother comes to realise the profound damage she inflicted on him and endeavours to reconcile her past mistakes. In the midst of a zombie-ravaged world, our film courageously tackles pressing societal issues, particularly the struggles of today's youth, who grapple with trauma through the detrimental path of substance abuse. It sheds light on the absence of guidance on how to navigate childhood trauma and stress positively, leading to a cascade of negative consequences such as youth addiction, fractured families, and a pervasive cycle of mental and physical suffering throughout the nation. Our film serves as a vital vehicle for raising awareness and educating young teenagers about the far-reaching consequences of substance abuse on their futures. It underscores the crucial role parents play in shaping a child's life, emphasising the need for positive guidance. In addressing these issues, Anguish becomes more than a cinematic experience; it becomes a poignant commentary on the societal challenges we face and a call to action for fostering healthier coping mechanisms for the youth.