Private Project

Bophelo Ba Ana (The Life of Ana)

When Ana, an overworked factory worker and single mother, unwittingly places her son's life in danger, she is forced to come to terms with her past in order to make the right decision for her future.

  • Mlu Godola
    Director
    Sicela Amanzi (Water, Please)
  • Mlu Godola
    Writer
    Sicela Amanzi (Water, Please)
  • Mlu Godola
    Producer
    Sicela Amanzi (Water, Please)
  • Khutjo Green
    Key Cast
  • Galaletsang Koffman
    Key Cast
  • Lesedi Boyce
    Key Cast
  • Nkantu Dosi
    Key Cast
  • Karabo Matlole
    Key Cast
    Sicela Amanzi (Water, Please)
  • Phumzile Chilli
    Key Cast
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Bophelo Ba Ana
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes 12 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 19, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    English, Other
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director Biography - Mlu Godola

Mlungiseleli “Mlu” Godola is an aspiring 22 year old Screenwriter and Film Director currently studying at AFDA Johannesburg. Before coming to Johannesburg, he was part of the 2011 edition of the Nab Ubomi Eastern Cape Interschool Film Competition with his short film “It’s Wiser To Learn”.

He has since focussed his efforts towards his two graduation projects in order to hone his abilities enough to be a credible force in the industry. With his films, he’d like to express his view son life, our country and the people who live in it.

His Graduation film, Sicela Amanzi (Water, Please), has achieved some moderate success, earning Mlu the Best Director Award at the 2016 AFDA AWARDS. The film then went on to travel to numerous film festivals nationally and internationally, to be screened for audiences in cities like Berlin, Venice, Lagos and Cape Town. Mlu has also worked in television.

In 2017 he was selected as the MTV Breaks Director Competition winner which allowed him to direct a scene on MTV Shuga Season 5 (Down South).

Mlu is currently preparing to release his Thesis film, titled “The Life of Ana”.

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Director Statement

I believe a primary desire for many South Africans is to ensure that they can provide for their families. People accept unsatisfying jobs and put up with terrible conditions just to be able to bring bread home. I believe this story speaks to that daily struggle that many South Africans go through; waking up early, walking up to the taxi rank only to barely catch the next one, making it just in time for work and going back home only to do it again the next day. This is the middle class struggle.

We sometimes struggle to feel like we have control of our lives. It seems as though we’ve been predestined to live this kind of life. We feel more liberated once we are able to feel as though we have control of our destiny.

This struggle is further complicated by more emotional issues caused by the contemporary South Africans need to consolidate our heritage with our present lives.

It is through the lens of Ana’s life, that we wish to explore these ideas...