Gomora Star Headlines Apartheid-Era Film ‘Uhlanjululo’

SOUTH AFRICA

Gomora actor Ntobeko Sishi plays the lead role in new historical film “Uhlanjululo”, exploring Black resilience during apartheid. The project, also titled “Laundry”, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last week.

Director Zamo Mkhwanazi’s debut feature follows a Johannesburg laundromat owner and his musical teenage son in 1960s apartheid South Africa. The family business faces constant government threats despite operating in a “whites only” area. (Official synopsis)

Siyabonga Shibe plays protective father Enoch Sithole, while Sishi portrays son Khuthala. When Enoch is arrested, Khuthala must protect their business – and the community safe space it provides – while shelving his music dreams. (OkayAfrica)

Sharing his excitement, Sishi posted: “Last week a film I starred in world premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. My first feature titled Uhlanjululo (English title: Laundry). Seeing my face on the big screen for the first time felt like a childhood dream. I’m grateful for @zamobleach for being the incredible writer & director that she is. Thank you @philco1965 for your production and safe hands. Thank you to the rest of the cast and crew for making this such a joyful process. What a blessing to have been a part of this very special film.” (Via Instagram)

The film highlights how Black entrepreneurship persisted under discriminatory laws. OkayAfrica reported the family-run laundry becomes “a safe space for Black people in the community”.

Mkhwanazi’s work joins recent productions revisiting South Africa’s difficult history through personal stories. No local release date has been confirmed.