In “Christmas Clothes”, director Athi Petela captures the essence of festive traditions and the significance of family bonds in a modern South African context.
The Showmax Original, which premiered on Friday, December 6, is a delightful coming-of-age story which places youngsters in the spotlight.
The South African Christmas comedy centres around Nqubeko, played by Omhle Tshabalala who also featured on “Scandal!”.
He stars as a teenager whose suburban life is upended when his parents (Thami Mngqolo and Khanya Sosibo) are hit with financial problems. Against his will, he and his older sister (Slindokuhle Tshabalala) are forced to spend Christmas week with their uncle and cousins in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Despite being despondent at first, Nqubeko makes friends with Benny (Mpumelelo Magaga) and Small (Alex Tivani), who eventually help him do some odd jobs around the neighbourhood in order to buy Christmas clothes.
They are unable to make enough but his sister offers him her savings. The trio go on a Christmas shopping spree but, somewhere along the way, Nqubeko’s clothes are stolen by the neighbourhood bully, Mzukulu, who is played by Tshepo Mohale.
Chaos and comedy then ensue as the youngster goes to extraordinary lengths to get it back.
Meanwhile, Petela is thrilled to have helmed the movie and to put the topic of Christmas clothes, a staple for scores during the holiday season, in the spotlight.
“This is a universal story that so many will be able to relate to and I am thrilled about being part of it.”
She explained that this is also something personal for her as getting new clothes for Christmas is a family tradition that extends for decades.
“Christmas clothes date back to my grandmother, to my mother and now me and it might not be as popular of a thing as it once was but is still very relevant in many townships.”
“Wearing our new Christmas clothes was something my cousins and I were always very excited about when we were younger but over the years, I have noticed that people don’t care about it as much anymore.”
“I am excited to revive the notion of Christmas clothes and to once again bring some excitement to it.”
Petela added: “I am looking forward to immortalising something that has been a tradition for us black people in a modern society where it is dying out for many different reasons, whether that be the cost of living or parents rather spending the money on school uniforms.”
“This movie is a way to freeze this moment and the tradition of new Christmas clothes for years to come.”
Meanwhile, Petela, who previously worked on productions such as “M’tase Khaya”, “Thato Ya Modimo” and “Lingashoni”, said that working on this movie was also a new experience for her as much of the cast is comprised of youngsters.
“Some of these kids haven't acted before and it was so exciting to work with them.”
“It was also very interesting to see things from a youngster’s perspective because they are innocent or tainted by things as much as adults are.”
Petela also explained that there are many important themes that “Christmas Clothes” explores.
“I think that one of the important ones is community and this is a vital aspect for society as a whole, now more than ever.”
“We live in a very individualistic society where many people are just for themselves and they simply just cut people out of their lives when things are not working the way they would like but I think that this movie, which centres around a young boy’s love for Christmas clothes as well as blossoming friendships and the importance of family, especially during the holidays, will resonate with many during this festive season.”
“The movie also relays the idea of overcoming something you never thought you would with the help of your community and other loved ones.”
Meanwhile, shooting said that filming the movie also presented many challenges.
“There were a lot of things that we didn't have any control over, such as the Joburg weather,” she said.
“Many of the scenes were shot outside or at night and shooting took place while it was raining so there were times when we had to wait for the storm to pass and for the sun to come out in order to resume shooting.”
Petela added that it was the stellar cast and crew who got the team through the obstacles.
“We went through those crazy times with good people. Everyone was so patient and they were so helpful during this difficult process.”