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Get ready to mark your calendars because Zwo Farisani’s eagerly awaited romantic drama, “Smart Casuals,” is set to premiere globally on Netflix on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Crafted by Zwo Farisani in collaboration with Ndamu Farisani of Farisani Creations, “Smart Casuals” represents Zwo’s inaugural venture into feature film direction. This cinematic gem is one of six micro-budget projects nurtured through a joint film fund sponsored by Netflix and the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an arm of South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. The fund was established to relieve the financial burdens on filmmakers and invigorate the creative industry’s recovery from the pandemic, all while fostering job opportunities.
The star-studded cast of “Smart Casuals” includes Anga Makubalo, Angela Sithole, Terrence Ngwila, Mandisa Constable, Nyaniso Dzedze, Nomsa Twala, and Kudzai Mureriwa, a trailblazer in the world of hip-hop dance.
Set in Johannesburg, the vibrant “City of Gold,” the film follows the diverging paths of two couples as they navigate the maze of love. Taki, a photographer in his thirties, revels in the freedom of casual relationships until he encounters Tumi, whose unexpected presence triggers a profound change of heart.
Meanwhile, Mahlatsi and Bheka, partners for twelve years, embark on their third attempt to exchange vows. Despite Mahlatsi’s longing for marriage, doubts linger, and she grapples with the idea of starting anew.
“Smart Casuals” delves deep into the complexities of romantic relationships against the dynamic backdrop of Africa’s most cosmopolitan city. Director Zwo Farisani shares, “I’ve always been drawn to films that reflect real-life experiences rather than fairy tales. With ‘Smart Casuals,’ our aim was to capture authenticity by embracing our own vulnerabilities, infusing the film with raw honesty.”
Shot entirely on location in Johannesburg, the film captures the city’s multifaceted essence, embodying the legacy of its pioneering spirit and boundless possibilities. Get ready to embark on an emotional journey through love and self-discovery when “Smart Casuals” premieres on Netflix.
