The South African film “God’s Work” is set to make waves as it prepares for its Middle East and North Africa premiere in the Long Film Competition at the 15th Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt, scheduled from March 30 to April 5.
Directed and penned by Michael James, and produced by Sithabile Mkhize, the film portrays the struggles of a group of unhoused men seeking solace in a dilapidated building. As they navigate life on the streets, their dreams and haunting memories intertwine, blurring the boundaries between reality and illusion.
Following its successful South African debut at the Durban International Film Festival last year, where it garnered critical acclaim and captivated sold-out audiences, “God’s Work” is also slated for a screening at the Joburg Film Festival on Sunday, March 8.
Set against the backdrop of Durban, the film captures the lives of men living on society’s fringes within a fragile sanctuary. United by loyalty, they manoeuvre through a landscape marked by apathy, infiltrators, and the threat of violence. Their inner realities, shaped by memories, visions, and spirits, present a narrative as striking and authentic as the challenges they face.
Director Michael James characterises the film as “an act of bearing witness,” compelling audiences to reevaluate their perceptions and connections with unhoused individuals.
Featuring performances by Thobani Nzuza, Mbulelo Radebe, Omega Ncube, Siya Xaba, Zenzo Msomi, and Nduduzo Kholwa, the film showcases cinematography from Jared Hinde and a score by award-winning West African composer George Acogny. Produced by Sithabile Mkhize, co-produced by Marco Orsini (USA), and executive produced by Toni Monty (SA) and Gary Springer (USA), this production is a collaboration between Maverick Resistance and the KwaZulu-Natal Film and Tourism Authority, the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, Amafrika Films, and Mojo Entertainment LLC, with backing from the Durban Film Office.
The KZN Tourism & Film Authority notes that “‘God’s Work’ is a surrealist drama from South Africa set in Durban. Centring on a brotherhood of homeless men grappling with poverty, addiction, and systemic neglect, the story unfolds through Simphiwe’s eyes, whose vivid, dreamlike experiences challenge the reality versus illusion narrative. Featuring a film-within-a-film structure, ‘God’s Work’ reflects on marginalisation and the intricacies of representation.”
With its Middle East and North Africa premiere, “God’s Work” solidifies its standing as a prominent achievement in South African cinema, proudly presenting its courageous storytelling and social insights on an international platform.
