The highly anticipated debut feature “God’s Work” from South African filmmaker Michael James will make its Middle East and North Africa premiere at the Luxor African Film Festival, running until April 5.
Written and directed by James, with production by Sithabile Mkhize, the film is set in Durban and follows the journey of six homeless men who seek shelter in a crumbling building. As they cope with the challenges of life on the streets, their stories intertwine through a mix of dreams, memories, and hallucinations that challenge the lines between reality and imagination.
Previously, “God’s Work” premiered at the Durban International Film Festival in South Africa, where it captivated audiences and garnered critical praise. The film will also be showcased at the Joburg Film Festival, enhancing its visibility in the festival circuit.
Set against the backdrop of Durban, “God’s Work” illustrates the fragile brotherhood among men living on society’s fringes, united by loyalty as they face systemic neglect, opportunism, and persistent threats of violence. The film’s narrative primarily centres on Simphiwe, whose dreamlike perceptions and internal struggles offer a unique perspective on the stark realities of his environment. The project employs a film-within-a-film approach to delve into themes of marginalisation and representation.
James describes the film as “an act of bearing witness,” with the intention of reshaping perceptions of unhoused communities and fostering a deeper understanding of their realities.
The cast features Thobani Nzuza, Mbulelo Radebe, Omega Ncube, Siya Xaba, Zenzo Msomi, and Nduduzo Kholwa. The cinematography is led by Jared Hinde, with an original score by George Acogny.
This production is the result of a collaboration between Maverick Resistance and several partners, including the KwaZulu-Natal Film and Tourism Authority, the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, Amafrika Films, and Mojo Entertainment LLC, with additional backing from the Durban Film Office. Co-production credits include Marco Orsini, while Toni Monty and Gary Springer serve as executive producers.
