Losing Lerato is a 2019 South African action drama film produced by Kagiso Modupe and Bakwena Productions. It was directed by Sanele zulu and written by Ricardo Arendse and Kagiso Modupe.The film stars Patrick Mofokeng, Connie Chiume, Ayanda Borotho, Tshimollo Modupe, Samela Tyelbooi and Kagiso Modupe.
| Losing Lerato | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Day I Lost My Dad |
| Genre | |
| Written by |
|
| Story by | Kagiso Modupe |
| Directed by | Sanele Zulu |
| Starring |
|
| Music by | Brian Temba |
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Original languages | English Zulu |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Liza Modupe |
| Producer | |
| Cinematography | Gavin Sterley |
| Editor | Bongani Tshikawu |
| Running time | 96 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | 13 September 2019 |
The film was released on Netflix streaming platform on September 13, 2019.
Synopsis
editThe film follows Thami (Kagiso Modupe), a struggling young man who lost his job at a prestigious firm due to fraud accusations. This incident is the breaking point for his wife, Noluthando (Samela Tyelbooi) who is concerned about her future, leaves him, taking their daughter Lerato (Tshimillo Modupe) with her, and marries a local politician, Jake (Thato Molamu).
Thami is then faced with Noluthando's persistent efforts to block his access to Lerato. After exhausting all legal options and driven by his longing to reunite with his daughter, Thami decides to abduct Lerato from school. His attempt to spend a day with her quickly spirals into chaos, resulting in a tense standoff with the police and endangering not only their lives but also those of other passengers, leading to a dramatic hostage situation on the bus.
Cast
edit- Kagiso Modupe as Thami
- Tshimillo Modupe as Lerato
- Samela Tyelbooi as Noluthando
- Nolo Phiri as Detective Nkala
- Thato Molamu as Jake
- Connie Chiume as Gogo on Bus
- Ayanda Borotho as Principal Modise
- Patrick Mofokeng as Station Commander
- Don Mlangeni as SWAT Commander
- Mandla Gaduka as Constable Xaba
- Zandile Msutwana as Teacher
- Mapaseka Koetle Nyokong as Bus Hostess
- Fezile Makhanya as Sniper
- Gabisile Tshabalala as Pregnant Passenger
- Mmarona Motshegoa as Little Kgomotso's Mother
- Thulani Msiza as Kgomotso's Father
Production
editLosing Lerato was produced by Bakwena Productions, with Principal photographytaking place in Johannesburg. Kagiso Modupe not only starred in the film but also served as one of its producers.[1]
Release
editThe film was released in South Africa on September 13, 2019.[2] It received a positive reception from audiences and critics alike for its compelling story and strong performances, particularly from Kagiso Modupe and his real-life daughter Tshimillo Modupe.[3][4]
Box Office
editLosing Lerato grossed over R4.1 million ($217,878) during its first five weeks of release,[5] marking it a commercial success in the South African film market.[6][7]
Reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| IMDb |    [8] |
| TV Time |   [9] |
Critics praised the film for its emotional depth and the cast's performances. The father-daughter dynamic between Kagiso and Tshimillo Modupe was highlighted as a standout element of the film.[10][11][12]
Sequel
editThe sequel, Losing Lorato 2 was released on 2 August 2024 exclusively on Netflix.[13]
Awards
editThe film was submitted to the International Indian Film Academy Awards 2020 to qualify as a nominee for the Award for Best Film. Losing Lerato received several nominations and awards.[14]
- Golden Era Humanitarian Narrative Award (2020)
- Best Child Performance for Tshimillo Modupe at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (2020) [15]
See Also
editReferences
edit- ^ Africa, AlgoaFM South. "SA movie Losing Lerato is unstoppable". www.algoafm.co.za. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ yomzansi (2019-09-09). "Local film 'Losing Lerato' arrives in cinemas this week". YOMZANSI. Documenting THE CULTURE. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ Serame, Moroetsana. "Dad and daughter duo star in Losing Lerato". City Press. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ Serame, Moroetsana. "Dad and daughter duo star in Losing Lerato". City Press. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ Seemela, Masego (19 September 2019). "'I'm super excited': Kagiso Modupe's film Losing Lerato a box office winner". timeslive.co.za.
- ^ Maliba, Amanda (October 27, 2019). "Independent movie 'Losing Lerato' grosses R4.1m in five weeks". iol.co.za.
- ^ Walubengo, Peris (2019-10-28). "Local movie, 'Losing Lerato', managed to gross R4.1 million in 5 weeks". Briefly. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ l. "Losing Lerato Review | Movie, Reviews, Credits". IMDb. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- ^ l. "Losing Lerato Review | Movie, Reviews, Credits". TV Time. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
- ^ Bambalele, Patience (18 September 2019). "Losing Lerato movie hits number one spot in most Joburg cinemas". sowetanlive.co.za.
- ^ "'Losing Lerato' irons out country's pressing issues".
- ^ Tembu, Xolani (September 17, 2019). "Losing Lerato - A Review". culture-review.co.za. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ illythehost (2024-07-23). "LOSING LERATO 2 PREMIERES ON NETFLIX 2 AUGUST 2024". HYPE Magazine. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ Zeeman, Kyle (16 March 2020). "Halala! Kagiso Modupe's film wins six awards at international film festival". timeslive.co.za.
- ^ Import, Pongrass (2020-03-25). "Losing Lerato wins big in Califonia". African Reporter. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
