Talented playwright Bheki Mkhwane lands a role in international film A Wesley of South African Christmas
By Funeka Bambalele
Thespian Bheki Mkhwane has landed a role in an international film A Wesley of South African Christmas.
The Christmas-comedy film was filmed in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal. It will be screened on BET international.
A Wesley South African Christmas is part of Wesley Trilogy which consists of three Christmas films following the Wesley family, an affluent African American household in Washington, D.C.
The South African version is set against the vibrant backdrop of Durban, South Africa, this groundbreaking film unites American and South African talent, both in front of and behind the camera, bridging the gap between the global Black community and fostering dialogue, understanding, and unity by fusion of cultures coming together to create meaningful project.
It follows the intertwining lives of two families, a Zulu family, the Dlamini’s and America’s favourite holiday-loving family, the Wesley’s, coupled with the backdrop of the festive Christmas season in Durban. Through their shared experiences and cultural exchanges, the film explores themes of love, family, and the celebration of the holidays.
Mkhwane plays a supportive role of Mr Dlamini, a retired lawyer who ran his own law firm. Since he has retired, he has handed over the running of the firm to his daughter Gugu Dlamini portrayed by Ayanda Bandla and son, Themba Dlamini played by Jesse Suntele.
American featured actors include Terayle Hill, Dorien Wilson, T.C. Carson, Kiki Haynes, Rolonda Rochelle, Judi Johnson, Chazitear, Novi Brown and Emmy Award-winning actress, Jasmine Guy. Other SA stars included Baby Cele, Dineo Langa, Bohang Moeko, Trevor Gumbi and Nay Maps.
Mkhwane who has shone in each and every TV and stage role he portrayed, is excited to play the role of a retired lawyer in the South African/American film.
Speaking to Citylife Arts, Mkhwane said: “I play Mr Dlamini, a retired lawyer. In the film, Mr Dlamini hands over the reins to his son and daughter. His son has studied in America and has befriended a student there. The son has this business idea of venturing into selling technology applications. So, he decides to invite Americans and sit with them about the idea he has.”
“This happens around 23rd and 24th of December in South Africa. Because of the delay in signing of the contract, Americans want to go home and come back after Christmas. But the son suggests that they spend Christmas in South Africa. Then the whole Wesley’s descend to KwaZulu-Natal. Mr Dlamini decides to take them to Nelson Mandela’s statue in Howick, Pietermaritzburg and to the Zulu Palace.”
Mkhwane says he enjoyed playing the role because Mr Dlamini was able to play the role of the late Nelson Mandela, providing Americans with needed answers about transition.
Bree West, creator, writer and executive producer at Octet, a Washington DC based production company fell in love with South Africa during a visit last year.
“Chuck and I committed to coming back and filming an inspirational project located in the region that celebrates the people of the region. We gave ourselves a twelve- month period. Despite the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, we upheld our commitment to return and bring jobs and that’s exactly why we’re here now filming.”
Co-founder of Octet Productions and co-executive producer, Chuck West said, “The importance of the film echoes across the Diaspora, filming in Durban, South Africa’s picturesque city, provides the perfect backdrop for this cultural odyssey. Its rich history, diverse communities, and stunning landscapes are integral to the narrative.”
When the theatre and tv legend is away from the cameras and lights, he spends most of his time teaching school learners how to write and perform poetry.
He has been hosting workshops and acting masterclasses at high schools, and tertiary institutions for free in Kwazulu-Natal.
“In high schools I teach kids how to write and discover poetry by looking at their surroundings. I do this for free because I believe that we have been failed by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture as well as the government in general. Funding for all these crafts is there but it is accessed by those who don’t know what to do with it. I’m doing this to give back to the community and learn in the process.”
The film is also co-produced with Tarek Stevens of Terk Entertainment and Mqondisi Ngubane of MQ Films.