A NEW local crime drama, Dora’s Peace, features a strong female cast in roles that highlight the complex circumstances that women face in often ruthless urban environments. The film is about a Hillbrow sex worker who protects a gifted boy from the clutches of organised crime and discovers aspects of her own lost humanity in the process.
Directed by Konstandino Kalarytis, Dora’s Peace was shot in Joburg and stars Khabonina Qubeka in the title role. Dora is smart and tough, and used to beating the odds by doing things her way, but she also has a good heart. She’s seen it all and done it all. Into her solitary existence comes 12-year old Peace, a talented artist and the son of her down and out neighbour. Before long Dora will be forced to make a decision – protect Peace from the bad guys or let them win. Her only ally is Ravi, a taxi driver with a wicked sense of humour.
“Dora is the type of strong, unforgettable female lead that audiences love,” says Helen Kuun, of Indigenous Film Distribution. “It’s fitting that the release of the film coincides with National Women’s Month a tribute to the role of women in the struggle for freedom, as Dora represents courage and strength, even in the face of difficult circumstances.”
Khabonina has been nominated multiple times for her roles in series including Muvhango, The Lab, The Wild and Rhythm City. Aside from her television and feature film work, she is also a dancer and musician.
In the role of Peace’s mother Connie is Hlubi Moya, best known for her role as Nandipha in Isidingo. The ensemble cast includes Danny Keogh, Ronnie Nyakale, 12-year old Paballo Koza, Molefi Monaisa, Meren Reddy, Denel Honeyball, Israel Makoe, Tinah Mnumzana, Yule Masiteng, Manaka Ranaka, Masilo Magoro, Blessed Boshomane, Omo Kondile, and Sebelethu Bonkolo.
“The film deals with people who inhabit the gangland that is Hillbrow,” says director Kalarytis. “Aspects of my own Greek background are also incorporated, which I don’t think has been done before in a local movie. In making the film, the most important aspect was the relationship between Dora and the young boy, Peace. By taking on the role of protector and nurturer, she is forced to confront difficult issues about her own life and her past.”