How do you prepare a list of the best film actors in the country?
It’s a feat even experienced critics and writers have difficulty with.
When the Joburg Film Festival (JFF), which is on until Saturday, revealed its list of South Africa’s Top 10 film actresses, which had some who had not yet made a movie, it caused outrage.
Florence Masebe, Kgomotso Christopher and Nokuthula Ledwaba were very vocal about the list not being representative and omitting noted stars.
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Because JFF got it so wrong, we thought we’d show them how it’s done.
The Money Girls: If you get these actresses’ names on your cast list, sure are sure to get funding quicker. Let’s be honest, film is part of show business and at the end of the day, you need to make money.
Donna-Lee Roberts (Pad Na Jou Hart; Vir Altyd; Ballade vir 'n Enkeling and Klein Karoo)
When it comes to box office power, it doesn’t get bigger than Donna-Lee Roberts. It probably helps that she also co-executive produces her films, alongside frequent collaborator, Ivan Botha. In the past two years, every film she has starred in, has made more than R12 million on the local box office, which is no easy feat. She can also act, after all no one will or should for that matter, fund a film with mediocre actors.
Anel Alexander (Klein Karoo, Semi-Soet, Mooirivier, Ballade vir ‘n Enkeling)
Anel and Donna-Lee have appeared in two films together and both films were box office hits. Anel is one of the most under the radar actors, especially when it comes to the general public. She’s a star and she has box office pull. Semi-Soet, which she co-produced- made more than R9,7 million in 2012, and was the most watched South African film. Her other films also made millions, proving why she needs to be on this list.
Dependable - They have the talent and necessary range as an actor to tackle various roles; favourites of directors and casting directors.They win and are nominated for awards.
Thishiwe Ziqubu (Wonder Boy for President; Tell Me Sweet Something; Hard To Get; While You Weren’t Looking)
Thishiwe has consistently built up her resume as one of South Africa’s most talented actresses. The actress/writer/director, has been in a number of critically acclaimed South African films and won a Best Actress SAFTA for Zee Ntuli’s Hard To Get. She’s a favourite of the decision makers.
Brümilda van Rensburg ('n Paw-Paw Vir My Darling; Leading Lady; Musiek vir die Agtergrond; Khumba)
When it comes to a South African entertainment industry legend, Brümilda is the definition of legend. With a career spanning decades, she’s the doyenne of South African TV and film and the decision makers understand that. That’s why she keeps getting cast in both film and TV.
Quanita Adams (Konfetti, Assignment, Material, Jimmy in Pienk, Skeem)
She’s honestly one of our talented, yet underrated actors and she has the SAFTA to prove it. Even though she’s a respected actress, we know so little about her. But the people who matter and those who decide on who to cast, know she’s a brilliant actress.
Leleti Khumalo (Free State; Winnie Mandela; Hopeville; Invictus)
Besides her role on Oscar nominated Yesterday and the iconic Sarafina, Leleti has steadily moved between the world of film and TV. She is also one of the most famous actors in the country and has the respect of the film industry.
Petronella Tshuma (Of Good Reporter, iNumber Number, While You Weren’t Looking, Hatchet Hour)
She’s one of the many young stars making their presence felt in the industry and in just a little more than five years, Petronella has built up an impressive CV. With critically acclaimed performances and a SAFTA nomination to boot, she’s become one of the dependables at a very young age.
Erica Wessels (Mignon Mossie van Wyk, Treurgrond, Trouvoete, My Father’s War, Alles Wat Mal Is, Hatchet Hour)
If you check Erica’s IMDb page, you’ll find that she is probably one of the hardest working actresses in the industry right now. There’s always a film she’s filming, preparing to film or just finished filming. She’s also a SAFTA nominated actress and is a fan favourite.
Recognisable- The ones you put on the poster and marketing material, even though they are not the lead actors. They are the one’s that get media attention. They have star power.
Terry Pheto (A United Kingdom; Cuckold; Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom; How to steal 2 Million)
When it comes to star power, Terry Pheto has it in spades. She’s one of the most famous South African actresses and the studios know this. Signing her up for a role in a film, almost always guarantees you recognition from critics and the public. She’s a favourite of international film productions and has played more Mandela women than everyone else. She’s also a film producer and her first film, Ayanda received solid reviews.
Hlubi Mboya (How to Steal 2 Million; Dora’s Peace; iNumber Number; A Small Town Called Descent)
Hlubi is a bona fide film star and is one of those actors who made a good transition from being a soap star to a South African film star. She’s also a major celebrity with cross-over appeal, which is not an easy thing to achieve in South Africa. She has starred in some critically acclaimed films, holding her own and stealing scenes as a supporting actor.
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The future generation of film stars, they already have a fan-base, are movers and shakers in the industry. They are Insta-famous and garner favourable media attention. They are the starlets of the local film industry and everyone loves to love them and casting directors know that. But they can also act and have either been nominated for or won awards for their work as actors. There’s a number of them, but we have chosen five. Collectively, they have starred in more than ten films, with more in pre-production.
Honourable Mentions: The actresses who need to get more film roles and need to be celebrated for this excellence.
Florence Masebe, Harriet Manamela, Tina Jaxa, Brenda Ngxoli, Lerato Mvelase, Renata Stuurman, Charlene Brouwer, Lindiwe Ndlovu, Mmabatho Montsho and Nokuthula Ledwaba.
While this may not be the definitive list of South Africa’s Top 10 actresses; it sure does list most of them. With the facts to back it up.
You’re welcome, Joburg Film Festival.