Yusuf Omar

The much anticipated SA film Material, starring comedian Riaad Moosa, premiered at Montecasino in Fourways last night.

“I’m sort of reserving emotions and enjoying the experience,” said Moosa. “We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the movie so far.”

The movie has previously premiered in Cape Town and Durban.

“We are interested to know how Joburg will take to the movie, which is set in Fordsburg. We hope the feeling resonates with viewers,” said Moosa.

“Fordsburg has such an interesting texture, such a vibe.”

While the film is loosely based on his own life, Moosa is actually Cape Town born and bred, but has a lot of family in Fordsburg and spent some time living in Joburg during his medical internship at Natalspruit Hospital.

“I had to lose some of my Capetonian vibe,” he laughed.

The story follows, roughly, the comedian’s rise to fame.

Moosa’s humble upbringing begins as a young Muslim who works in his father’s fabric shop in Fordsburg. Following tradition, Moosa – as the only son – is expected to take over the family business. Discovering a hidden talent for comedy at an open microphone session at a comedy club, the conflict between traditional Islamic values and his more flamboyant ambitions begin.

Although Moosa is all too familiar with being in front of an audience, he said the movie premiere brought a whole new set of nerves.

“For stand-up I’m getting ready with the whole eye-of-the tiger vibe. You walk out and perform. The work here is done, so I’m actually finding it more daunting then stand-up. I won’t be able to do anything.”

Said producer Ronnie Apteker: “The stakes are high. This is the best South African commercial film since The Gods Must Be Crazy. We spent over $2 million (R15m).”

The script took over eight years to piece together. “You are going to be blown away, it’s not what you think it is. “This is essentially the story of a family grappling with universal issues like identity, responsibility and duty. But it is ultimately emphasises the importance of family,” said Apteker.

l The film opens on circuit on February 17.