Set in Chatsworth, Keeping up with the Kandasamys opens a window into the lifestyle and subculture of modern-day Indian South Africans; their aspirations, dreams and challenges. It was produced by the award-winning duo, Helena Spring and the late Junaid Ahmed (who passed away in November 2016). View the trailer below:
“Seeing the feel-good impact of the film on audiences, as it celebrates family values with humour and laughter, has been a wonderful experience and I’m both thrilled and thankful for the tremendous support cinemagoers are giving the film. Even though the film celebrates Indian culture and identity, the characters remain relatable across all racial and cultural lines, connecting with the audiences' own familial experiences,” says Spring.
This film was directed by Durban filmmaker Jayan Moodley (White Gold) and co-written by Moodley and Rory Booth. It features music by Kyle Deutsch and The Parlotones.
“I loved shooting this film on location in Chatsworth. It’s an iconic place, like District Six or Soweto. It’s vibrant, lively and spirited, and I believe we have managed to not only capture its idiosyncrasies, but also its heart and soul that will make global audiences fall in love with it too, over a barrel full of laughs,” says director Moodley, about her debut film.
“This film has something for everyone. The universal story of neighbourhood rivalry, our desperate need for acceptance and the climb for perceived societal success is something which touches everyone the world over. At the end of the day we can all recognise our quirks and foibles and the funny side of the weird, wonderful and strangely competitive world we live in.”
The film stars Jailoshini Naidoo (Eastern Mosaic, Lotus FM) and Maeshni Naicker (Broken Promises), Mishqah Parthiephal, Madhushan Singh, Rajesh Gopie, Koobeshan Naidoo, Mariam Bassa and Neil Govender.
The film was produced in association with The National Film and Video Foundation, The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, M-Net and the dti, with distribution by Ster-Kinekor Entertainment. The film is currently showing at selected theatres nationwide.
