Grantee Highlight: T.O.M Pictures

In 2003, Akin Omotoso, Robbie Thorpe and Kgomotso Matsunyane came together to found a production company in Johannesburg called T.O.M Pictures. They have been able to produce several feature films since then and are continually pushing the boundaries of filmmaking and bringing amazing work to African audiences. As a result of all of their efforts, they have built a reputation for themselves as one of the most progressive, creative and professional production companies in South Africa. T.O.M Pictures says that it runs on one simple philosophy: “To make content that reflects the true nature of our African identity, and also to contribute to and participate in the growth and understanding of South Africa and the African Continent.”

 

In order to produce a feature film, there has to be a tremendous amount of passion and commitment, indefinitely. Over the past four years, the team at T.O.M has been working tirelessly on a film project called Tell Me Sweet Something. This film follows the love story of two people leading very different lives. Moratiwa (Nomzamo Mbatha) is the owner of a small bookstore, and hopes one day to be a writer. However, her store is not as successful as she would like it to be and her love life is faring even worse. That is until she meets a male model, Nat (Maps Maponyane), who in his entire life has never read one book. Opposites attract, it appears. Both want to find love and to be desired for who they really are, rather than just how they appear on the outside. However, as the story unfolds, a woman from Nat’s past comes back into his life, pregnant with his child. Of course, this leads to complications and confusion, and the love between Moratiwa and Nat is tested.

 

 

Stories about love, relationships, and the complex nature of human relations are universal stories that people all over the world can relate to. T.O.M. pictures in particular also believe in portraying strong women as lead characters, and as complex human beings. The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) recognizes the potential that the Arts (including film) hold for shaping the way people perceive African women and it is for this reason that AWDF supported the funding of intensive rehearsal and workshop for actresses working on the film. In addition to Nomzamo Mbatha, the film stars other actresses including: Thembi Seete, Mandisa Bardill and Thishiwe Zigubu. The workshop rehearsals was used to help prepare the actresses along with director, Omotoso, for the shooting of the film. This was a month long process, during which actresses could get a grasp for how Omotoso worked and thus exactly how he wanted them to act in the film. It was important because the team was able to work together and develop chemistry prior to shooting. In order for everything in a film to be believable, it has to come from a very real place. Also, the most impressive outcome of the process was the development of an organic script by everyone involved. Each actress and actor contributed to the writing of the script. Therefore, they all own the script and this ownership has been important to the success of the film, according to T.O.M. Pictures.

 

 

AWDF cares about the successes of women artists around the continent, because these creative minds are ones that have the capability to reach thousands and millions of people! We believe in encouraging women to follow their dreams, and many dream of becoming artists, writers, singers, actresses, etc. There is always a space for people with a talent and a drive to be seen and heard.

 

 

AWDF could not be more proud to have been a part of this project. T.O.M Pictures was able to finally begin the shooting of the film during the month of May after waiting for three and a half years! All of the hard work of the cast and crew is paying off, and we cannot wait to see the completed film!