'Sabbatical' cast brings power and heart to the screen

The Star

16-05-2025

Local actors reflect on their transformative experience in the new local film Sabbatical , which explores ambition, familial ties, and the weight of silence within the context of corporate scandal.
At the helm is Mona Monyane portrays Lesego, a brilliant corporate climber on the fast track to becoming the next CEO of LouwFin.
However, her rise to the top takes a devastating turn when she is implicated in a financial scandal involving the embezzlement of a miner's pension fund. This twist forces Lesego back to her childhood home, where she must confront the woman who raised her and the ghosts she thought she'd left behind.
Known for her acclaimed performances in Muvhango and Kalushi, Monyane describes her role as a career-defining moment, allowing her to re-establish her presence in the film industry.
'Being a part of the Sabbatical cast was like a dream come true, reintroducing myself in the industry. Telling a powerful and impactful story made me feel like I was fulfilling my purpose as somebody who tells stories to heal and to empower. It was also just a magical experience all around,' she reveals.
Monyane also explains that the synergy among the cast and crew made the experience all the more rewarding, highlighting the director's ability to allow performers to inject their essence into the film.
'The noteworthy aspect of the film was the director's approach. Her respect, her ability to also allow us as the performance to bring our essence to the piece.'
Another standout performance comes from seasoned actress Clementine Mosimane, who plays Doris, Lesego's fiercely protective mother.
'Being part of the SABBATICAL cast was an honour and just a humbling experience. Reading through the script as cast with the director and also realising that it is a story so close to home, authentic and realistic,' Mosimane remarks.
She describes Doris as a complex character, a resilient mother who has faced tremendous challenges while raising her daughter, all while teaching them invaluable lessons about communication, tolerance, and acceptance.
'Doris is a mother/woman who has gone through a lot as a single mother, not easily showing love towards her daughter but caring and very smart. lessons to be learnt and maybe consider defending individual communication, tolerance, celebrating your kids and other people, and acceptance.'
For actress Lethabo Mpoko, joining this project means so much more than acting; it symbolises exposure and professional growth within a film that addresses relatable South African stories.
'To me it speaks about exposure and professional growth. But it also means being part of a project that aims to improve the South African industry because it tells a story that more South Africans can relate to. It tells a real South African story. It also means being part of a production that aims to bring back the culture – the culture of going back to the movies and watching a production and opening up a conversation with the people around you.'
Acclaimed comedian Loyiso Gola also takes on the role of investigator Percy Mthimkhulu, delivering a sharp and methodical performance that ties the narrative together. Set against the backdrop of Pretoria, the film seamlessly blends emotional weight with sharp humour, featuring familiar faces from high school sweethearts to nosy neighbours, each adding depth to this multifaceted story.
The creative force behind the film includes Director of Photography Motheo Moeng, known for Queen Sono and Matwetwe, who crafts a visually arresting and intimate aesthetic. Adding to the emotional gravity is a lush, jazz-infused score by musician Bokani Dyer, enhancing the unfolding drama with soulful depth.
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Saturday Star