Montywood, the film production company which falls under Kumkani FM, has been making movies, series, TV shows and documentaries in the Buffalo City municipality area since 2019.
The local production company has a special focus on comedy, drama and reality TV that appeals to local and international audiences.
Their popular shows include Class of 2025, a comedy about a teacher trying to become a school principal, The Revolution, a drama dealing with social issues, and Inside the Office, which looks at workplace challenges.
Inside the Office follows a marketing company where new employee Kamva quickly stands out, using her skills to deal with office politics, while making friends and handling difficult colleagues.
The boss Lennox wants to find someone to take over his role one day. Sakhile played by Piwe Mjo gives good advice to others, Nomathamsanqa portrayed by Siyasanga Mpungushe keeps things running smoothly, but Sbu causes problems with his manipulative behaviour and struggles with substance abuse.
The trailer for season one episode one is now available and shows the company’s challenges with new clients and internal conflicts, plus hints about Kamva’s past as she aims to succeed.
Simphiwe Ndoda from Kumkani FM’s marketing team said: “We’ve been telling local stories for more than eight years. Our goal is to become the main platform for African stories that haven’t been told before.
“We found through research that many office workers face politics, affairs, sexual assault and unfair treatment. That’s what created this idea.
“We filmed in real office spaces so it looks authentic to viewers.”
He says that each episode tells its own story with useful information. Each season has more than 10 episodes.
“What makes us different is giving young people work opportunities and helping disadvantaged communities through storytelling.”
Ndoda described Kamva, played by Asandiswa Maqubela, as an independent graduate struggling to pay her NSFAS student loan.
“She’s positive but private about her life. She’ll do what it takes to get and keep a job to settle her debts. The growing loan is her biggest pressure. She plays a key role in the company and even helps her manager cover up his mistakes.”
The story feels real because many SA workers face these same problems but stay quiet out of fear of being fired or abused by those in charge. Sbu, played by Mlamli Ngcese, uses clever social tactics to control people around him.
The series connects with women aged 25 to 40, who are starting work or recent graduates struggling with student loans.
The biggest challenge for Montywood is lack of funding.
“If we had proper support, we could make even better productions. But we’ve created good content on a tight budget. We ask companies to work with us, create jobs, teach filming skills and help develop communities,” Ndoda said.
Viewers can watch free on www.montywood.co.za or download the user-friendly app. Contact 071-954-2318 on WhatsApp for more information.
Upcoming projects include IsiDoda Ubudoda Indoda Part 2, Class of 2025, Cult of Silence, Long Arm of the Law season four and Umkhonto.
Montywood thanks supporters and their team for keeping the work going.
“To our audience, we need your support.
“Watch our free local content and help tell our own stories,” Ndoda said.
