STUDIOCANAL has announced plans to produce a new feature film, The Road Home, with principal photography scheduled to begin in Cape Town in June, marking a significant international production centred on South Africa’s cultural and political history.
The project, backed by STUDIOCANAL — the in-house studio of CANAL+ — in partnership with Flora Films, will explore the intersection of music and the anti-apartheid struggle, drawing inspiration from Graceland by Paul Simon.
The film centres on the life of South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela, portrayed by Thabo Rametsi, and his role during a turbulent period when global activism and artistic expression collided. It will also depict the influence of anti-apartheid campaigner Trevor Huddleston, as well as the involvement of iconic singer Miriam Makeba, known as “Mama Africa”.
Set against the backdrop of the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa, the narrative examines tensions surrounding the release of Graceland, which drew criticism from sections of the Anti-Apartheid Movement for allegedly breaching the United Nations’ cultural sanctions. The storyline follows Masekela’s decision to collaborate with Simon and Makeba to amplify South African voices on the global stage, using music as a tool of resistance.
Producers say the screenplay has been developed through extensive research, including contributions from the Hugh Masekela Heritage Foundation and acclaimed writer Zakes Mda. The scriptwriting process also involved direct engagement with Paul Simon to ensure historical authenticity.
The production is expected to generate significant economic and creative activity within South Africa’s film industry, employing more than 300 local crew members, 68 cast members and approximately 3,500 extras, alongside internationally recruited specialists. Filming in Cape Town further underscores the country’s growing reputation as a global hub for high-end film production.
Chief Executive Officer of STUDIOCANAL and Chief Content Officer of CANAL+, Anna Marsh, said South Africa offered a compelling environment for storytelling and production, highlighting the depth of local talent both on and off screen.
Nomsa Philiso, Director of Content for General Entertainment across English and Portuguese-speaking Africa at MultiChoice Group, noted that the collaboration with CANAL+ would expand the reach of African storytelling, enabling large-scale productions that can resonate with global audiences.
The film is positioned as a major cultural project aimed at showcasing African narratives through an international lens, while reinforcing ongoing investment in the continent’s creative industries.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
