First launched at Design Week South Africa in October 2024, design and creative entity Studio Bananaaa’s third short film, ‘Umfana ka Ma’ (Mama’s Boy) is now available to view online.
The film explores how taxi drivers form a vital role in society, transporting more than 15 million commuters throughout South Africa daily, despite the prejudices they face from commuters and fellow road users. “Having taken taxis most of my life, I’ve experienced the important role taxi drivers play and witnessed the, often negative, stereotypes put on them,” says Simphiwe Khumalo, founder and creative director of Studio Bananaaa. “We wanted to strip away these stereotypes and tell the story of a young man whose daily task is providing for his family.”
‘Umfana ka Ma’ shares the personal story of a young Johannesburg taxi driver as he navigates an ordinary work day. Offering the viewer an insight into his life, its pressures and the frustrations he feels as he transports commuters, the film’s message is one of human connection and the simple needs and desires we all seek. Explained through a first person account by the narrator himself, the viewer bears witness to this familiarly human side when he receives a gift from his mom – a handmade crochet Mama’s Boy hat, synonymous with the Studio Bananaaa brand.
Showcasing an urban landscape familiar to many South Africans, ‘Umfana Ka Ma’ not only documents daily urban life in our cities, but proves how impactful the placement of certain design elements can be in conveying positive, community-centric messages.
ABOUT STUDIO BANANAAA:
Founded by Simphiwe Khumalo in 2023, Studio Bananaaa is a creative concept studio that serves to express South African stories and ideas through art, fashion, music, design, photography and film. Collaborating with artists, such as Bahati Simoens; photographers, such as Thabo Mthombeni, and designer Sannie, the studio has developed limited-edition product drops, in-person activations – including a concept store and anti-road rage campaign, as well as a children’s book and three short films.
Creative Credits:
Co-Directed by Simphiwe Khumalo and Thabo Mthombeni
Produced by Katleho Motaung
Starring Mpumi Mkwanazi and Constance Mbatha
DOP Sims Phakisi\
Visit Design Week South Africa and Studio Bananaaa’s websites
Follow @studio_bananaaa and @designafricasouthafrica on Instagram
Press release courtesy of Design Week South Africa
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