Home / Arts and Entertainment / South African Drama 'Laundry' Acquired for Global Sales After TIFF Premiere
South African Drama 'Laundry' Acquired for Global Sales After TIFF Premiere
14 Nov
Summary
- South African director Zamo Mkhwanazi's apartheid-era drama 'Laundry' premiered at TIFF
- Film acquired by Summerside Media for global sales
- Focuses on teenager Khuthala torn between music dreams and family's laundry business
In September 2025, South African director Zamo Mkhwanazi's apartheid-era drama 'Laundry' premiered to critical acclaim in the Discovery section at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film, which draws on Mkhwanazi's family experiences under South Africa's racist segregation system, has now been acquired by Summerside Media for global sales.
Set in 1968, 'Laundry' stars Ntobeko Sishi as teenager Khuthala, who is dismissive of his family's laundry business and dreams of making a living through music instead. However, as the apartheid government cracks down on Black business ownership, Khuthala finds himself torn between chasing his personal ambitions and fighting the injustice threatening his family's well-being.
Francesca Manno, managing director and co-founder of Summerside Media, praised Mkhwanazi's "powerful and poetic" direction, calling her "an exceptionally promising filmmaker" and 'Laundry' an "extraordinary and visually stunning work." The film is a Switzerland and South African co-production from Akka Films, Kude Media, RTS - Radio Télévision Suisse, and Mojo Entertainment.
