EXCLUSIVE: MAD Solutions has acquired all Middle East and North African rights to Zamo Mkhwanazi’s Laundry (Uhlanjululo) in a deal with Summerside Media.
The South African feature marks the first ever non-Arab title secured for distribution by MAD Solutions, the Cairo-based film and talent studio that has grown to become a leading distributor in the MENA region.
Set in 1968 Johannesburg, it stars Ntobeko Sishi as teenager Khuthala, who is reluctant to inherit his father’s laundry business. As Apartheid restrictions intensify and Black-owned enterprises come under threat, he finds himself caught between his aspiration to become a musician and the need to protect the family’s only source of income and stability.
The script was also written by Mkhwanazi, inspired by the experience of her family under the system of segregation imposed by South Africa’s government from 1948 to 1994.
The film proved a breakout favourite when it received its world premiere in the Discovery section of Toronto in September. It went on to play in competition at Marrakech, having previously participated in the festival’s Atlas Workshops, before closing Santa Barbara in February and opening Joberg Film Festival in March.
“We have been following this film since its world premiere in Toronto and its subsequent success on the international festival circuit,” said Alaa Karkouti of MAD Solutions. “We recognised its potential to connect with audiences across the MENA region.
“This is a new step for us, and we believe Laundry is the right film to help expand our reach beyond the Arab world and, we hope, serve as the first step toward building a stronger pipeline for pan-African cinema.”
The Switzerland–South Africa co-production from Akka Films and Kude Media is produced in association with RTS – Radio Télévision Suisse and Mojo Entertainment. Producers are Philippe Coeytaux, Mkhwanazi, Jim Stark and Nicolas Wadimoff, with Marco Orsini serving as co-producer.
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