knuckle city
2019 | feature fiction filmdirected by jahmil x.t. qubeka
produced and edited by layla swart
assistant edit by hankyeol lee
south african film and television awards (2020) for best achievement in directing, editing, production design, makeup and styling, and best actor and supporting actor.
african movie academy awards (2020) for best production design & best visual effects
durban international film festival (2019) for best actor
official selection at toronto film festival (2019) contemporary world cinema
african movie academy awards (2020) for best production design & best visual effects
durban international film festival (2019) for best actor
official selection at toronto film festival (2019) contemporary world cinema
A slice of street life in South Africa’s Mdantsane township, known as the boxing mecca of South Africa, Knuckle City follows the journey of Dudu Nyakama, a down and out ageing boxer as he struggles to attain the one fight he believes will uplift his fractured family. Contending that the underbelly of the boxing world is rife with criminality, Dudu unwittingly enlists the help of his reckless but resourceful, gangster brother who's coming out of jail. Haunted by the ghost of their father, Dudu soon finds that the fight at home is far more challenging than any opponent he can possibly face in the ring.