Sibling creatives Karabo and Kagiso Lediga feature some of South Africa’s most celebrated actors and a storyline steeped in the complexities of family and identity in a new film, Sabbatical.
Karabo, who directed the film, said the heart of this movie is the theme of family secrets.
“Not really real-life skeletons, but the nuances of my relationship with my mother and other mother-and-daughter relationships around me,” she said.
Kagiso, who is the producer, echoed this sentiment andthough the film is not based on real-life events, it points to the subtle complexity of these relationships as the core of its emotional weight.
Without giving too much away, both siblings point to emotional scenes between the characters Doris (played by Clementine Mosimane) and Lesego (Mona Monyane) as being particularly powerful.
“There were a few [emotional scenes], but all of them involved heated conversations between Doris and Lesego which the actors did so skilfully,” said Karabo.
“The cathartic moment with Doris and Lesego in the bathroom, towards the end of the film, there’s no dialogue in the scene but the scene speaks volumes,” Kagiso added.
The filmmakers said they hope audiences leave with more than just the memory of a good story.
“I hope that people have new conversations with their mothers and daughters. And I hope that people enjoy seeing a relatable story on the big screen,” said Karabo.
Kagiso believes the film’s strength lies in its relatability,
“I think people will appreciate a candid portrayal of our world, so many relatable elements and themes,” he said.
Karabo said balancing dramatic tension with moments of humour was key.
“I really wanted to lean into the realism of South African life which has such nuanced humour within the serious stuff — we have a way of doing both so well that I wanted to reflect in the film.” said Karabo.
The Lediga siblings are no strangers to collaboration, having worked together since The Pure Monate Show.
“It hasn’t always been easy, but we have grown to trust each other’s creative tastes and contribution to one another’s projects,” said Kagiso.
“We also rely on other collaborators like co-producer Tamsin Andersson and cinematographer Motheo Moeng,” said Karabo.
Working as a sibling duo has its perks and its tensions. “We’re both hard-headed about our ideas. But we have a similar love for where we come [from], our people and country — and a similar sense of humour that we get from our mom,” Karabo said.
The film's title, Sabbatical, speaks to more than just a break from work. Kagiso says: “I once wished for a sabbatical and boom, Covid happened. So I’m going to keep my mouth shut now.”
For Karabo, the idea of switching off is more immediate. “I nap a lot — I’m a true believer in naps. Viva naps!”
The two also shared playful insights into sibling dynamics and the nature of secrets, with Karabo revealing she’s “definitely taken a lot of my brother’s things without him knowing.
“I’m wearing a pair of his track pants right now that he doesn’t know I have. Sorry!” said Karabo.
Kagiso said ultimately, Sabbatical is as much about the secrets we carry as it is about the truths we eventually confront.
“Secrets are inevitable, but as Karabo says, they do eventually come out,” he said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.