5 reasons to watch Sophiatown romance Back of the Moon

Back of the Moon is a stylish throwback to the dying days of Sophiatown. In it, the intellectual gang leader Badman tries to avoid the bleak reality of being black in apartheid South Africa. As the bulldozers threaten, he prepares to fight to the death – but his plans take an unexpected turn when he meets an intriguing entertainer.

Eve Mosumi is a singer who is performing her last concert at the local hall before she travels to London – but before she can leave, she’s kidnapped by Badman’s gang. The singer vows revenge on those who have turned her life upside down, especially the gang leader.

It is on this night that Badman, for the first time, encounters something worth living for. This night is the beginning of a bittersweet love story between him and Eve.

Here are the reasons we recommend streaming this homegrown gem immediately.

1. A piece of history re-visited

Set in Sophiatown in 1958, Back of the Moon is a nostalgic tribute to a special era in South African history. The music, fashion and set design in the movie capture good times that have long passed.

2. The accolades

The film won Best South African Feature Film at Durban International Film Festival in 2019 and a SAFTA for Best Achievement in Costume Design in 2020.

3. The experienced crew

Shortly after wrapping up production on Mzansi Magic’s acclaimed telenovela The Road, writer Angus Gibson and co-producer Desiree Markgraaff began working on Back of the Moon.

The film was shot in three weeks, and both producers decided to use the sets and props from the telenovela to assist in creating the fictional world of Back of the Moon.

4. Star-studded cast

The pool of talented actors who worked on the film are no strangers to our screens.

Back of the Moon stars Richard Lukunku (The Road, Black Sails), Moneoa Moshesh (The Road), S’dumo Mtshali (Isibaya), Lemogang Tsipa (Isithembiso, Beyond The River) and Thomas Gumede (A Place Called Home).

5. The romantic, dark storyline

The idea for the film came from a documentary Angus produced 30 years ago called Freedom Square. In Back of the Moon, Angus tones down the romanticism of the doccie and adds a hint of darkness to the love story.

Back of the Moon is now streaming on Showmax.