Kites stars on how far they'd go for their friends

Kites premieres on Showmax on Friday, 25 April 2025, fresh from its sold-out premiere in competition at the Joburg Film Festival last month.

Kites tracks the chaotic night of four friends racing to a career-making DJ audition – only for their plans to spiral when they’re forced to dispose of a dead body. 

Craig Nobela (Nkosiyabo on The Queen) stars as Sihle, with Africa Movie Academy Awards nominee Aphiwe Mkefe (Oscar-shortlisted Lakutshon ’Ilanga) and Marcus Molemane (The Estate) as the DJs, Links and Neo, and Paballo Mavundla (The Herd, Generations) as Vusi. Also look out for SAFTA nominee Wanda Zuma (Nkosi Zwide in House of Zwide).  

Part of Showmax’s first-time directors slate in partnership with the Joburg Film Festival, Kites is produced by multi-award-winners Urban Brew and helmed by Menzi Mzimela, who also edited Sterring, another Showmax Original that launched this month, and was nominated for an African Movie Academy Award for Best Director for Four Walls.  

Watch the trailer for Kites

Sanelisiwe Mhlati caught up with the gents to find out more about their ride or die friendship.  

Paballo, what's the most memorable bonding experience you had with Aphiwe, Craig and Marcus during filming? 

Paballo: It was quite easy to gel with the boys as it always felt like we’ve been brothers. I think the main reason for that was the undeniably natural chemistry we had in the audition room. Sharing life experiences in the greenroom really solidified us, as well as speaking about the content we consume, which was very similar. So from the outset we were on the same page regarding the work we’d love to produce and I think that in turn resonated on screen. 

Craig, in the film, you’re the one trying to keep the night from completely going off the rails. In real life, are you more of the “voice of reason” in your friend group or the one causing the chaos? 

Craig: I'm not only the voice of reason in my friend group but I'm also the party pooper and the ambassador for boring fun that isn't dangerous for us or risky at all. I love it when we're all having peaceful fun. 

Marcus, Neo is all about chasing the dream – but also not missing the party. How do you personally balance ambition and fun in your own life? 

Marcus: I guess it’s all about staying present, taking it as it comes and taking it a day at a time. So that even when I find myself in the sauce, I don’t get lost in the sauce, because swimming too deep in the sauce without boundaries can cost you your future, literally [laughs]. So that’s how I keep the balance. I always keep my WHY roaming right at the top of my mind. That always keeps me in check. 

Paballo, Vusi’s energy is infectious in the film. Are you that friend in real life who hypes everyone up, or is that just on-screen energy? 

Paballo: Most definitely. I believe in highlighting my people’s achievements, no matter how small they might think they are, as I see them as a stepping stone to something greater. 

Craig, if your friends asked you to help hide a body like in the movie – be honest – are you jumping in the car or running in the other direction? 

Craig: All I'm saying is: I know my friends are good people, so I'd like to help a good person keep their image clean and stay a good person from a societal standpoint … 

Aphiwe? Be honest: if your partner called you in a panic like in the movie, are you answering or putting your phone on silent? 

Aphiwe: I am definitely answering. Is this a set up!? (laughs) 

Sihle goes from “Nah, I’m not involved” to being in the thick of it. Was it easy tapping into that shift in energy? Have you ever had a night out go completely sideways like that (minus the dead body, of course)? 

Craig: Tapping into the flow of the night wasn't strange or difficult. It felt like something natural for Sihle, just heightened because this now involved a body. Sihle always helps the guys out and always finds himself dragging them out of situations anyway, so this was just the ultimate version of that. I've personally never had a night out go left, partially cause I don't go out at night often and when I do it’s tame activities. 

Aphiwe, your character’s life also changes in one wild night. Ever had a night where everything went wrong but still made for a good story later? 

Aphiwe: I’m not sure about “everything” going wrong but I can definitely say I have had a time. What always makes for a great story and a great evening to recall are the many ups and downs of a night on the town with friends, so I most certainly can relate to Links and the boys in this regard. 

If you could have a theme song play every time you, Links, Vusi, and Neo walk into a room together, what would it be and why? 

Aphiwe: I would definitely say AKA ft KO and Yanga Chief “Run Jozi”. The visceral ambience and explosion of that song really is a testament to the journey in Kites.  

If the Kites crew were a real DJ trio, what would the group name be? 

Marcus: The dynamic DJ duo would absolutely be called New Wave (laughs). Cliché I know, but yeah, top of my mind. 

How do you think the film's themes of loyalty and trust will resonate with audiences? 

Aphiwe: Everybody wants and needs a safe space. Relationships are an intricate and delicate part of the human experience. In today’s world, what we all need is a little love and support, so seeing the boys dealing with their struggles together will definitely strike the right chord in people’s hearts across the board. Young and old, everyone will have something to take away from Kites. 

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