Lorraine Moropa finds “the one” in the Showmax film Not My Type

Showmax is embracing the month of love with its latest romantic drama, Not My Type – a film that beautifully explores the complexities of finding “happily ever after.”

Lorraine Moropa (Guilt, Hope and Ikani) stars as Letsatsi, a God-fearing woman who has spent years designing wedding dresses while waiting for the perfect man God has in store for her. Not My Type premieres on Showmax on Valentine’s Day, this Friday, 14 February 2025.

Watch the trailer for Not My Type

Not My Type is directed by SAFTA winner Siyabonga Mkhize (Umkhokha, 7de Laan, eHostela, Champions) and produced by Thape Media Production (Gospel Unplugged, Widowed, Fix My Love, Fooled By Love). Lulama Nyembezi (The Queen, House of Zwide) and Moagi Kai co-star. 

“I hope viewers will watch Not My Type and walk away feeling assured and believing that love doesn’t have to be perfect, or fit the image of what we think a perfect love should be,” says executive producer Thabang Masanabo (National Film and Television Award Best Feature winner Kleva-ish).

Sanelisiwe Mhlati caught up with the newly engaged Lorraine Moropa to speak on the key themes of the film: love and God’s timing.

Not My Type touches on themes of love, faith, and self-discovery. What drew you to this role?

What drew me to portraying the character of Letsatsi is her quest and arduous search of becoming. She is in pursuit of evolving and knows that marriage is God’s idea. To portray a character of that nature is a blessing because I get to use this opportunity I’ve been graced with – my gifts and talents – to educate my peers and audiences, who too may be in pursuits of finding love, self-discovering and growing, and because their order did not make their expected ETA they give up on God.

Being able to educate people about God, the power of prayer and the art of patience is in my opinion making an impact in the society as a whole. As a storyteller this is my primary goal: to be impactful and purposeful.

How did you connect with Letsatsi as a character?

Letsatsi was by far the most interesting yet easygoing character I had the pleasure to portray. Playing her wasn’t a mountain climb. She felt suited and tailor-made for me.

I could easily empty myself and use my body as a vessel to carry her personal journey, navigate her world and evolve with her. When a Christian-related story is told, God usually handpicks people He knows would be a better representation of His throne, not because they are holier than thou, but because it is His will. He equipped me with all the necessary tools, knowledge and resources to bring this character to life.

In the film, Letsatsi has strong beliefs about waiting for the “perfect man” that God has in store for her. How did that resonate with your own views on love and relationships?

I’m a believer and waiting on God requires patience. This resonated with me because I have been in instances where I had to wait on God in order to move. In my journey, I got to learn that patience is in actual fact one of the fruits of the spirit, as indicated by God Himself. So it is not only ideal to but it is a requirement to wait on God for a perfect anything.

The character Mhlonishwa seems to be Letsatsi’s dream man. What qualities in him stood out?

In comparison to Thimothi, Mhlonishwa’s demeanour and self respect stood out for Letsatsi more. Thimothi was far different from Mhlonishwa where respect was concerned. Without revealing more contents from the show, it’s safe to say Letsatsi did gravitate to Mhlonishwa because, with being a Christian who loves the Lord loudly, there’s an expectancy to how one carries themselves. The contrast between both the gentlemen will be very much visible and clear for the audience to comprehend why at some point Letsatsi gravitates more to Mhlonishwa than Thimothi.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for a romance-themed movie. Do you have any special plans for Valentine’s Day with your fiancé?

We sure do, but the main event on our itinerary is to catch Not My Type on Showmax.

Does this role make you feel more excited or pressured about planning your own wedding?

The role and journey of Letsatsi makes me more inspired to plan my wedding.

Letsatsi designs wedding dresses in the movie – did this spark any ideas for your own gown?

It certainly has.

Bad Boy vs Mr. Perfect: Letsatsi finds herself torn between a reformed bad boy and someone who seems perfect on paper. Which one would Lorraine choose in real life?

None of the above actually. In real life, you don’t choose who you love. Proverbs 16:18 stipulates that “We may make our plans, but God has the last word.” So who one decides to have a forever with is really up to God.

If you had to give advice to someone struggling with waiting for love, what would you say to them?

I’d advise them to wait on God. Our steps in life are ordered by Him. To lean on our own understanding is in actual fact forbidden by God. Anyone waiting for love needs to wait on God first. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and the rest will be added unto them.

Above and beyond everything, God is the essence of love, He is what love is made of. Who in this world is better fitted to help us search, navigate or find love than love itself?

What do you think audiences will take away from the film?

I believe the audience will learn that love doesn’t always win, but love rooted in Christ always wins.