The Queenstown Kings is a South African sports drama directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka. The film follows Buyile, a football star who is no longer in the spotlight. Buyile returns to his rural hometown of Queenstown after his father’s death but struggles to reconnect with his son, Fezile, who remained in Queenstown with his grandfather and his mother. Fezile is a talented football player with big dreams. The film follows Buyile as he faces his personal challenges both with his Fezile and his girlfriend, and also addresses his community’s expectations. It is a movie about redemption, fatherhood, and the pursuit of football dreams.
Movie Title: The Queenstown Kings
Year of Release: 2023
Date of Release: November 17, 2023 (Netflix)
Director: Jahmil X.T. Qubeka
Writers: Jahmil X.T. Qubeka, Clyde Berning
Producers: Layla Swart
Production Companies: Yellowbone Entertainment
Distributor: Netflix
Cast and Roles:
- Zolisa Xaluva as Buyile Mahamba
- Likhona Mgali as Fezile Gigaba / Mahamba
- Unathi Platyi as Fana Gigaba
- Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa as Xoliswa Gigaba
- Tessa Twala as Boity
- Thoko Ntshinga as Sasa Mahamba
- Sandile Mahlangu as Percy Dladla
- Khanya Mkangisa as Pelisa
- Aphiwe Mkefe as Major Dilima
- Patrick Ndlovu as Mkhulu
- Sivuyile Ngesi as Talk Show Host #2
- Andile Nebulane as Mamelodi Sundowns Executive 1
Running Time: 137 minutes
Age Rating: TV-14
Country: South Africa
Language: isiXhosa, English
Genres: Drama, Sports
Music: Bongani Seoli Mashaba
Cinematography: Willie Nel
Editing: Layla Swart
Note:
The Queenstown Kings was recognized at the 20th Africa Movie Academy Awards, with Zolisa Xaluva winning Best Actor in a Leading Role, and nominations for Best Director (Jahmil X.T. Qubeka), Best Actress in a Leading Role (Unathi Platyi), and Best Supporting Actor (Sandile Mahlangu).
