Director Sanaa Mothabisa shares his new Spotify commercial with Thandiswa Mazwai

‘I was born the year of the youth uprising, and so my birth is tainted with struggle and revolution.’ This powerful opening line sets the tone for director Sanaa Mothabisa’s latest commercial film for Spotify. Produced by Johannesburg-based Sanaa Films, the spot offers an intimate glimpse into musician Thandiswa Mazwai’s inspirations and themes behind her latest album, ‘Sankofa.’ From day one Sanaa Films has been dedicated to producing original and honest work, and this hits the mark.

Spotify ‘SANKOFA’ – Thandiswa

Speaking about the commercial, Sanaa says, ‘It’s a story of someone born into the wildfires of the revolution. A story of radical joy and radical love. A story of Africa through Thandiswa’s gifts and talents, reflecting, healing, and reclaiming one’s roots. It’s about self-discovery and cultural rediscovery. Ultimately, I hope people take away a sense that sometimes the messenger has to become the message.’ 

Sanaa Films, founded by Sanaa with Executive Producer Dumisani Mvumvu, has set a high standard for itself by focusing on originality and honesty in their commercial work. Director Sanaa’s personal connection with musician Thandiswa Mazwai and their shared experiences from growing up in Pimville, Soweto, allowed him to craft a beautifully personal narrative.

‘When Thandiswa announced her album release, I was already gearing up for the type of videos I’d do with her as passion projects. We shared some ideas with her team, and they loved them. In the midst of us trying to find ways to make it work, Spotify came to support the vision and even enhance it. It was such a comforting process to work with Rifumo Mdaka from Spotify, he made the process much easier & his contributions elevated our piece,’ adds Sanaa.

Director Sanaa Mothabisa

The dedication and effort put into crafting the script, ensuring that it reflects Thandiswa’s impressive 20-year career, highlights Sanaa’s commitment to authenticity. It’s really exciting to see how Sanaa Films embraces the responsibility they have set out to tell real stories. If you haven’t, check out the spot for Momentum by the team and featuring Sanaa himself speaking on the origin story of Sanaa Films, the company’s intentions, and the challenges, learnings, and victories in entrepreneurship. 

And we added the ‘Love They Nation’ spot they did earlier this year of which Sanaa says, ‘Love Thy Nation is a love letter I wrote for South Africa. I am very passionate about showcasing the things South Africa has to offer. I try to collect photographs of a world that I can believe in. This is a celebration of our people.’

Love Thy Nation

Momentum

Wanna (s)talk some more? Sanaa Films website or contact Executive Producer Dumisani Mvumvu dumi@sanaafilms.com 

Contact Sanaa Films

Executive Producer: Dumisani Mvumvu
dumi@sanaafilms.com
+27  72 7814 625

View Website

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