Michael James, the award-winning Durban-based director, is set to premiere his powerful debut feature, “God’s Work,” at this year’s Durban International Film Festival (DIFF). The film has been selected to compete for Best South African Feature and will have its SA Premiere on Sunday, July 20th, at 7 PM at Suncoast Cinecentre.
A Glimpse Into Unseen Lives
“God’s Work” offers a haunting and visually striking portrayal of unhoused men in a crumbling Durban building, navigating life on the fringes of society. Blurring the lines between reality and fiction, the film follows Simphiwe, played by SAFTA award-winning actor Thobani Nzuza (known for eHostela, Uzalo, DiepCity), and his crew. They grapple with addiction, poverty, the performative nature of politics, and the fleeting allure of fame.
With Simphiwe battling internal demons, the film features strong supporting performances from Mbulelo Radebe, Omega Mncube, Siya Xaba, Zenzo Msomi, and Nduduzo Khowa. It’s a raw exploration of survival, brotherhood, and the profound human need to be seen before disappearing entirely.
Beyond Social Realism
Director Michael James, who was inspired by filming a documentary about homeless shelters during the pandemic, emphasizes that “God’s Work” doesn’t seek pity; it demands attention. He believes portraying the plight of the poor and unhoused, a growing global and political quagmire, “called for storytelling that transcends the conventional narrative of social realism.”
“My intent is to engage with both the internal and external worlds of the characters,” James states, “and to allow the audience deeper access into the surreal and often troubling recesses of the human mind.” The film confronts viewers with the brutal poetry of life on the margins and the stubborn humanity that persists there.
A Powerful Collaboration
Executive Producer Toni Monty highlights the film’s unique vision: “From the outset, ‘God’s Work’ stood out for its bold vision and emotional depth, and was always going to be a fascinating filmic challenge. The combination of Michael’s creative vision and Sithabile’s empathetic yet unrelenting approach to the production ethos combined with support from our production team and partners has brought this powerful story to life. We look forward to sharing it with Durban audiences.”
Producer Sithabile Mkhize adds, “The film considers what it means to be human in an unjust world. It hopes to contribute to the current conversations within the zeitgeist regarding income inequality, the failures of capitalism, racism, police brutality, class consciousness, and ultimately how all these ideas intersect with the existential realities of life within the African context. This is not just a film about homelessness, it’s a story about power, loss, resistance—and what it costs to stay human in a world that’s abandoned its soul.”
Production Credits and Screenings
“God’s Work” is produced by Sithabile Mkhize (SA), co-produced by Marco Orsini (USA), and executive produced by Toni Monty (SA) and Gary Springer (USA). It was written and directed by Michael James.
A Maverick Resistance production, the film was made in association with the KwaZulu-Natal Film and Tourism Authority, the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, Amafrika Films, and Mojo Entertainment LLC, with support from the Durban Film Office. The deeply emotive score was created by award-winning composer, music producer, musician, and film producer, West-African born George Acogny.
Don’t Miss “God’s Work”
SA Premiere: Sunday, July 20, 7 PM – Suncoast Cinecentre, Durban
Additional Durban Screenings:
July 26, 1 PM – Denis Hurley Centre
July 27, 5 PM – Watercrest Sterkinekor
Johannesburg Screening:
August 1, 12 PM – The Bioscope
Cape Town Screening:
August 3, 12 PM – The Labia Theatre