Former Gomora star Siphesihle Ndaba is debuting her first co-produced film, Lil_ith, at the Johannesburg Film Festival this week, marking a significant step in her career transition from actress to producer. The film, co-produced with Robin de Jager, has already been showcased at prestigious festivals internationally before returning to South Africa for its domestic premiere.
Ndaba, 28, rose to prominence for her role as Mazet on the popular Mzansi Magic drama series. Following her time on Gomora, she appeared alongside Lemogang Tsipa in Killer Front Page, an experience she described as exciting, and inspiring. “Being on both ends of filmmaking has been an inspiring journey for me,” Ndaba told Sowetan. “I’ve always wanted to be on the creative side, so producing and starring in a film is like having my cake and eating it too.”
The decision to move into producing, Ndaba explained, stems from a desire for greater agency within the South African film industry. “Our film industry is fairly young,” she said. “We’ve seen actors who raised us on screen die poor. I consider we need agency over our craft. The films I wish told aren’t being made, so I had to step up. I can’t be at the mercy of someone else every time I want to express myself. If I believe in a story, it’s my duty to put my body on the line and be part of the conversation.”
Her collaboration with de Jager began after meeting on a commercial shoot, where they established a strong working chemistry. De Jager later shared a script for his master’s thesis with Ndaba, which she immediately embraced. “The story is fresh, raw, and full of Joburg realness; exactly the stories South African television needs right now,” Ndaba stated.
Lil_ith delves into themes of black femininity, sexuality, and agency, offering a distinct perspective on these subjects. Ndaba emphasized that while the film features a relationship between Lilith and a white woman, the central focus is on confidence, power, and sensuality, presented without sexualization. Lilith’s profession as a cam girl is explored in a way that subverts traditional expectations, with the character maintaining control and recognizing her own desirability.
The film also incorporates a theme of body reclamation, a journey that resonated personally with Ndaba. She shared that she gained weight during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and subsequently embarked on a fitness regimen, losing 17kg through boxing, a pescatarian diet, and intermittent fasting. “Shooting the opening scene, where Lilith dances alone in her room, was cathartic,” she said. “She’s unapologetic and comfortable in her body… something I had to find within myself and do the shadow work.”
Ndaba’s approach to representation and research is informed by her academic background at Rhodes University, where she was taught to critically analyze creative work. She cited her preparation for the role of Mazet, who became paraplegic, as an example, noting that she interviewed 15 differently-abled individuals to ensure authenticity in her portrayal.
Ndaba described her understanding of feminism within an African context as extending beyond equality, emphasizing self-acceptance and agency. “It’s more than equality. It’s being happy with who you are. If you don’t see yourself, you can’t expect someone else to. It’s about agency; taking power into my own hands and telling the stories I want told.”
Looking ahead, Ndaba intends to continue producing both films and series, while also remaining active as an actress, a pursuit she considers her first love. “It’s also our duty to step up and create the industry we want,” she said.