Kumalo’s cinematic cartography of KZN

IN THE vibrant world of film production, the unseen artistry of a location scout can transform landscapes into cinematic protagonists.

- STAFF REPORTER

Sindisiwe Kumalo, a KwaZulu-Natal-born location scout supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZN-TAFA), has become one such storyteller through space.

Her work on productions like The River, Wesley’s South African Christmas, and the Burnt Onion production Disaster Holiday - which won the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Award for Best Use of KZN as a Filming Location - speaks volumes about her talent.

Kumalo, who is the CEO of Durban Film Production, said: “I was born and raised in KZN, where I began my journey as a runner, assisting with production on a voluntary basis. My passion for movies and storytelling blossomed, and it was during my initial training with Durban Film Office that I developed a deep appreciation for locations.

“This profession demands a sharp visual sensibility. I consider myself an adventurous individual, and this role necessitates that spirit, allowing me to explore a variety of settings, from bustling urban areas to serene natural landscapes, which I find incredibly attractive,” says Kumalo.