League Of Gods
GLAMOUR South Africa|June 2019

Ahead of its 2020 release, we caught up with Kameko Tarnez, writer and director of Protector of the Gods, Hollywood’s first all-black cast Egyptian trilogy film.

Asanda Sizani
League Of Gods

Glamour: The film follows the lives of three of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. Why was it important to tell these stories from a distinctly African perspective?

Kameko Tarnez: The stories of Hatshepsut, Nefertiti and Cleopatra have always resonated with me, and I felt it was important to write about these historical women from an African perspective because I was raised by strong black women, and I feel that Hollywood’s depiction of women of colour, in general, has been very limited. I wanted to contribute to broadening the scope. I also felt it was important for moviegoers to see the rich culture of Africa, not just through the lens of slavery.

Glamour: Tell us about the decision to collaborate with actor-producer Hill Harper and singer-songwriter Rhonda Ross.

KT: I’ve always been a huge fan of both Hill Harper and Rhonda Ross. Hill is the personification of a strong black man and I chose to work with him because of his continuous efforts to uplift black culture. Rhonda is such a magical being. I felt it was only fitting to have the daughter of entertainment royalty join the production team in support of Hollywood’s first all-black Egyptian trilogy. It’s been such an honour working with them thus far, and I’m so thankful that they took a leap of faith to support me on this journey.

Glamour: How do you envision the character of Cleopatra?

KT: I don’t envision Cleopatra the way that Hollywood has depicted her in the past. The story that she communicated through me is entirely different. For me, she was the most complex of the three historical figures to write about. I was truly fascinated by her journey, and I cry for her every time I read the story.

This story is from the June 2019 edition of GLAMOUR South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 2019 edition of GLAMOUR South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GLAMOUR SOUTH AFRICAView All
Are you considering moving to UK?
GLAMOUR South Africa

Are you considering moving to UK?

Bestselling author, Sam Beckbessinger is also a seasoned mover, and her latest offering, Moving to the UK, offers helpful tips, funny anecdotes and to-do lists to help you navigate this transition.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
A beauty solution
GLAMOUR South Africa

A beauty solution

At Standard Beauty, they take pride in being an all-women-run team, bringing diverse perspectives and unparalleled expertise to the skincare industry.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything
GLAMOUR South Africa

3 Things to Do When You Overthink Everything

How to overcome analysis paralysis.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
A la MODE
GLAMOUR South Africa

A la MODE

With bold looks and exceptional value for money, the new Omoda C5 has made a big splash in the local motoring scene.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE
GLAMOUR South Africa

Spotlighting ABANTU FOR THE PEOPLE

Small businesses play an important role in the South African economy, and we're playing our part by showing them some love. This month, we shine the spotlight on Abantu Media, cofounded by Jay Wabantu who is also a tattoo artist and photographer.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT
GLAMOUR South Africa

CELEBRATING EMPOWERMENT

Pan-African bank Absa partners with Glamour for their influential Women of the Year Awards 2023

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
TAX SEASON UNPACKED
GLAMOUR South Africa

TAX SEASON UNPACKED

The word 'tax' stirs up many emotions, so we've roped in Tax Specialist, Natasha Lorde to answer your questions and help get you ready for Tax Season.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
It's a COMPARISON trap
GLAMOUR South Africa

It's a COMPARISON trap

Even picture-perfect couples go through rough patches. Here's how to avoid the social media comparison trap.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Embracing CHANGE
GLAMOUR South Africa

Embracing CHANGE

It's time to stop comparing your current body to your former one. Romanticising the past is easy, but we're not meant to look the same our whole lives.

time-read
9 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Healing YOUR INNER CHILD
GLAMOUR South Africa

Healing YOUR INNER CHILD

The journey of self-discovery is nuanced and you may have discovered a younger you that needs to be seen and heard. Certified Meditation Practitioner, Melissa Lainn, shares her approach to healing the inner child.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024