Producers: Neo Baloyi, Fabien Martorell.
Executive Producers: Clifford Elk, Basetsana Kumalo, Jeremy Nathan, Phil Lyon, Bonko Khosa, Jean-François Dugal, Sheila Afari.
Directed by: Fabien Martorell.
Writer: William Gillin.
Additional Writing by: Fabien Martorell.
Contributing Writer: Bonko Khoza.
Director of Photography: Gaopie Kabe.
Production Designer: Erique Swart.
Composer: Sacha Chaban.
Editor: Jason Arbour.
Production: Lucky Rhino.
In association with: Connect Channel, DTI.
Country: South Africa.
Genre: Crime/Action.
Location: Johannesburg.
Languages: English, Zulu.
Format: 1h40, Feature Film.
Year of Production: 2024.
Status: Completed.
Baloyi is a producer and line producer from Johannesburg, South Africa. He produces commercially viable content for different platforms and mediums, such as Netflix, Showmax, Discover Digital and other local TV channels, by weaving intriguing stories in all genres. Neo’s latest work includes City of Gold, a Netflix licensed feature film, which will be released mid-2024 and Collision, a Netflix licensed feature film, which was released on June 16, 2022 and quickly became #3 in the world, #1 in South Africa, #4 in the US, and sat in the Top 10 list in 68 countries on Netflix. Collision was Top 10 in the world on Netflix two weeks in a row.
Baloyi is the Co-Founder and Head of Production of Lucky Rhino, a South African-based production company, which produces internationally viable features and series. Lucky Rhino is passionate about telling African stories for the South African, African and international audience and believes stories hold true power as it can influence narratives, shape people and society.
Martorell is an acclaimed international director with 18 awards and 25 nominations across the United States, United Kingdom, and France. He currently resides in both Los Angeles and Johannesburg, with his roots stemming from a suburban upbringing in Lyon, France. Specializing in thriller, crime, and action films and series, he is renowned for his meticulous and detail-oriented approach to directing. His work is distinguished by a sophisticated eye, a unique aesthetic and composition style, where he believes that every frame should be a painting that contributes to the overall narrative. Martorell's attention to detail extends beyond visuals; he is also committed to capturing authentic, powerful performances from his actors.
Martorell recently completed filming his second film with Netflix, City of Gold. This crime/action film stars Bonko Khoza (Heart of the Hunter) and Brandon Auret (Rebel Moon), and was shot in Johannesburg. Prior to this, he directed a Netflix Original film called Collision, a drama/thriller featuring Langley Kirkwood (One Piece, Warrior), Vuyo Dabula, Tessa Jubber, and Mpho Sebeng. It was released on June 16th, 2022, and quickly achieved impressive rankings, reaching #3 worldwide, #1 in South Africa, #4 in the United States, France and Brazil, and securing a place in the Top 10 list in 68 countries. It held a position in the Top 10 on Netflix globally for two consecutive weeks, earning praise from South African journalists who hailed it as "putting African cinema on a pedestal" and "reflecting the essence of South Africa."
His short films have garnered significant acclaim and received numerous awards at prestigious international film festivals. Unbelief, a drama/thriller featuring Andrew Howard (Limitless, Taken 3) and Tobin Bell (Saw), and based on a short story by Michael Marshall Smith, won multiple awards and nominations, and was an official selection at numerous international film festivals. The Coin, a drama starring Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) and Kathryn Morris (Minority Report, Cold Case), also won multiple awards and nominations, and was an official selection at several major international festivals, including four Academy-qualifying festivals such as the Palm Springs International Film Festival & ShortFest, LA Short Fest, Newport Beach Film Festival, and Cleveland International Film Festival. He has directed eight other short films, all of which have been selected for and received awards at prestigious European film festivals.
Martorell completed post-production on his second feature documentary, The Guns Story, which centers around guitarist Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns, Guns N’ Roses) and features Iggy Pop. His debut feature documentary, Tromatized: Meet Lloyd Kaufman, focuses on the legendary and eccentric Lloyd Kaufman (president of Troma Entertainment and creator of “Toxic Avenger”) and features Stan Lee, Roger Corman, Eli Roth, Trey Parker, and James Gunn. It was awarded "Best Biographical Documentary" at the 2009 New York International Independent Film Festival, which was presided over by Abel Ferrara. It was selected in various other film festivals, including the Hollywood Film Festival, and received critical acclaim from specialized press and critics. It gained global distribution through Under The Milky Way, being available on platforms such as Amazon, iTunes, vudu, and more.
Additionally, Martorell is a speaker who shares his filmmaking experience with high school students, film students, and entrepreneurs, including Création Africa, a continent-wide initiative launched by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, supported by the Embassy of France in South Africa and the French Institute of South Africa. In early 2022, he co-founded his second film production company, Lucky Rhino, with his partner Neo Baloyi in Johannesburg. In 2011, he established his first film production company, FM Pictures, in Los Angeles. Furthermore, he is a co-founder of the Festival du Film Court de Vaulx-en-Velin in France, which is now in its twenty-fifth year. Martorell is passionate about German cinema from the 1920s and 1930s, Japanese cinema from the 1950s, American cinema from the 1980s and 1990s, Korean cinema from the 2000s, as well as photography and art history.
Kabe is a visionary and creative Director of Photography with over 15 years of experience in the camera department. Her steadfast commitment and enthusiasm for her craft have propelled her from the role of loader to that of an acclaimed DOP.
She harnesses her artist talents to vividly portray stories with depth and originality, breathing life into scripts. Kabe recognizes the the significance of strong collaborations and the art of storytelling through striking visuals. By dedicating time to explore and establish visual choices and framework, so that she can enhance the narrative and fulfill the director's vision.
Possessing and enduringly optimistic attitude, Kabe thrives in collaborative settings, joining forces with like-minded individuals who honour the art of compelling storytelling.
Hailing from South Africa and currently residing in Johannesburg, her path to success seems undeniable.
A five times nominated cinematographer and award-winning artist, Kabe is driven, confident, and dependable.