Norman Maake to thrill with new film: Sebata: The Beast, at the Joburg Film festival

​What is the filmmaker’s aim if not to interrogate and influence a broader perspective beyond the norm? Director, writer and producer Norman Maake is a maverick film practitioner. His aim is kilometres away from appeasing pop culture genres as an independent filmmaker. At the back of award-winning action drama Inkabi premiered last year on Netflix, Maake continues on his mission with yet another enthralling film.

Making its world premiere at the 7th Joburg Film Festival this week, psychological thriller Sebata: The Beast is a gripping tale weaving themes of fear, faith, and desperation. Written and directed by Maake and produced by Princess Rose Mhlongo, the film follows aging detective Mzi (Sello Sebotsane) and his young, skeptical partner, Kgoro (Lilitha Mzizi) as they investigate the brutal killings of young children. Rumors of a mythical beast, a Tokoloshi, cast a dark shadow over the case blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.

Maake spoke to GQ’s contributor Rolland Simpi Motaung about what inspired the film Sebata: The Beast and the importance of festivals for independent filmmakers.  

GQ: You have the ability to craft compelling stories that explore the complexities of human nature, where did the love of filmmaking start?

Maake: My love for storytelling began in childhood, and using film as a medium to tell those stories started in my teenage years. I was deeply influenced by the power of film and TV to transport one's imagination to other worlds. The transformative power of sharing different stories, perspectives, and cultures had a massive impact on me.

Growing up in early post-liberation South Africa, this became a catalyst for my desire to tell stories through film and television. I have always considered myself lucky to have found this creative outlet, as it played a significant role in reshaping my outlook on the traumas I experienced in the ’80s and ’90s.

GQ: This year Inkabi won Best African Film at the Barcelona India Awards and last year some Inkabi cast members also won some awards, what do such accolades mean to you as an independent filmmaker?

Maake: I never start a film with validation in mind because that is never the end goal. However, winning awards is a fantastic experience, especially when it's unexpected. Accolades serve as a validation that your work is appreciated, and they provide a way to celebrate the craft of filmmaking. They can also help your films stand out, which is always a good thing.

GQ: This week you will be showcasing another film- Sebata: The Beast, at the Joburg Film festival, what inspired you to create this film?

Maake: Sebata was inspired by the need to create a cinematic film that delves into the Muti murder crimes plaguing African communities. As a filmmaker, I wanted to explore why so many of these cases remain unsolved. What excited me was crafting a fictional story that could tackle these difficult themes while still entertaining the audience. I was drawn to the idea of making a film that speaks directly and honestly to African audiences without using African spirituality as a mere cinematic trope to frame the brutality and horrors of these stories.

GQ: With local audiences mostly captivated by rom-coms and reality shows, is the local film industry open enough for psychological thrillers? 

Maake: Our industry is young compared to many others around the world. Audiences will watch anything as long as it is well-made and packed with entertainment value. As a growing industry, we need to expose our audiences to a wide range of genres and perspectives from diverse filmmakers and actors. Sticking only to popular genres like rom-coms and reality shows can create negative stereotypes about South African films thus limit the creativity of storytellers. All our stories are valid, and they have the potential to succeed at the box office. It’s all about embracing diversity—one of South Africa’s greatest strengths.

GQ: What were some of the challenges you and the team at African Entertainers had to overcome in developing Sebata: The Beast?

Maake: Funding remains one of the biggest challenges, especially when producing authentic, independent films. Streamers and channels have their own mandates regarding the types of stories they believe audiences want, leaving little room for truly independent films with unique voices. However, audiences are beginning to experience fatigue and are craving more diversity. Making Sebata was a risky move for us, but we hope it will be recognised and eventually reach its audience. We are grateful to the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and the Presidential Stimulus Fund for their support during production. We also hope that screening Sebata/ The Beast at the Joburg Film Festival will open more opportunities for the film.

GQ: Apart from pitching for big screen and streaming platforms, why do you think it is important to also participate in film festivals locally and internationally, especially as independent filmmakers? 

Maake: Film festivals play a crucial role in the film ecosystem. They connect filmmakers with audiences, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for diverse stories. Festivals are essential for recognising new voices and contributing to important cultural conversations about identity and society. They also provide audiences with the opportunity to engage directly with filmmakers and actors. We need more brands to actively support film festivals and engage with filmmakers to help grow the industry. A finished film holds value not just for filmmakers, but also, for brands and potential investors. I hope to see more diverse audiences at the Joburg Film Festival this year.

Words by Rolland Simpi Motaung