Pretty How Town: a bittersweet comedy set to charm South African audiences
Pretty How Town will hit cinemas on 20 February 2026.
Image: Supplied.
A new feature film titled Pretty How Town is poised to captivate audiences nationwide with its comedic yet heartfelt narrative. Written by Richard Starkey and directed by Alan Shelley, this upcoming film promises to be a compelling reflection on grief, identity, and the bonds that tie us to our origins.
Set against the backdrop of Victoria's return to her remote South African hometown to care for her ailing mother, Pretty How Town delves into the complexities of family dynamics and community connections. As she revisits the place where her past still lingers, Victoria navigates a landscape fraught with strained relationships and community members who hardly recognise her. Posing as a cousin to facilitate her reintegration, she encounters a grieving doctor and a teenage boy, alongside an old flame with secrets entwined in their shared history.
Director Alan Shelley describes the film as “a comedy about the grief that follows any big change.” He believes the project resonates well with audiences, stating, “When we let pain fester into disappointment and bitterness that becomes our identity. ... I believe our work will resonate with people in its gentle, unassuming way.” The film balances the bitter with the sweet, presenting a narrative that expresses the importance of allowing space for mourning, all while maintaining a sense of hope and renewal.
Tickets for the nationwide release on 20 February will be available soon.
Image: Supplied.
Produced by Margaret Zambonini alongside Hisham Samie and Irfaan Fredericks, the project is the collaborative effort of multiple production houses, including benchfilms, Ardenslate, and Wallflower Productions. Zambonini reflects on the film’s central themes, noting that it encourages individuals to explore the notion of stepping away from their communities and families to truly discover themselves. “Working with a world-class South African cast and crew brought forth an incredible dedication that was palpable throughout the project,” she said.
Highlighted by a standout cast including Nevada Red, Clayton Evertson, Jennifer Steyn, Dean Goldblum, Mila Guy, and Danny Ross, Pretty How Town is not just a film for South African audiences; its themes of LGBTQ+ identity, acceptance, and belonging strike chords that resonate universally. Running for 142 minutes, it is infused with emotional honesty and humour.
Pretty How Town is more than a film; it is an invitation to embrace one’s past while welcoming the unfolding journey of self-discovery.
Tickets for the nationwide release on 20 February will be available soon, ensuring that viewers don't miss the opportunity to be part of this exploration of what it truly means to find oneself at home.