Humdrum and the art of telling human stories that matter.
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Before anything else, let me say this: Humdrum is a beautifully curated short film that deserves a far bigger platform than the ones it currently occupies. A national tour? Absolutely. The subject matter and storyline are deeply relevant, speaking directly to the quiet battles many of us face in our everyday lives.
Now, let me take you into the evening.
Last Friday, at The Bolton, what could have been just another cold and rainy Johannesburg night turned into something special. The venue came alive as two brilliant Black women, Shonisani Masutha and director Elelwani Netshifhire, hosted an intimate screening of their short film, Humdrum. Friends, creatives, and members of the media gathered, filling the room not just with bodies, but with anticipation.
Despite the weather outside, the atmosphere indoors was warm, charged with curiosity and excitement. Before the screening began, the creators shared a glimpse into the journey behind the film. What started as a simple one-minute concept gradually evolved into a fully realised, cinema-quality production.
“The journey was not easy,” Shonisani reflected. “There were moments when we had to shoot in the cold, and some scenes had to be redone just to get the right feel.”
That dedication is evident in every frame.
Humdrum weaves together its storyline, locations, and emotional tone with striking cohesion. It follows the life of a young woman grappling with a mentally and emotionally challenging phase after witnessing death firsthand. It’s a narrative that feels uncomfortably familiar, because it is. Whether loss comes through personal tragedy or even through the distant yet constant exposure we experience online, its impact can be profound, sometimes pulling individuals into a space that feels impossible to escape.
At the heart of the film is Nakisani “Naki” Lalumbe, a 33-year-old woman navigating the pressures of modern life. She is composed, functional, and outwardly in control, the kind of person society often praises for “holding it all together.” Yet beneath that surface lies a more complex and fragile reality, one that the film explores with sensitivity and honesty.
What made the evening even more meaningful was the audience engagement. After the screening, attendees were invited to share their thoughts, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many resonated deeply with the film’s themes, while others reflected on specific scenes that lingered long after the credits rolled.
Director Elelwani Netshifhire also opened up about the 18-month journey of bringing Humdrum to life. “There were times when we genuinely felt like this wouldn’t happen,” she shared. “Funding was a challenge, and at moments it felt like just a dream. But with support from friends, fellow creatives, and financial backing, it all became possible.”
That perseverance is what gives Humdrum its soul.
For those who missed this screening, there’s another opportunity to experience it. On 3 May, Humdrum will be showing at The Bioscope Independent Cinema. Tickets are priced at R60, a small price for a story that offers such depth and reflection.
Tickets here: Humdrum
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