Khabonina Qubeka’s Performance In Dora’s Peace Hailed As “Magnetic”

Dora’s Peace, starring Khabonina Qubeka in the title role, and directed by Kosta Kalarytis, has opened to excellent reviews.

Shot on location in Johannesburg, the film tells the story of Dora, a Hillbrow prostitute, who sets out to save a gifted young boy from the violent clutches of organised crime, in the process, she is forced to rediscover aspects of her own lost humanity.

Following its countrywide release on Friday 26 August, film critics have responded positively to this tale of an unlikely heroine and her journey of self-discovery.

IOL’s Theresa Smith calls it “a poignant crime drama” and a “strong and surprise debut from director Kosta Kalarytis”. She adds that Qubeka, whose performance she describes as magnetic, creates a complex character, “eschewing stereotype to show us an older woman who has learnt to survive, she plays to her strengths and has no mercy”. Smith has praise for the script too and for Geo Hohn’s music which “beautifully underscores the atmosphere, egging on suspense one moment, sharing delight the next”, and for Nic Hofmeyr’s cinematography.

Emmanuel Tjiya writing in The Sowetan, says the film is a “much needed departure from all the glossy rom-coms and launches us into an exhilarating path of crime drama”. He describes the film as fast-paced, with “a heart-palpitating action sequence central to the screenplay that will leave you begging for more just in the first 15 minutes”. But it’s Qubeka’s performance that nails it: “With her finesse, Qubeka gently ushers you through a tale of how and adolescent mistake turned the world of a once naïve village upside-down, thrusting her into a dark world of prostitution and drugs in downtown Jozi. Qubeka’s genius in her portrayal is in how she manages to capture a strong character, with countless demons, but at the same time bring to the table so much heart and vulnerability that it’s sure to resonate with a female audience”.

Reviewing the film in the Cape Times, Steyn du Toit says, “Thanks to the spot-on casting of its lead actress, a new breed of local silver screen icon has the potential to be born”. He also praised the film’s costume design, soundtrack and stellar cinematography.

What matters most is that audiences are agreeing with the critics. On its opening weekend, the film took 85% of the box office of Yesterday (South Africa’s Oscar submission in 2004), 309% of Life Above All (South Africa’s Oscar submission in 2010), and 106% of Monster’s Ball, which earned Halle Berry an Oscar for Best Actress in 2002.

“Dora’s Peace is in good company, and performing well to its intended market”, says Helen Kuun , of Indigenous Film Distribution, which is distributing the film in South Africa. “It’s clear that the film has a message for women across South Africa and across generations, about deriving te strength to stand up for themselves and what they believe in, but what is most exciting is Khabonina Qubeka’s performance as Dora. She’s and actress to watch and local audiences can look forward to seeing her next year in Gersh Kgamedi’s She is King”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_quAQpZoSI

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb