By Boitumelo Mmakou Actor, film producer and director Akin Omotoso is the man behind Tell Me Sweet Something, starring Maps Maponyane and Nomzamo Mbatha. This is what he had to say about the movie and film industry.
South Africa has been short of romantic movies. Tell Me Sweet Something is one of the few to make a mark. Why go the romcom root? I watched Love Jones a few years back, which is an American love story starring Darius, who is an aspiring writer played by Larenz Tate, and Nina, who’s the aspiring photographer, played by Nia Long. Being a creative, I thought a movie such as should be told from an African point of view. I had an idea in mind, but this only came to life a few years back when I got the financial opportunity from sponsors to create the movie. What went into making this film? Once I had a clear idea of what the film would be about, my team and I got a cast together. I wrote the script and started with rehearsals. How did you go about selecting Maps and Nomzamo as your lead characters? When we started rehearsals for the film, we had not selected the lead cast members. I was told I had to get Nomzama in the film because she was talented. After someone suggested Maps as the male lead, it made sense because he was a model and could then relate to Nat’s character. Once the two auditioned for the roles, their roles fit like a glove and they make the perfect lead roles. 
Upcoming actors get frustrated with the idea that the same people get cast. As a film director and producer, is there any new talent you have tried to put on the work you do? Part of my work involves finding new talent; I love to work with actors that are dedicated and willing to put in all the work. So, at the end of the day, it’s about commitment. What is your idea of love? Love to me is Tell Me Sweet Something; that is my definition of love. It is something sweet. The movie is a true depiction of young love in a modern society. I hope it encourages people to tell someone something sweet at least once a day. *Catch Tell Me Sweet Something at Ster Kinekor on 4 September.
