Scroll through any social feed and you’ll see them: the young moguls, the #GirlBosses, the lives that look perfectly curated. But what happens when the likes stop and the rent is due? This September, a new locally baked dramedy is pulling up a chair at the table to explore exactly that, and it’s serving a story that feels deeply, authentically Mzansi.
Titled Loved Out, the film is set to be a vibrant, fearless exploration of family, hustle, and the messy reality behind a flawless Instagram filter. And leading the charge are two of our most dynamic talents: Bahumi Mhlongo and Khabonina Qubeka, starring as a mother-daughter duo you won’t soon forget.
Meet the Family Behind the Food
The story orbits around Ru and Glo’s, a family restaurant that’s seen better days. Bahumi Mhlongo stars as Ruva, a 27-year-old would-be mogul who runs the place with the confidence of a Kardashian and the aesthetic of a top-tier influencer. She’s the face of the brand, but behind the scenes, she’s barely holding it together—one bad review away from total collapse.
Playing against her is the legendary Khabonina Qubeka as her mother, Gloria. Described as no-nonsense and scandal-prone, Gloria is the gritty yin to Ruva’s polished yang. Together, they’re a hilarious and heartfelt pair, trying to drag their beloved restaurant from the gutter and into the gourmet spotlight.
They’re joined by a powerhouse supporting cast including the iconic Tumi Morake, Ayakha Ntunja, Marcus Mabusela, and Eliazer Shadung, promising a film rich with the talent we know and love.
A Story Ten Years in the Making
The heart and soul behind this project is Zimbabwean-South African creative force Tendayi Nyeke, who wrote, directed, and produced the film. In a move that adds profound depth to the project, Nyeke revealed she started this story over a decade ago after leaving Zimbabwe.
“I saw dreams shatter under pressure,” Nyeke shared, giving us a key to understanding the film’s true theme. It’s not just about a restaurant; it’s about the universal struggle to matter, to keep going when everything is falling apart.
“’Loved Out’ is for anyone who has ever questioned if they matter, anyone who has hustled while pretending to have it all together,” she said. “It’s about what keeps us going when life gets nuts: love, laughter, and refusing to be edited out.”
This personal touch promises a narrative that’s more than just comedy, it’s a commentary on the modern African dream, the pressure to succeed, and the unbreakable bonds that see us through.
A Cinematic Tour of a Modern Mzansi
The film itself is set to be a visual feast, bouncing between the contrasting worlds that define urban South African life. We’ll get glimpses into polished private schools, the rustic charm of a millennial-run eatery, a slick publishing empire, and a cramped cottage filled with big personalities, a setting anyone who’s ever lived in a busy family home will instantly recognize.
It’s this blend of high-gloss aspiration and grounded, relatable reality that makes Loved Out so anticipated. It holds a mirror up to our own curated lives and asks what’s really cooking behind the scenes.
Mark your calendars: Loved Out premieres in South Africa at NuMetro, Ster-Kinekor, and CineCentre theatres on September 26, 2025, before expanding to Zambia and Zimbabwe on November 28. Get ready for a helping of heart, a dash of drama, and a whole lot of laughter. This is one table you’ll want to book a seat at.
{Source: IOL}
Featured Image: Youtube
