From director Zamo Mkhwanazi comes her debut feature film Laundry that chronicles a Black family living in the unjust times of apartheid South Africa in 1968. At the center of the film is a family-owned laundry mat in the middle of a predominantly White neighborhood. The owner, Enoch (Siyabonga Shibe), has a special agreement that has allowed him to operate there unbothered until recent events changed that arrangement. While the only proof he has is a medal to show he earned his right to operate there, the shiesty policemen and government officials toy with Enoch’s feelings. Instead of honoring his request to speak to an official he has long been associated with, he is bullied, pushed to his limits, and thrown into jail. This poses a problem for his family, as his young son Khuthala (Ntobeko Sishi) now has to step up and lead the business in his absence.Â
While he does what is asked of him, deep down, Khuthala doesn’t long to take over the family laundry mat as his father envisions for him. Instead, he aspires to be a musician and believes he’d make a great addition to a local singer’s band. The only problem is that she’s his father’s mistress, who also happens to have a history of rebellious music, and this would cause more problems than it would solve. The musical sequences in Laundry are so vibrant and full of life that you can close your eyes and feel the pain of the songstress and her desire to get free from the world around her. It’s a quick escape from the reality of the events that transpire, but it’s a shame it doesn’t last long, as the film could have benefited from some additional musical breaks.
There are a variety of themes that are unpacked throughout the film, but the heart and soul is a father doing the best he can to provide a suitable life for his two kids, even while he is locked away. It’s an ambitious tale of trying to fly below the radar and avoid altercations to prevent being further bothered by the untamed White officials. Mkhwanazi tugs at your heartstrings because he captures a peaceful group of South Africans minding their business and just trying to make an honest living. Viewers can’t help but feel frustrated when they see individuals showing up to the courthouse to handle business, but ultimately being turned away for no reason after waiting for hours.
If you’re looking for a story that sees a happy ending for all involved, it is with a somber tone that I inform you this doesn’t offer that. Instead, it’s a gripping story that shows the selflessness of each member of the family as we see them make choices to benefit another over themselves. There are powerful sacrifices that are made, with some difficult outcomes that were the only cards dealt for them to play with. Seeing a young Khuthala step up in the role of the man of the house was inspirational. Seeing him overcome hurdles that any grown adult might stray away from was phenomenal, especially the grand task he does for his sister.
Having the film take place in 1968, yet seeing how harsh the White men still were to people of color is a subtle reminder that these awful times we once lived in really weren’t that long ago. The progress we’ve made and how far we’ve come in 57 years is something to really take in, which is why when big moments happen in the Black culture (like Barack Obama becoming the first African American president), it’s a massive reminder that we are past the worst times, and it’s only up from here. Sure, Laundry didn’t touch on slavery, but the manner in which people of color were taunted without the ability to react was painful and upsetting to watch.
Aside from the tones of race, Laundry explores the deep question of just how far you would go to protect and ensure the safety and future of the ones you love. There’s something special found in Mkhwanazi, both directing and writing the screenplay for the film, as it was clear the message aligned well with what we saw unfold on screen. Black film enthusiasts often speak openly about how tired they are of the same narratives told about our past, but Laundry does it in a way where race isn’t the single center of film. The strength of a loving family and the will to never give up pour from the film in every way possible. Regardless of how deep your knowledge runs when it comes to South African apartheid, you will be captivated by the events that unfold, all while your heart aches in each act.
Laundry premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 4th, 2025.
