Season 1
Heartlines is a South African television anthology series produced by Curious Pictures as part of the multimedia Mass Media Project, a concentrated campaign aimed at educating South Africans about religion-based values using print, radio and television.
Based on the premise that South Africans - no matter what their race, colour or creed - share many of the same core values, the MMP aims to use multi media to create debate about, and reinforce these core values, through a variety of projects.
Heartlines is a series of seven self-contained, one-hour TV drama films plus one 96-minute feature film. All the films are in a combination of South African languages with English sub-titles.
Heartlines is based on the assumption that the promotion of values is the most effective way to deal with major social problems. Therefore, by looking at the issues that face South Africa today, Heartlines chose the values they believe would best address these.
South Africa's current reality includes high levels of HIV & AIDS, violence, corruption, drug abuse, family breakdown and unemployment.
At the same time, the vast majority of South Africans (84%) affiliate themselves with faiths which embrace a belief in values such as compassion, forgiveness and honesty.
The films deal with eight core values which aim to take the viewer to the heart of the matter. These values are:
- Accepting Difference
- Responsibility
- Forgiveness
- Perseverance
- Self-Control
- Honesty
- Compassion
- Second Chances
Eight weeks, eight values, one national conversation is the rallying cry of a campaign aimed at creating national awareness of the eight values.
The Films
The eight films are:
1. The Miners
(a film about acceptance)
The story of a town that is forced to confront deep prejudices and learn that when you're underground in the dark, you can't see the colour of another man's skin.
In a grim mining town, a friendship develops between two children from different sides of the tracks – a friendship that stirs the still waters of this small town and brings deeply held prejudices to the surface. Two families are forced to confront their deep prejudices.
2. The Good Provider
(a film about responsibility)
A film that explores unemployment and a family's break down. Solomon Sithole, a proud father who believes that the value of a man is measured by putting food on the table and bringing money home, cannot tell his family that he lost his job.
For days, he keeps up a stoic front and pretends to go to work. In the meantime, things are spiraling out of control at home.
3. Crossroads
(a film about forgiveness)
A film that explores the value of forgiveness through the story of Alan Colley, whose son is killed in a car crash when a policeman jumps a red light on his way to a crime scene.
Determined to use his skills and contacts as a lawyer to get justice for his son, Alan embarks on a personal campaign, galvanising the press to support his crusade against the police.
It is through his daughter Eliza that Allan Colley finds the value of forgiveness and the importance of not losing touch with those that are living.
4. The Good Fight
(a film about perserverance)
This is a film based on a true Hillbrow story, about perseverance in the face of what seem to be insurmountable difficulties; finding the strength to rise again and find hope in the direst circumstances.
After the death of her mother, Faith must leave her young sister and small brother behind in their village in KwaZulu-Natal to look for work in Johannesburg.
She is determined to provide for her young siblings and makes the long and lonely journey to the city with nothing but a small bundle of belongings, her optimism and faith that God has a plan for her.
With no family in the big city, Faith must find her own way.
5. The Bet
(a film about self-control)
A story of teenagers in love finding out that if it's worth having, it's worth waiting for.
The end of the year means final year exams for all the pupils at Rosewood High. For 17-year-old Biko, however, the end of the year means he only has two months left to finally get the girl of his dreams: Lizzie Abrams. Lizzie has evaded Biko's advances since Grade 8.
Zanenkosi finds an opportunity to play another of his many games, and sets Biko up on a bet, to which Lizzie willingly plays along.
6. The Piano
(a film about honesty)
Errol Tyres learns that even small acts can have big consequences and that a value such as honesty is an absolute that suffers no exceptions.
7. The Other Woman
(a film about compassion)
The story of one woman who must meet the challenge of true compassion: getting involved in order to help a woman who needs it the most, but seems to deserve it the least.
Refilwe is an advertising executive, who lives for her work. While she prepares for a presentation that could be the biggest event in her career, an unexpected visitor disrupts her whole life.
She is unwillingly drawn into the fate of this person's family and must eventually decide between the life she has created with no room for anyone else, and helping Botshelo, who is dying from Aids.
8. Grace: The Feature Film
(a film about second chances)
A story of a young man faced with difficult decisions, and the power of unconditional love.
After serving a jail sentence for theft, Jabulani, a young man with a cruel past and an uncertain future, comes out of prison. He is offered a new chance at life by well-meaning pastor, Jacob.
Jabulani, who believes that no one ever gives without expecting something in return, is suspicious of Jacob's generosity. The biggest lesson Jabulani believes life has taught him, is to trust no one.
Jabulani's efforts at a new life are suddenly threatened by the reappearance of two old acquaintances, who've traced him to the pastor's house. Jacob and Jabulani must learn that the journey to redemption is not without pain.
Season 1 Cast
(scroll to bottom for available actor bios)
Starring
Winston Ntshona ... Isaiah
Recurring / Guests
Film 1: The Miners
Winston Ntshona ... Isaiah
Jonathan Pienaar ... Johnny Meyer
Neo Ntlatleng ... Moagi Mokwena
Sibongile Nojila ... Naledie Mokwena
Grant Swanby ... Doep
Peter Mashigo ... Tlali (as Peter Mashego)
Nicola Hanekom ... Koeksie
David Butler ... Hanekom
Lebohang Elephant ... Lebo Modise
Jocelyn Broderick ... Teacher
Lennox Mathabathe ... Dan Mokwena
Charlotte Savage ... Sandra Meyer
Faith Radebe ... Kgoetsi Mokwena
Fikiswa Nomazoza ... Sandra's Friend
Sophie Aoun ... Sandra's Friend
Vuyani Siguaga ... Moagi's Friend
George Labuschagne ... Paramedic
Hughy du Plooy ... Instructor
Film 2: The Good Provider
Winston Ntshona ... Isaiah
Patrick Mofokeng ... Solomon Sithole
Nthati Moshesh ... Nthabiseng Sithole
Junior Singo ... Jabu Sithole
Sam Phillips ... Principal Matabane
Sindi Majola ... Joyce (as Sindy Kambule)
Archie Nhlapo ... Dust Kid 1 (as Archie Nlhapo)
Daniel Janks ... Printing Manager
Seputla Sebogodi ... Sithole's Neighbour
Zakhele Mabasa ... Sipho Zakhele (as Stanley Mabasa)
Bongani Gumede ... Eric
Simo Magwaza ... Abednego
Jeffrey Sekele ... Ditch Foreman
Adrian Waldron ... Car Salesman
Steven Raymond ... Suit 1
Nkululeko Kaptein ... Magistrate (as Nkululeko Kaptain)
Lyall Mabin ... Johnny
Sihle Mangu ... Dust Kid 2
Thabiso Goxo ... Dust Kid 3
Pixie Ndlala ... Bailiff
Luvuyo Mgweba ... Security Guard
Film 3: The Crossroads
Winston Ntshona ... Isaiah
Ian Roberts ... Allan Colley
Jan Ellis ... Barend Vermeulen
Jessica Haines ... Eliza Colley
Abduragman Adams ... Pastor Jimmy
Deon Lotz ... Barend's Pastor
David Johnson ... Sergeant Godfrey Botha
George Jackos ... Buchanan
Dale Abrahams ... Prosecutor
Stephen Jennings ... Accident Expert
Karl Thaning ... Doctor
Claire Berlein ... Bridget Colley
Claire Watling ... Jeanette Vermeulen
Mark Elderkin ... Matthew Colley
Jade Presley-Heitor ... Vanessa Vermeulen
David Ackerman ... Barend's Lawyer
Altan Ungerer ... Munroe
Willem de Villiers ... Danie
Lynita Crofford ... Chase
Lesley Mongezi ... Magistrate
Lucinda Sampson ... Inquest Magistrate
Ian Howard ... Pathologist
Film 4: The Good Fight
Winston Ntshona ... Isaiah
Smangele Mbatha ... Faith
Stephina Zwane ... Nomusa
Glen Gabela ... Mr. Gwala
Kagiso Modupe ... Red Jacket
Daphney Hlomuka ... Nurse
Guang Quan Wang ... Mr. Lin
Thloni Sechogela ... Thloni
Vusi Duda ... Papi
Katleho Bingwa ... Sifiso
Barbara Itzler ... Shop Owner
James Mohlabine ... Shaved Head
Phillip Mathebula ... Jaz
Billy Mashigo ... Priest
Thapelo Ragedi ... Street Kid 1
Qiqa Tukela ... Street Kid 2
Leon T Galela ... Street Kid 3
Film 5: The Bet
Winston Ntshona ... Isaiah
Atandwa Kani ... Biko Nokwe
Nozipho Nkelemba ... Ayanda Sibeko
Litha Booi ... Zan
Kamogelo Mampe ... Jacqui (as Kamo Mampe)
James Alexander ... Mr Nelson
Lali Dangazele ... Cynthia (as Nobulali Dangazele)
Lorna Maseko ... Dance Double (Ayanda)
Robert Pombo ... Craig
Shodine Schalkwyk ... Lizzie
Archie Mzazi ... Biko's Father
Ntabi Mphahlele ... Thembi
Ashleigh Harvey ... Mira (as Asheilgh Harvey)
David Robinson ... Boy 1
Scottnes Smith ... Boy 2
Owen Lonzar ... Dance Teacher
Mbongeni Nhlapo ... S'phwe (as Mbogeni Nhlapo)
Etienne Muller ... Police Officer
Mamokono Mosalo ... Iphendule
Film 6: The Piano
Winston Ntshona ... Isaiah
Esmeralda Bihl ... Berenice Tyres
Ivan Abrahams ... Roland
David Isaacs ... Denver Daniels
Euodia Samson ... Elsie Daniels (as Eyodia Samson)
Peter Butler ... Alfred
Celeste Matthews ... Mrs. Crowe
Rajesh Gopie ... Lawyer Khan (as Rajesh Gobi)
Andre Samuels ... Errol Tyres
Sylvia Esau ... Chantal
Mary Daniels ... Brenda
Fahruq Valley-Omar ... Mr. Rose
Margaret Koopman ... Mrs. Rose
Lucinda Sampson ... Kathleen
Dean Fourie ... Michael Jennings (jnr.)
Robin Rattle ... Samuel Jennings
Paul Savage ... Norman
Terry Fortune ... Magistrate
Raffaele Sabatini ... Pastor
Tarryn Steyn ... Pregnant Girl
Film 7: The Other Woman
Winston Ntshona ... Isaiah
Rosie Motene ... Refilwe
Mmabatho Mogomotsi ... Botshelo
Mncedisi Shabangu ... Bongani
Akin Omotoso ... Client
Samson Khumalo ... Uncle Albert
Makgano Mamabolo ... Nurse (as Makgamo Mamabolo)
Yule Masiteng ... Landlord
Mandisa Bardill ... Vera
Tshegofatso Khunou ... Tshiamo
Gontse Matjeni ... Kamogelo
Mike Huff ... Cutter
Noxolo Tshabangu ... Thando
Ryan Flynn ... Ferdinand
Bella Mariani ... Dolly Harvey
Astrid Braaf ... Janet
Tshepo Desando ... Nyana
Film 8: Grace (also known as Heartlines)
Winston Ntshona ... Isaiah
Mpho Joseph Molepo ... Jacob
Mduduzi Mabaso ... Jabu / Manyisa
Sthandiwe Kgoroge ... Thando
Mbongeni Ngema ... Bra Stone
Hassan Masia ... Niro
Bongani Maseko ... Zweli
Obed Baloyi ... Captain Hlatswayo
Fiona Ramsay ... Andrea Bland
Celeste Litkie ... Betty Dixon
Zoleka Duma ... Martha Molepo
Norman Anstey ... Tom Anderson
Jay Anstey ... Alice Anderson (as Jessica Anstey)
Dan Robbertse ... Osborne
Fats Bookholane ... Bra Jiyane
Bongani Gumede ... Zungu
Kgomotso Ditshwene ... Voluptuous Woman
Thabo Tshabalala ... Sisubiso
Lucky Zulu ... Elias
Kelly Tucker ... Franki Bland
Glen Khumalo ... Short Prisoner
Joseph Ngobeni ... Scarred Prisoner
Sithembiso Khumalo ... Soccer Kid 1
Amanda Lane ... Attractive Woman
Kenneth Mathate ... Fariki
Given Ngwenya ... Drug Dealer 1
Lovejoy Ngwenya ... Drug Dealer 2
Bongani Dlamini ... Car Guard
Olyvia Brand ... Osborne's Child
Gabriella Brand ... Osborne's Child
Christian Brand ... Osborne's Child
Luke Gibson ... Osborne's Child
Ben Gibson ... Osborne's Child