LIFESTYLE

S.W.A.N.K. AN ORIGIN STORY - S.W.A.N.K.
Darling Films

Shortlist

Title of Piece:	S.W.A.N.K. AN ORIGIN STORY
Brand:	S.W.A.N.K.
Production Company:	Darling Films
Client:	S.W.A.N.K JOZI
Director:	KOKETSO MATABANE
Producer(s):	THANDEKA MAHUMA
Editor:	WILLIAM KALMER
Director of Photography:	JOSH LEVI
Art Director:	SANDILE MHLONGO
Creative Director:	KOKETSO MATABANE
Costume Design:	LESEDI MPOTSANG
Hair & Makeup:	MONRAY LOUW
Music/Sound Design:	TIGER FIGHT
Writer:	KOKETSO MATABANE
Additional Credits:	PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM: HENRY HANSEN
Additional Credits:	COLOR GRADE: KYLE STROEBEL
Instagram Tag:	@bongiekokie / @joshlevi.za / @darling__tv
Short Synopsis:	Over the better part of the last decade, S.W.A.N.K’s accolades do not go unnoticed. Monumentally in November of 2021 they opened up their exclusive store at 70 Juta Street Braamfontein - a fitting location, in the heart of Jozi street fashion and culture. In April of 2023 S.W.A.N.K broke further ground by stocking their merchandise in ARCHIVE storefronts, nationwide, within South Africa. Five delivery drops thus far and consistently hosting DIY ‘Data It Yourself’ sessions at their pop ups and warehouse sales - They have made it evident that S.W.A.N.K is here to be seen. Even going as far as releasing their own fantasy football jersey, hosting sound sessions and embedding the concept of street/graffiti artists ‘Who is TAPZ’ into their designs. S.W.A.N.K is here to stay and admittedly, S.W.A.N.K is HUGE! Releasing their first official film at the end of May 2021, they’ve left us salivating for more. Mid-2023, conceptualising began between Director Koketso Matabane and Lindelani Nedoboni. Deciding to collaborate together with the likes of; producer Thandeka Mahuma, DOP Josh Levi, photographer Henry Hansen, editor William Palmer and equipment house CIne Connect, just to name a few. An Origin story was born out of the need to showcase S.W.A.N.K ’s progression into the brand it is today and the pieces that have been the very essence of this journey. Director Koketso Matabane’s artistic motivations and decisions that shaped this production, stemmed from the underlying and inherent need to break out of conventional storytelling. Her alternative and unique use of aesthetics and character allows the viewer to be transported into S.W.A.N.K.’s world, despite utilising popular or trending themes within her work. This style of directing is only achieved through the director having the ability to adapt to multiple environments. Director Matabane evidently flexed on us with the cumulation of locations and moods used within this single shoot.