The Story⚡
An Interpol detective returns to South Africa after years in exile, only to find his brother’s unsolved ritual murder echoing in a new case involving a young girl’s peril.
Tell Me More
Masinga – The Calling is a psychological crime thriller directed and written by Mark Engels. The film centers on Masinga, played by Hakeem Kae-Kazim, who is an African-born detective based in London. The story begins when a South African girl’s body is discovered in a London river, prompting Masinga’s return to his homeland in KwaZulu-Natal. There, he must confront the lingering trauma from his childhood: the ritualistic killing of his younger brother, who had albinism, an event that has haunted him and his family for years.
As Masinga investigates, he experiences visions and dreams that reconnect him with his Zulu heritage and spiritual roots. These supernatural elements, including appearances from his deceased brother and ancestral guidance, aid him in navigating the case. The plot involves broader issues such as human trafficking and ritual practices, with Masinga working to rescue an Asian girl named Xia from a fate similar to his brother’s. Xia, a paranormal figure herself, shares a telepathic connection with Masinga and plays a key role in unraveling the mystery. The antagonist, Jeremiah Mills, portrayed by Sean Cameron Michael, is entangled in black magic and corruption, adding layers of intrigue involving the exploitation of resources and government ties.
The cast brings depth to the narrative. Hakeem Kae-Kazim embodies Masinga as a man estranged from his culture—he speaks little Zulu and initially resists the spiritual calls. Shamilla Miller plays his rookie partner. Other notable performers include Abdul Khoza, Fana Mokoena, Warren Masemola, Brandon Auret, and Mbuso Khoza.
Production took place in KwaZulu-Natal and London. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, African spirituality, and the impact of ritual murders linked to albinism, a real issue in some communities where superstitions lead to violence. It also touches on sex trafficking and resource exploitation, though reviews note these are addressed more superficially amid the focus on personal and paranormal elements. Engels’ direction emphasizes visual effects for the visions and a tense atmosphere, with strong character relationships enhancing the story.
The film had its world premiere at a Los Angeles film festival in February 2024 and screened at the Durban International Film Festival in July 2024, where it received positive feedback for its blend of mystery and cultural depth.
In Summary
Masinga – The Calling premieres on Showmax on December 5, 2025.
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