Playing Dad film premiere

Guests were welcomed to the premiere of Playing Dadwith a red carpet experience, photo-friendly backdrops and an opportunity to engage with the Fathers Matter WhatsApp Coach. Attendees entered a raffle, with LEGO prizes given out to promote the message of play and  connect with the heart of the film. 

Seth Naicker, Heartlines facilitator and MC for the evening, opened the programme by highlighting how the event brought together community, storytelling and a shared commitment to social change. Heartlines CEO Dr Garth Japhet delivered the keynote address, reflecting on his own journey as a father. "Many dads, myself included, grow up believing our sole duty is to provide and protect," Garth shared. "But this film challenges that. Having a positive male influence isn't just good for kids, it's good for men, women, and society."

Creating a culture of support

The event featured powerful contributions from private sector leaders. WesBank CEO Ghana Msibi and his colleague Mzwandile Mazive both reflected on the social and cultural challenges that prevent men from stepping fully into their role as fathers in South Africa. A father of three, Ghana said, “We need to re-engineer the man to be relevant in the spaces he finds himself in. Be it in society, in the workplace, or at home.”

Mzwandile introduced the Brotherhood Foundation, an internal WesBank initiative developed in response to rising numbers of men dying by suicide. He explained how the initiative created a platform for men to speak about mental health and gender-based violence, and address the absence of safe emotional spaces. “We learned that men often don’t communicate at all. The Brotherhood is about creating a culture of vulnerability and support.”

Many of the people at the launch had helped to bring the film to life, including Dr Mzoli Mncanca from UNISA's Early Childhood Education department, who contributed to the development of the film's script and supported the research used for its background. One of the core messages emerging from ECD research is that when fathers engage in physical, responsive play early in their child's life, they're more likely to stay involved long term. This active play strengthens bonds while boosting a child’s physical, emotional growth and social development.

A heartwarming journey

The film itself tells the story of Mpendulo, a traditional father who finds himself caring for his young son while his partner is away. Mpendulo confronts his own discomfort with caregiving and, through trial and error, begins to form a positive bond with his son through play. 

Following the screening, a panel discussion was facilitated by Heartlines Tech Lead Andile Maposa. The panel featured director Eric Mogale, lead actor Vincent Mahlape (Mpendulo) and ECD specialist Fikile Poka.

Vincent, who attended the premiere with his son, said he felt honoured to tell stories that contribute behaviour change. He explained how the film changed his own parenting approach, as he now makes time every Friday for football drills with his son. More than just being about the football, it is a time for him to bond and connect with his child. "This has become an important time for us," he said.

Eric then described how his visual approach for the film reflects the growth of a father-child relationship. "The film's shots show the child walking behind his dad, then beside him, and finally on his shoulders. This progression symbolizes their deepening bond which grows through engagement,” he explained.

Fikile closed the panel by building on Eric’s vision, adding a powerful metaphor: "Women carry children on their backs to protect them. When fathers engage, they lift them onto their shoulders, allowing them to see the world confidently and from a new perspective."

Taking the message further

Attendees left the premiere with fresh perspectives on fatherhood, "The film clearly showed the difference between simply being a father and actively being a dad," shared guest Akhona Mongameli. Jordan Brown, who starred in the Fathers Matter film Everything A Boy Could Want, credited Heartlines’ impact  “They continue to deliver consistent, meaningful messages about fatherhood through its stories.”

The event concluded with remarks from Fathers Matter Project Lead Zamabongo Mojalefa as she outlined the next steps for the film and its message. The film will be used in communities and ECD centres across the country to drive discussion and support men in becoming more present in their children’s lives. She also pointed to tools such as the Fathers Matter WhatsApp Coach as a resource for fathers to get advice or encouragement in their parenting journey.

As Child Protection Week (29 May to 5 June) also came to a close, Zama stressed the importance of promoting safe, nurturing environments for children by equipping and supporting fathers. “When fathers show up, consistently, playfully, and with care, the impact is generational.”

Catch Playing Dad from 13 June here and on our YouTube channel @HeartlinesZA.