As much as we love the glitz and glam of Hollywood, we're tired of hiding behind the dark shades and star-studded names. So we've decided to keep it reel on a grassroots level, 'cause local's the new cool and Mzansi's jolling bru. Get with it...

Jerusalema
Director: Ralph Ziman
Cast: Rapulana Seiphemo, Ronnie Nyakale, Shelly Meskin, Jeffrey Sekele, Malusi Skenjana, Robert Hobbs, Bubu Mazibuko
Website: http://www.jerusalementjha.com

A comment on the 'New South Africa', this film looks into the underworld of gangsterism and the realities of many youngsters in the ghettos. Set in Joburg, Jerusalema tells the story of Lucky Kunene and his struggle for a little piece of heaven in Soweto. But when he becomes involved in serious crime instead and many in his crew are killed by the police, he decides to head for the city of gold where he tries to earn a decent living in the taxi business. But things don't go quite as planned – what with the taxi violence, angry Nigerian druglords and a cop that won't get off his ass.

Confessions of a Gambler
(In cinemas February 2008)
Director: Rayda Jacobs Amanda Lane
Cast: Rayda Jacobs, TauTauriq Jenkins, Aqueel Khan, Reza Kippie, Ganief Marcus, Sean Michael, Bernice Mpinda, Steven Pillemer

Hoping to falsify some of the myths about Muslim women and based on the award winning book by Rayda Jacobs, Confessions of a Gambler tells the story of a devout Muslim woman who, despite her dedication to her belief, has a few secrets under her veil. In a nutshell (and this does no justice to the film) she finds out her son is HIV positive, she is deeply in love with her brother-in-law and, to dull the pain, she gambles. Set in Cape Town, the film takes a look into the Cape Malay community and makes use of non-professional, Muslim actors, giving it an element of raw realism.

Spud
(In cinemas by the end of 2008)
Director: to be confirmed
Cast: to be confirmed

Nothing has been written in stone as far as cast, director and all that jazz, but what's definite is that they're making the film. Based on (for those who don't read) the most successful, most talked-about South African novel by John van de Ruit, the film will take you back to 1990 - the year of Nelson Mandela's release from prison and more importantly, Spud Milton's debut at boarding school.

Hitchhiker
(Now showing at selected Ster Kinekor theatres)
Director: Chris Du Toit
Cast: Paul Gardyne, Natasha Loring, Lee Savage, Justine Gundelfinger, Jeremy September, Siyabonga Matyumza, Roger Dwyer
Website: http://www.hitchhikermovie.co.za

It's a light hearted film (for a change) about love. A young student leaves his farm on a mission to declare his love for the woman of his dreams. He catches a ride with a wealthy Englishman, who happens to be on a similar mission, and travels to Cape Town in style. It's a story about love, deceit, jealousy and all the other dramatic ingredients of a good romantic comedy. This one's for the ladies!

- Natalie Sineke