"SLC-S25/W6-Movie Snapshots| Your life on Screen (Happiness Ever After)

screenshot from movie

It's another cool week and obviously the last for this movie challenge. Well, I don't know if I would continue to watch movies except we get to have this opportunity in the next challenge.

As for this season,, it was beautiful and interesting! The brain behind this idea, I am sincerely grateful. Let's meet in the next season!

Title: Happiness Ever After
Release Date: November 10, 2021
Country: South Africa
Language: English

Main Cast:

• Renate Stuurman as Zaza
• Khanyi Mbau as Zimkhitha
• Nambitha Ben-Mazwi as Princess
• Richard Lukunku as Max
• Yonda Thomas as Yonda
• Daniel Effiong as Leo
• Loyiso MacDonald as Mandla
• Xolile Tshabalala as Grace

Director: Thabang Moleya
Writers: Ayanda Halimana and Resoketswe Tshabalala
Produced by: Bongiwe Selane
Production Company: Netflix in collaboration with Happiness Films
Streaming Platform: Netflix

Zaza, Princess and Zimkhitha

Watching Happiness Ever After, the South African sequel to Happiness is a Four-Letter Word, felt like seeing parts of myself, my culture, and the stories of women I know come to life on screen. The film focuses on three women dealing with love, ambition, friendship, and healing, and it strongly reflects my identity as an African woman seeking purpose, connection, and self-worth in a world filled with expectations.

Zaza

Each main character—Zaza, Princess, and Zimkhitha—brought something relatable. Zaza’s path of grief and rediscovery after losing her husband resonated with the quiet strength I’ve observed in women around me. Her challenges with raising her children, confronting widowhood, and choosing to love again mirrored the emotional resilience many African women must develop. In my family, I’ve seen women bear burdens silently, pressured to seem strong even when they are struggling inside. Zaza reminded me that healing doesn’t equate to forgetting, and that choosing joy again is a brave act.

Princess

Princess, with her calm nature and complicated relationship choices, reflected the struggle of balancing self-love with the desire to belong. Her story reminded me of how African women often find themselves torn between being caregivers and pursuing their own aspirations. Her quiet defiance of societal norms, particularly in deciding to remain single until she is truly ready, felt empowering. It made me think about my own experiences with the pressure to conform, even when I knew I wasn't emotionally or mentally prepared. Princess taught me that it’s perfectly fine to wait, to heal, and to define happiness on your own terms.

Zimkhitha

Zimkhitha’s drive to rise in her career, while facing a challenging past, highlighted the daily challenges Black women encounter in the workplace. I connected with her wish to prove herself and create a better life, not only for herself but also for her family. However, her inner struggles—between being vulnerable and being independent—resonated with me personally. I have felt that same conflict: the ongoing battle between advancing my career and keeping my emotional well-being in check.

The three ladies getting a hug

The film's setting—the fashion, language, music, and community interactions—celebrated contemporary African identity in a unique way. It illustrated that being African encompasses many facets. We can be gentle and strong, traditional and modern, open and courageous. Happiness Ever After reminded me of the bond among African women, the unspoken encouragement, the knowing looks, and the loud, joyful laughter that eases tension.

Watching this film was more than just entertainment. It felt like home. It mirrored the beautiful, chaotic, and authentic experiences we have as African women—tales of growth, pain, and discovering joy, not just after the storm, but sometimes right in the midst of it.

Zaza and family

• 1. Zaza’s Courage to Start Over
After losing her husband, Zaza could have given up. Instead, she decided to rebuild her life, care for her children, and open her heart to love again. Her journey showed me that life can start anew, even after pain. It inspired me to tackle challenges with the belief that something beautiful lies ahead.

Princess choosing herself

• 2. Princess’s Strength in Choosing Herself
Princess rejected a marriage proposal not because she didn’t desire love, but because she recognized she wasn’t ready. That choice empowered me to understand that prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. It taught me that peace is preferable to pressure, and it’s perfectly fine to take your time.

Zimkhitha's determination

• 3. Zimkhitha’s Determination in the Workplace
Zimkhitha worked hard to ascend the corporate ladder despite her challenging family background. Her strong determination and refusal to be underestimated reminded me that I have the right to be ambitious. Regardless of my origins, I can create the future I desire.

• 4. The Power of Friendship
Throughout the film, the bond between the women was tested but never shattered. Their honesty, support, and care for one another reminded me that a solid support system is crucial for weathering life’s challenges. It encouraged me to cultivate my own relationships and rely on others when I need strength.

Zimkhitha in her happy state

• 5. Redefining Happiness
Each character had to face their understanding of what “happily ever after” truly means. The film taught me that happiness isn’t always a flawless conclusion—it’s about choosing joy, healing, and growth every single day. That perspective inspires me to concentrate less on the end goal and more on enjoying the journey.

Zimkhitha my favorite character

My favorite character in Happiness Ever After was Zimkhitha.

She stood out to me because of her strength, ambition, and emotional depth. Zimkhitha was a woman who carried many hidden scars from her past, yet she pushed forward with fierce determination in her career. I admired how she refused to be defined by where she came from or the mistakes she made. Even though she often appeared tough and guarded, there were moments when her vulnerability showed and those moments felt real and relatable.

What made her inspiring to me was her drive to succeed in a world that constantly questioned her worth. As a Black woman in a high-pressure corporate space, she didn’t wait for anyone to hand her opportunities, she worked for them, even if it meant being misunderstood. Her journey reminded me that ambition doesn’t mean you’re heartless, and being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak.

Zimkhitha taught me that it’s okay to be complex, to want more, and to be unapologetically focused. She showed that we all have the power to change our story with one bold step at a time.

screenshot from goggle

Queen of Katwe

Why it inspired me:
This movie shares the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a girl from the slums of Katwe in Uganda who becomes a chess champion. What inspired me the most was her bravery and resolve. Despite facing poverty, limited education, and a lack of support initially, she dared to dream big. Watching Phiona go from nothing to global recognition reminded me that talent can emerge from anywhere—and that our origins do not determine our future. It pushed me to keep striving, no matter how tough things may appear.

screenshot from goggle

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Why it inspired me:
This film is also based on a true story and follows William Kamkwamba, a young boy from Malawi who constructs a wind turbine to help his village during a famine. Lacking formal education and using only scraps and library books, he devises a solution that benefits his whole community. It was incredibly moving and highlighted the strength of knowledge, creativity, and perseverance. Even when life offers you very little, your mind can still create wonders. That message inspired me to appreciate learning and to never lose hope in finding solutions—even in the toughest times.

I invite @eliany @mariami @pandora2010