From elegant vintage dresses to iconic African hairstyles, Dear Sis Dolly is winning praise for its stunning recreation of Sophiatown’s golden era and the vibrant world of Drum magazine.
Now showing in cinemas across South Africa, the film transports audiences to the 1950s and 1960s through carefully crafted costumes and authentic hairstyles that celebrate African identity, style and resilience.
Leading the visual storytelling are Didintle Khunou, S’thandiwe Kgoroge and veteran actress Abigail Kubeka, whose wardrobes reflect the confidence, sophistication and cultural pride of Black women during one of South Africa’s most influential eras.
Director Twiggy Matiwana said every costume and hairstyle was designed to honour the women who helped shape Sophiatown’s rich cultural legacy.
“We wanted audiences to feel as though they had stepped into the early Drum magazine era, where fashion, music and culture came together to define a generation,” she said.
Beyond its compelling story, Dear Sis Dolly showcases fashion as a form of storytelling, highlighting how clothing and grooming became powerful expressions of identity during a time of social and political change.
Directed by Twiggy Matiwana and featuring an ensemble cast that includes Dineo Langa, Natasha Thahane, Brighton Ngoma, Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha and Abigail Kubeka, the film is currently screening in cinemas across South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Main Image: Supplied
