Johannesburg, South Africa — October 2025
The world of South African film and performance arts is about to receive a fresh infusion of talent and energy. LJ Talent Marketers, a growing name in creative talent discovery and film production, has officially announced auditions for their upcoming short film scheduled to be shot this November. The production team is on the lookout for fresh, dynamic, and passionate actors to bring their story to life — and they are casting the net wide to uncover undiscovered gems in the acting world.
The auditions, branded under the theme “We Manti ± Eswatini,” are scheduled to take place on Saturday, 01 November 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The venue for this exciting casting call is none other than the University of Johannesburg’s Arts Centre, Experimental Theatre, located in Auckland Park — a space well-known for nurturing and showcasing creative excellence in the performing arts.
According to LJ Talent Marketers, this open casting call is an opportunity for newcomers and seasoned performers alike to step into the spotlight. The organizers emphasize that the project is specifically seeking strong, expressive actorswho can deliver authentic performances in SiSwati, IsiZulu, or TsiTsonga — languages that reflect the rich diversity of Southern African storytelling.
An Open Door for Fresh Faces
The creative industries in South Africa have long been known for their ability to unearth extraordinary talent from all walks of life. However, breaking into the industry can be challenging for many aspiring actors who lack access to formal networks or professional representation. Recognizing this, LJ Talent Marketers is deliberately opening the doors to new faces who may not yet have appeared on screen but possess the passion and drive to perform.
“We’re not just looking for experience — we’re looking for truth, presence, and personality,” said a spokesperson from LJ Talent Marketers. “This short film will be a creative space where emerging actors can work alongside a professional team and be part of something special. It’s about nurturing new voices and giving opportunities to those who are often overlooked.”
The company is casting across a wide age range — from 17 years up to 70 years old — and encourages people of all genders to audition. The inclusivity of this casting call reflects LJ Talent Marketers’ broader vision of storytelling that mirrors real communities and everyday South Africans in all their diversity.
A Unique Film Concept Rooted in Culture
The short film, titled “We Manti ± Eswatini,” remains shrouded in some mystery, but insiders describe it as a culturally rich narrative exploring identity, heritage, and human connection. Set against a backdrop of Eswatini’s distinct traditions and South Africa’s urban rhythm, the film promises to weave together themes of belonging, resilience, and rediscovery.
Although full plot details have not yet been revealed, LJ Talent Marketers’ creative team hints that the film will blend traditional storytelling with modern cinematic techniques, offering actors a challenging but rewarding opportunity to stretch their emotional range. The production aims to premiere the short film at select local film festivals before its official online release in 2026.
The languages of SiSwati, IsiZulu, and TsiTsonga play a pivotal role in the authenticity of the story. By prioritizing indigenous languages, the production celebrates linguistic diversity and challenges the dominance of English in mainstream South African film. “Language is not just a medium of communication; it’s a vessel of identity,” the producers note. “We want our actors to speak from the heart, in the languages that carry the soul of our communities.”
Audition Details and Entry Requirements
Auditions for We Manti ± Eswatini will take place in person at the Experimental Theatre Auditorium at the University of Johannesburg’s Arts Centre (Auckland Park campus). The session will run from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, 01 November 2025.
Participants are encouraged to arrive early to allow for registration and preparation. A valid form of identification (ID) is required for entry at the university gates — a standard security measure for all visitors.
Actors will be asked to perform short scripted scenes or improvisations during their auditions. LJ Talent Marketers advises auditionees to come prepared to demonstrate emotional versatility, vocal clarity, and the ability to take direction. While prior acting experience is not mandatory, confidence and authenticity are key.
Those interested in auditioning can obtain further details by contacting Judy at 061 457 0457 or Hloni at 061 796 5010. Alternatively, inquiries can be sent via email to castme@ljtalentmarketers.co.za.
Empowering the Next Generation of Performers
LJ Talent Marketers’ initiative is part of a growing movement within the Southern African entertainment industry to empower emerging talent and expand representation on screen. By hosting open casting calls instead of relying solely on agency submissions, the company aims to democratize the audition process.
The organization, operating under its banner LJMP (LJ Moving Pictures), has built a reputation for championing inclusivity and grassroots talent development. Their projects often highlight underrepresented communities, social issues, and local culture through film, advertising, and creative storytelling.
“This is more than just an audition,” says co-founder Hloni. “It’s an invitation to step into your power as a storyteller. Whether you’ve acted before or not, if you have something to express — we want to see it.”
The company believes that film should not only entertain but also serve as a mirror and catalyst for change. By engaging actors who bring lived experiences and diverse cultural backgrounds to their roles, LJMP hopes to produce a work that resonates deeply with audiences at home and abroad.
The University of Johannesburg: A Creative Hub
The choice of venue for the auditions — the Experimental Theatre at the University of Johannesburg’s Arts Centre— is significant. The space is widely regarded as one of Johannesburg’s premier cultural hubs, hosting everything from student showcases to professional productions. Its location in Auckland Park makes it accessible to artists and creatives from across the city and beyond.
UJ’s Arts Centre has long been a beacon of creative collaboration, blending academia with community engagement. Hosting the LJMP auditions there underscores a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of artists and storytellers.
A Growing Film Industry with Global Ambitions
South Africa’s film and television industry continues to evolve as one of the most dynamic creative sectors on the continent. With an expanding network of training institutions, production companies, and digital platforms, the opportunities for actors and filmmakers have never been greater. Initiatives like LJ Talent Marketers’ short film project reflect this momentum — merging professional quality with grassroots accessibility.
Local short films have increasingly gained international recognition, with many screening at festivals in Africa, Europe, and North America. LJMP’s upcoming project could very well be part of that growing wave, introducing new voices and perspectives to a global audience hungry for authentic African stories.
“See You All There, Thespians!”
The tone of the LJMP casting announcement — bright, energetic, and inclusive — captures the spirit of the company’s approach. The final line of their promotional poster, “See you all there, thespians!!!” is a playful yet heartfelt call to all aspiring performers, from drama students to community theatre veterans, to show up and take their shot.
Auditions can be nerve-wracking, but opportunities like this are rare and valuable. For many, this will be their first step into the professional world of acting — a chance to learn, to be seen, and perhaps to launch a lasting career in the performing arts.
As the South African film industry continues to grow, initiatives like these play a crucial role in shaping its future — one actor, one story, and one short film at a time.
Event Summary:
What: Short Film Auditions – We Manti ± Eswatini
Organizer: LJ Talent Marketers (LJMP Moving Pictures)
When: Saturday, 01 November 2025 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: University of Johannesburg, Arts Centre – Experimental Theatre, Auckland Park
Who Can Audition: Actors aged 17–70, all genders
Languages: SiSwati, IsiZulu, and TsiTsonga
Bring: Valid ID for gate entry
Contact: Judy – 061 457 0457 | Hloni – 061 796 5010 | castme@ljtalentmarketers.co.za
The forthcoming short film auditions by LJ Talent Marketers represent far more than a simple casting opportunity — they symbolize a deliberate and inspiring effort to bridge the gap between emerging talent and the professional film industry in Southern Africa. In an era where mainstream media often overlooks local languages and fresh, unpolished artistry, initiatives like We Manti ± Eswatini stand out as a bold declaration that authentic stories deserve authentic voices.
By creating an inclusive platform that welcomes actors from various age groups, genders, and cultural backgrounds, LJ Talent Marketers is reaffirming the belief that storytelling belongs to everyone — not just those already in the limelight. The decision to center the film in indigenous languages, and to root it in the cultural identity of Eswatini and surrounding regions, reflects a conscious move toward reclaiming narrative ownership and redefining what African cinema can be.
The audition event at the University of Johannesburg is more than just a logistical step in production; it’s a symbolic gathering of dreamers, creatives, and believers — individuals ready to translate emotion into art. For many, this will be the beginning of a lifelong journey in performance. For the industry, it’s a reminder that the next generation of storytellers is already waiting in the wings — ready to take their rightful place on stage and screen.
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