Lebo Mashile Hails South African Film Crews After Starring Alongside Chloe Bailey in Strung

Lebo Mashile is celebrating the release of Strung by highlighting the work of South African film crews. As the psychological thriller reaches audiences, Mashile has focused on the people working behind the camera, saying South African film crews deserve greater recognition for the standard of work they consistently deliver.

The award-winning poet, actress and author plays Femina “Femi” Sithole, a domestic worker employed by a wealthy family hiding disturbing secrets. Mashile described Femi as a woman who is practical, disciplined and fully committed to her work. She said bringing the role to life was one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.

Chloe Bailey – Instagram

Strung follows gifted violinist Laila, played by Chloe Bailey, who accepts what appears to be a career-changing opportunity as a private music tutor. Once inside the family’s secluded home, she begins uncovering unsettling truths that transform the job into a fight for survival. The cast also features Lynn Whitfield, Lucien Laviscount, Anna Diop, Coco Jones and Romy Woods, bringing together established Hollywood names with South African talent.

Although sharing the screen with internationally recognised actors was a significant moment for Mashile, she said the experience reminded her of the strength of South Africa’s film industry. She singled out the Cape Town-based crew for their professionalism, saying their technical ability helps productions use South African locations to stand in for places around the world while maintaining high production standards. Her comments reflect the country’s growing reputation as a destination for international film and television productions.

Lebo Mashile – Instagram

Mashile also acknowledged the people who helped shape her performance, thanking her long-time agent, acting coach and director Malcolm D. Lee. She credited their guidance with helping her develop Femi into a restrained but memorable character.

The actress also thanked her fellow cast members, praising their professionalism and generosity on set. According to Mashile, working alongside performers with extensive international experience gave her the opportunity to observe different approaches to working on set. Instead of focusing on celebrity status, she highlighted the work ethic she witnessed throughout filming.

Lebo Mashile – Instagram

Her praise comes as South Africa continues to strengthen its position as a destination for major international film and television projects. Competitive production costs, experienced crews and diverse filming locations have helped attract global studios, creating opportunities for local actors and technical professionals to work on large-scale productions without leaving the country. Mashile’s experience on Strung is another example of those collaborations creating more opportunities for South African talent to work on international productions.

For Mashile, the biggest takeaway from Strung is not simply appearing in an international thriller. It is the chance to remind audiences that every successful production depends on the people behind the scenes. By highlighting South African film crews, she has drawn attention to a part of the industry that rarely receives public recognition but plays an essential role in producing internationally distributed films.