Abstract
This study examines cinematographic features in the telenovela Umkhokha: The Curse seasons 1 and 2. This is done by observing camera shots, sound effects, and visual techniques. Voices, music, and technical components of sound are all considered under sound effects, whereas composition, lighting, and colour are considered under visual technical components. On the other hand, under camera shots and techniques, different camera angles, such as point of view shots, fading, panning, close-up shots, medium shots, and extreme close-up shots, are considered.
The study adopts formalism film theory as its theoretical framework. This theory places emphasis on the technical and artistic qualities of media, usually prioritising visual composition, style, and sensory elements over conventional narrative structures. The goal of this framework is to create a distinctive and captivating visual language through the manipulation of lighting, sound design, editing, and cinematography. To narrow this framework, Dovey’s formalist framework is adopted to emphasise the visual and technical construction of meaning. This is done to show how filmic form influences audience interpretation and storytelling. The study is done qualitatively. Selected episodes from the telenovela, Umkhokha: The Curse, are purposefully selected to identify the selected cinematographic aspects of this telenovela.
The findings of the study reveal how crucial cinematographic methods are for strengthening the storyline, highlighting cultural background, and boosting emotional expression. The findings also reveal how visual effects were used to depict spiritual and supernatural experiences, which are normally undetectable. Camera shots/angles were also singled out for playing a key role in shaping how viewers understand and feel about different scenes. Since most people, especially young people, spend a lot of time watching television, using computers, mobile phones, or going to the movies, it is believed that this research is significant since it increases comprehension of cinematographic effects. The results have significant ramifications on how various filmmaking techniques enhance a storyline and audience engagement from the South African context.