Actor/Writer/Director

Growing up, Akhule was involved in many performing art projects in his community in Cape Town, South Africa. His current project, “Comfort Zones,” is a semi-autobiographical story based on Akhule and Teresa’s personal lives. Similar to his character, Akhule moved to Minnesota to pursue his college degree. He developed many friendships while at Gustavus Adolphus College and also fell in love with a girl from Minnesota. In Comfort Zones, Akhule digests his relocation to Minnesota from Cape Town and the challenges of moving away from home. This will be Akhule’s onscreen debut as well as his directorial debut.

Actor/Writer/Director

Teresa co-created “Comfort Zones” with Akhule after they traveled together to Cape Town in 2019. She is from Minnesota and after attending drama school she traveled to Cape Town for three months to work with the same performing arts group that Akhule grew up acting with. After becoming friends, they realized just how unique their connection to Minnesota and Cape Town was. Teresa drew on her own experiences in international and cross-cultural relationships to build the character of Marie. Neo and Teresa blended their stories to build this fictional couple based on their real life relationships.

Known for her roles in Knuckle City (TIFF 2019) and the much anticipated upcoming film Valedictory from Yellowbone Entertainment. Awethu is a rising star and soon to be household name in Cape Town. She will play Akhule’s Childhood sweetheart and close friend when he returns to Cape Town. Akhule and Awethu grew up performing together and their true friendship will inform their fictional roles.

Playing Akhule’s brother is actor and true life best friend of Akhule, Emmanuel Ntsamba. Emmanuel grew up acting with Akhule at the performing arts center in Cape Town and went on to study with the Magnet theatre. He has traveled the world performing in Hong Kong, Germany and is an award winning theatre actor in South Africa. He brings a unique perspective to his role, having truly lived through the experience of Akhule moving to America and maintaining a close bond all these years .

Originally from Minnesota, Quinn Coughlin will play Gregory, Marie’s neighbor and childhood sweetheart. Quinn grew up acting with Teresa in Minnesota regional theatre. He now lives in Los Angeles and has been featured in many indie projects as well as guest spots including Amazon’s Red Oaks. Quinn will play Marie’s childhood sweetheart and the comfort she is tempted with after her relationship with Akhule gets complicated.

Camera Department & Editing

Camera Department

Camera Department

Costume Department

Original Score Composition

Music Department