South African queer actor Eliazer Shadung is making waves in Loved Out, a fearless, funny, and unapologetically bold queer-led film pushing the boundaries of local cinema.
Portraying the character Nangi, a dynamic and non-binary creative bursting with charisma, Shadung brings heart and authenticity to a story that celebrates love, self-expression, and visibility.
“Nangi is such a vibrant, sociable, and artistic burst of energy,” Shadung shares. “What drew me to the role is that they are non-binary. I’ve always wanted to represent different types of people in the queer community.”
About the Movie: Loved Out
The film is about an ambitious entrepreneur and content creator who takes over her mother’s restaurant. She’s faced with juggling her mother’s kidnapping, a failing marriage, and a high-stakes social media contest that could make or break her future.
With the city’s most dangerous gangsters closing in and her dreams on the line, she’ll have to risk everything to save it all.
The film, directed by Tendayi Nyeke, premiered on 18 September 2025 at Ster-Kinekor in Sandton, and will be showing in cinemas across South Africa until the end of October.
A Fresh, Fearless Take on Queer Visibility
Loved Out, features an all-star cast including Bahumi Mhlongo, Khabonina Qubeka, and Tumi Morake. Together, the ensemble delivers a refreshing and heartfelt exploration of identity, friendship, and self-acceptance, challenging stereotypes and societal expectations with humour and warmth.
Working alongside some of South Africa’s most seasoned performers, Shadung says the experience was transformative.
“It was such an honour to be among incredible entertainers who created a safe and happy space for me as an upcoming actor. I had so much fun, the whole team made it easy to bring this story to life.”
Redefining Representation
Beyond its sharp writing and captivating performances, Loved Out stands out for how it approaches queer representation in African film. Rather than leaning on tropes, the film presents its characters as fully realised people, complex, relatable, and beautifully human.
“It’s so important for queer characters to be portrayed authentically,” says Shadung. “This helps queer people feel seen and included. We’re not just stereotypes, we have feelings, goals, ambitions, and most importantly, love.”
For Shadung, Loved Out is more than just another film, it’s a milestone for representation and a statement of self.
“Yes, 1000%. Loved Out contributes to more visibility for queer voices. Nangi is more than a queer person, they’re multifaceted. Like many queer people in South Africa, we need that visibility to show we are not just our identity or sexuality. We are more than that.”
As South African cinema continues to evolve, Loved Out serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusive storytelling and of the power of queer voices to redefine narratives on screen.
