In Conversaton with the co-producer of Sirens Call Ewe Ramaphakela

Sep 17, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jan 8

Ewe Ramaphakela is an emerging filmmaker and producer from Limpopo, currently completing her Honours graduation film Sirens Call. Her journey began in theatre performance before moving into producing and directing at AFDA Cape Town, where she discovered her passion for telling stories that give voice to diverse perspectives, particularly women’s narratives.

“Beyond being a cinematic project, it represents my ongoing commitment to building stories that connect audiences while amplifying underrepresented voices in film.” Can you elaborate on this?

The film’s exploration of myth, identity, and resilience speaks to universal human experiences while also amplifying voices and perspectives that are often underrepresented in mainstream cinema. By reimagining the ancient siren myth through a contemporary lens, the film not only entertains but also invites audiences to question who gets to tell stories and whose stories are remembered.

In doing so, Sirens Call becomes more than a work of art, it becomes part of a broader effort to build a more inclusive cinematic landscape where diverse narratives can thrive and resonate.

Can you tell us more about the movie and what are some of the things that you think the audience will be most excited about (I don't want you to spoil the movie though!)

Sirens Call is a visually striking and emotionally layered story that reimagines the timeless siren myth for a contemporary audience. What I think the audience will be most excited about is the way the film blends myth and modernity, there’s a dreamlike quality to the world we’ve built, but it’s also grounded in very real human struggles. The cinematography, sound design, makeup, and atmosphere all work together to immerse audiences in a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. And at its heart, it’s driven by characters whose journeys feel deeply relatable, which I think will surprise and engage viewers

More than just the spectacle, I hope audiences leave reflecting on the themes underneath the story identity, choice, resilience, and the cost of being heard or silenced. The film asks questions about whose voices we listen to and what it means to resist being defined by others.

I believe people will carry with them both an emotional connection to the characters and a sense of how ancient myths still resonate with and illuminate our contemporary world.

Is this the first film you co produced/ worked on? If it is, what has it thought you about co- producing a film?

No, Sirens Call isn’t my first producing experience. In 2024, I produced “Massamba’s Echo” and co-produced “Special” with Angie Peace, both of which taught me the discipline and resilience required to bring stories to life.

At first, I thought I’d be producing Sirens Call alone, since not many of my classmates wanted to take it on. Two weeks later, I met with my now co-producers, Kamu Xulu and Phila Hlangwane, who instantly saw what I saw and believed in the story just as deeply. That moment shifted everything, it became a true collaboration.

This experience has shown me the power of trust and shared vision. Co-producing isn’t just about dividing responsibilities; it’s about amplifying each other’s strengths and creating a supportive space where the story can thrive. It reminded me that filmmaking is never a solitary act it’s a collective journey, and the film is stronger because of the community behind it.

Get our newsletter. Don't miss another headline from Paved. Subscribe to our Newsletter and Stay connected.

Was there a point in the process of making the movie where your creative side clashed with your business side; how do you strike a balance between the two?

Absolutely, there were definitely moments when my creative side and my business side clashed during the making of Sirens Call. As a producer, you’re constantly navigating practical realities like budget, scheduling, and logistics, but as a storyteller, you want to give the director and creative team as much freedom as possible to bring the vision to life. There were times when we had to make tough calls, like adjusting an ambitious idea to fit our resources while still ensuring that the heart of the story wasn’t lost.

What I’ve learned is that balance comes from understanding that both sides are serving the same goal: making the strongest film possible. The business side sets the framework and boundaries, while the creative side finds innovative ways to thrive within them. Striking that balance taught me to see limitations not as obstacles, but as opportunities for creativity. In the end, those tensions often led to solutions that made the film even stronger.