The idea for Durban-born Maganthrie Pillay's debut film originated around a dinner table in Jo'burg with a bunch of Capetownians. "We talked about how everyone wants to come to Jo'burg and about how people perceive themselves, which has always been an issue in South Africa, and decided that it would make a great movie."
The film deals with Coloured identity  as one of its themes. As such, it was an intensely personal shoot for the ensemble cast. 
As Marguerita Freeks, who plays Jamillah, says, "The story made all of us think. We spoke a lot about being Coloured. 34 South gave me a new sense of being proud of being who I am. Now I can say that I'm a Coloured and not be ashamed of it." 
Similarly, Az Abrahams, DJ on P4's popular morning show says, "34 South gave me a vehicle to explore more about myself than anything else has, and to explore a subject that I would otherwise know nothing about. Making this movie, I've realized that you don't have to be ashamed of who you are, no matter what colour you are. I have a renewed respect for Coloured people."
It took eight years for the idea to become a reality, during which time she helped develop the script, scout cast and locations and find the necessary funding.
34 South finally went into production in 2003.
With a 50-member crew, 24-day shoot, seven principals, 19 locations, over 30 secondary characters and over 100 extras, the film was a "massive learning experience". For Maganthrie, that first day was the highlight. "I looked at Dingi and said, 'We're here. We're actually doing it.' I felt like I needed to pinch myself."

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
Maganthrie, the youngest of five children, grew up in Chatsworth a predominately Indian township near Durban. Her father worked in a shoe-factory and her mother was a dressmaker. "Growing up as a working class girl was the perfect preparation for being an independent filmmaker," she says. She credits her parents for much of her success. "They've never dictated to me what I was supposed to be. They've always been very supportive of my independence." She admits that for them, however, "the possibility of making films is still unbelievable. It's still pretty confusing. They know I'm a director but they don't know what I actually do. The only time it means anything is when they see me on the screen."
After studying teaching at Westville University, Maganthrie went on to complete her Honours  degree in Drama at The University of Cape Town. Before (and during) 34 South, Maganthrie directed documentaries and theatre productions. She's also member of WEAVE, a collective of Black women writers, who have produced South Africa's first mixed anthology of Black Women's writing entitled  - Ink @ boiling point.
Maganthrie is excited about the future and has lined up to direct two features - Sega, a romantic comedy which will be shot in Durban and Mauritius, and Tight, an action movie with a difference.