Inspired by Phumi's real life, one year sojourn in the US, African
America is a twisting drama movie about a carefree but focused Nompumelelo,
whose ultimate ambition to become a stage actress and perform on Broadway is
obstructed by her mother's desire and plan to set her up for an Arranged
Marriage.
Nompumelelo's discovery of a hidden truth becomes her reason to leave her fiancé and mum in and jet off with an embezzled
R60,000 to go in pursuit of her dream
in New York, where she meets Jaquan and as it appears, used him as a springboard
in setting herself up.
Directed and co-written by Phumi's brother, Muzi Mthembu, the
90-minute feature did not achieve much with good cinematography and screenplay but
made up with close-ups and editing. Phumi, who was nominated for AMAA's 2021 Best Actress in a Leading Role,
gave her best to the character and, despite everything else, made the movie appealing.