At the heart of the prestigious international film festival for young directors, a new wind is blowing, bringing a fresh and authentic perspective to the African continent. Siyabonga Mhlanga and Lehlohonolo Sigaba, two young South African talents, shone brightly during their participation in the Cinema, One Hundred Years of Youth festival in Lisbon, Portugal.
Their work, entitled “Kasi lama Kasi”, depicts with eloquence and originality the bustling life of Thokoza, a town located east of Johannesburg. Through masterfully captivating shots, the film offers a profound look at the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. It highlights the ordinary lives of the city’s residents while celebrating their remarkable entrepreneurial spirit.
What particularly fascinated the international audience present at the event was the integration of amapiano music into the film’s soundtrack, as well as the iconic dances that so distinguish Africa from the rest of the world. An invitation to travel to the heart of African youth, an invitation to discover and celebrate the cultural and artistic diversity of the continent.
The young filmmakers were able to break the European aesthetic codes of cinema, thus offering an authentic and dynamic vision of their daily reality. The glowing feedback received, notably from renowned critics such as Alain Bergala, highlighted the singularity and narrative power of the film, breaking with the usual stereotypes associated with Africa.
For Siyabonga Mhlanga and Lehlohonolo Sigaba, this experience was much more than just attending an international festival. Originally from Thokoza, they saw in this project a unique opportunity to share their history, their culture, and to change external perceptions of their country and their community.
Beyond their personal success, their presence in Lisbon marked a historic turning point, making them the first South Africans and the first Africans to be invited to this event since its creation in 1995. A well-deserved recognition for their talent, their creativity and their commitment to transcending cultural and artistic boundaries.
Their exceptional journey was made possible through an intensive nine-month training program, orchestrated by Cinema Take – The Kinetic Experience. This initiative, led by enthusiasts of cinema and artistic education, allowed young filmmakers to perfect their technical skills, explore new forms of cinematic expression and connect to an international network of creators.
The collaboration between Cinema Take, the French Institute in South Africa (IFAS) and other partners has paved the way for a new chapter of cooperation and cultural exchange between France and South Africa. Thanks to initiatives such as Le Cinéma, Cent Ans de Jeunesse, young talents from the continent are invited to express themselves, share their vision of the world and inspire future generations through the art of cinema.
Ultimately, Siyabonga Mhlanga and Lehlohonolo Sigaba are much more than just budding filmmakers, they are ambassadors of African culture, artisans of artistic innovation and voices of youth who aspire to a better future for their country and for the continent as a whole. Their exemplary journey reminds us of the power of creativity, diversity and intercultural dialogue in building a more harmonious and inclusive world.