POLOKWANE – Kiasto is a lecturer at the Limpopo Film and Television School in the city centre and the founder and managing director of a production company, Maxisky Media.
His films, Nyiko (The Gift), Dikeledi and Seven Women One Man will be screened on DStv channel 161, 163 and 164. He started making films because he was inspired by the stories of ordinary South Africans.
“I wanted to make films people could relate to and wanted to portray life as it truly is. The focus is usually on senior citizens or the youth and I try to promote indigenous languages through my films,” he explains. He says he was involved in the behind- the-scenes action of the annual Polokwane Literary Fair and will host workshops during this year’s Mapungubwe Festival.
He makes films with strong messages that he hopes resonates with the audience. His only wish is that the film and television industry in Limpopo grows to rival that of Gauteng.
“The film industry in the province needs a lot of attention. That is why aspiring producers, actors and directors all migrate to Gauteng when they should stay here and cultivate the industry,” he says. Even with the industry still in its infancy, Kiasto says he will continue to make films about the people of Limpopo for the people of Limpopo and will not be deterred by the challenges.
“I want to inspire the youth through my films. I want to motivate them to strive for prosperity and know they should be proud of who they are,” he continues. Kiatso says the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture should meet with film makers in the province so they can work on a plan to promote the industry.