Toti filmmaker hopes to develop more talent
One of his productions was nominated for a Satma Award in 2019.
MDUDUZI Mphathi Makhanya, a filmmaker from Doon Heights, is proof that if you do what you love, you do not feel like you are working at all.
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Mduduzi, who is originally from Lovu, grew up liking arts and watching films on TV, which fueled a longing that, one day, when he was grown, he would make his own movies.
“When we were young, we would watch movies on the screen projected by a reel-to-reel projector at school halls, and that is when I decided it was what I would like to involve myself with. I wondered what it would be like to have people watch the movies I had made,” said Mduduzi.
Fast forward to 2013, which is when he finally decided to enter the film industry and put together a stable of artists after establishing Bafololo Productions.
“The group consisted of actors, singers and poets. It became a hub to nurture talent,” he said.
A comedy series he created, Bafololo Comedy, was a finalist in the 2019 South African Traditional Music Awards for best traditional comedy. On My Own World was popular with audiences, and so was Abefundisi Bendawo.
Some of the artists he has worked with have gone on to appear in major film productions as extras, which he believes is a good start for them. His wish is to see the South African film industry grow to its full potential as it could create jobs and be a driver in helping the youth realise their talents.
“A lot of talent is undiscovered in this province, especially in the townships. We wish to produce actors and actresses who will be critically acclaimed the world over,” he said.
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