The locally made film, directed by Thabang is a romance based on Nozizwe Cynthia Jele’s award-winning novel and tells the story of three successful friends whose lives appear to be perfect but lacks true happiness. The film is one of four South African films that was showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival on 13 September due to the overwhelming global response it had received.
Born in Tembisa, Gauteng, Thabang began chasing his dreams by studying in Cape Town at City Varsity, the premier school of media and creative arts in South Africa. In 2004, he graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Film and TV Production Techniques, specialising in Directing.
Thabang attributes his success to his former lecturer, Tim Spring, who is Dean of Students and Senior Lecturer at City Varsity Cape Town. “Mr Spring taught me to be brave with my work, he was always so encouraging and pushing me further than my own limits. Words can’t express my gratitude to the knowledge he so selflessly shared with us,” said Thabang.
Spring recognised Thabang’s talent immediately. He explained, “I vividly remember him at the start of first year showing me a little movie he had shot while still at school, and thinking to myself, ‘Oh, wow – what have we here? What indeed?. During his third year I took him with onto a set for a series I was making called ‘Interrogation Room’ for SABC and started him off watching on set. Then I gave him small scenes to develop and direct and then finally a complete episode. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Through City Varsity, Thabang said he was able to discover himself as a storyteller, practice the craft and learn from peers and lecturers.
Thabang’s accolades include Vuka Awards, SAFTA Awards and an Emmy Nomination. In Happiness is a Four-Letter Word he leads a stellar cast including Mmabatho Montsho, Khanyi Mbau and Renate Stuurman.
In November, Thabang will attend the American Film Market (AFM) in Los Angeles where the film will be showcased again internationally. This will also give Thabang the opportunity to network and get his next project off the ground.
During the movie’s local circuit run, it was the best performing film among all new releases and even soared above international releases such as 13 Hours, Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, Hail Caesar!, 50 Shades of Black and Trumbo. It was ranked at number three on the Top 10 after Deadpool and Vir Altyd.
“To make a movie is a dream come true but for people to respond in this manner is really unbelievable. Cinema is alive in our country," said Thabang.
For all aspiring creatives that want to be the next Thabang, visit www.cityvarsity.co.za or call 021 466 6800 for City Varsity Cape Town or 011 242 6360 for City Varsity Johannesburg.
