Alpha Mthembu wins Emerging Filmmaker Award in California

Being invited to such a prestigious awards ceremony was just the beginning of this young man's exciting journey. Mthembu described his visit to a new country as amazing and memorable. The experience of attending this exclusive event was a highlight and just being at the festival, surrounded by famous producers and idols in the industry, was already an achievement.

Broadening his skills

"I am truly humbled by this accomplishment and it is still so surreal. I am now more inspired to continue with my studies and to also broaden my skills and knowledge in all disciplines within the film industry. The industry is very competitive and I feel that I still have so much more to learn. I would like to thank my sponsors, without which this trip would not have been possible. I would also like to express my gratitude and thanks to Abraham Kriel Childcare for this amazing adventure and journey. Abraham Kriel Childcare has been my home since I was a child and they have instilled within me a good value system that has helped me grow into a responsible young man. They have also nurtured my dream and offered the necessary support that has today enabled me to reach great heights."

SVAFF Film Honourees

He has always had an interest in television and wanted to learn more about what went on behind the scenes in movies. His interest peaked when he had the opportunity in his matric year to job shadow the team on the Powerball live show. This exposure gave him insight into the film industry world and he wanted to learn more because he realised that there were so many aspects to the film industry. In 2013, Mthembu received a bursary to study cinematography at Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking and at the same time worked part-time at Red Pepper Productions.

Story of heritage

The film 'My Zulu Lessons' was inspired by his life. Throughout his childhood, he was able only to speak English and Afrikaans and, as a young man, he embarked on this journey back to his Zulu roots to fulfil a lifelong desire to learn his culture and language.

"We cannot begin to express how proud we are of Mthembu for his huge achievement. He has worked hard and has been dedicated throughout his studies and his hard work has paid off. Besides being a student who took his studies seriously, he is also a polite, popular and well-mannered young man. We would like to wish him all the best in his future studies and career. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank every one of our donors for their contributions, as it is only through their support that the dreams of our beneficiaries could come true," says Hilda du Toit, marketing manager of the Abraham Kriel Childcare.

View the film