We were lucky to catch up with Malebona Maphutse recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Malebona, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have my mother as an unwavering presence in my life. From a very young age, she immersed me in the world of art, introducing me to numerous professionals who became mentors. Starting at the age of 5, she not only encouraged but actively facilitated my performances in front of our church congregation. Recognizing my potential, she fondly recalls how I spent hours crafting stories and characters using my dolls and teddy bears, often remembering specific details of these creative endeavors. Attending virtually all my poetry, drama, and dance performances, my mother consistently cheered me on, providing reassurance and instilling in me the belief that I possessed the ability to succeed, even on challenging days. Her support extended to my academic pursuits, urging me to pursue a degree in Fine Art (Visual Art) and expressing sheer joy when I embarked on my MFA in Filmmaking. Her dedication went beyond moral support; she actively participated in fundraising efforts for my tuition and the realization of my thesis film project, shot in South Africa in December 2023. Through her unwavering commitment, my mother has showcased God’s hand and mercy in my life, always reminding me of my brilliance when I needed it the most. A true friend, she stands as a testament to the saying that some of the greatest artists had their mothers as their managers.

My father, on the other hand, played a crucial role in fostering my critical thinking skills. Being a naturally curious child who constantly sought to understand how things worked, I found a kindred spirit in my father. Both of my parents, having been teachers at some point in their careers, emphasized the importance of education, critical thinking, and reasoning. Even when I made mistakes, my father framed them as valuable learning experiences, encouraging me to reflect on the consequences of my actions. Though challenging for a 7-year-old to grasp the significance of reflecting on breaking a vase while running around the house, his intention was rooted in imparting a sense of autonomy and responsibility in navigating the world. I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and guidance from both of my parents, who have played integral roles in shaping the person I am today.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Transitioning from Visual Art to Filmmaking marked a significant shift in my academic journey during my first year of the Master’s program. The process of embracing a new discipline demanded substantial time and effort, leaving me fully absorbed in the learning curve of being a novice filmmaker. This immersion, while essential for growth, meant that I had to pause and disengage from ongoing projects.

The challenge lay in reconciling with my limitations and acknowledging the impossibility of stretching myself too thin. The intensity of the filmmaking program required my undivided attention, leading to a temporary halt in my participation in other creative endeavors. It was a tough realization, but a crucial one. I had to learn to be gentle with myself, understanding that this immersive learning experience was an investment in acquiring a new set of skills.

Coming to terms with this shift allowed me to focus on the mastery of filmmaking without the weight of unmet expectations. This pause was not a permanent cessation but a strategic redirection of energy, knowing that there would be ample opportunities to reignite my involvement in projects once I had established a solid foundation in my new craft.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most cherished stories in my journey, particularly close to my heart, revolves around the recent experience of shooting my Thesis Film for my MFA in South Africa. The entire process was incredibly demanding, but what made it truly special was the collective support I received.

Facing limited access to funding, I took the initiative to fundraise for the film. Creating storyboards through drawings and paintings, I launched a donation link. The response was heartening, although there’s still a need for funds to complete the post-production phase.

What made this experience exceptional was collaborating with my mother in the fundraising efforts. She dedicated herself to reaching out to everyone in her network. Additionally, I revisited my alma mater, the University of Witwatersrand, and sought assistance from the film and TV department. Their enthusiastic support allowed me to involve current and graduating students in recording sound and video for my project. I also reached out to old lecturers who generously offered their cameras and other equipment.

This journey highlighted the power of a supportive network. The overwhelming grace, care, and love extended by my actors, crew, family, and friends have been instrumental. A dear friend, Gabriel Lavelle, played a crucial role in putting together my website and handling various digital aspects of the fundraising.

In the face of challenges, the collaborative effort and generosity of those around me have created a tapestry of support that I will forever carry with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maphutsestudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malebona.maphutse.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malebonabonny.maphutse/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malebona-maphutse-b7398a105/?originalSubdomain=za