Thokoza community gathers for screening of Kasi Lama Kasi
A crowd of residents gathered for the highly anticipated screening of Kasi Lama Kasi, a short film by 15 talented young filmmakers from the community.
A large crowd gathered at Buhlebuzile High School for the highly anticipated screening of Kasi Lama Kasi, a powerful short film created by 15 young filmmakers from the Of Soul and Joy photography programme in Thokoza.
The screening, which attracted local residents, community leaders, and film enthusiasts, celebrated the talent and creativity that emerged from the project and gave a glimpse into the lives and dreams of youth in the township.
The journey to Kasi Lama Kasi began in September 2023 when the young participants started a filmmaking mentorship programme with CinemaTake, a film education organisation.
Over several months, the students, guided by experienced filmmakers, learned the skills needed to craft compelling narratives, work with a camera, and create their short film.
The workshops covered everything from the technical aspects of filmmaking to storytelling, giving the students a platform to express their personal experiences and the culture of their community.
One of the programme’s mentors, Mpumelelo Mcata, said the result of their hard work was Kasi Lama Kasi, a short documentary film that highlights the daily lives of young people in Thokoza, focusing on their passion for music, dance, and creative expression.
Mpumelelo said that the film beautifully captures the energy, aspirations, and dreams of the youth, offering a rare insight into the township’s vibrant culture and the resilience of its young people.
“I feel I can confidently say this as someone who grew up 11km from where these workshops take place, and as a filmmaker myself who only made his first feature at age 30 and premiered at the Berlinale, that this is an incredible opportunity.
“It’s almost unheard of that they have already made a film at their ages and premiered it at an international festival,” Mpumelelo said.
The film premiered internationally at the Cinéma Cent Ans De Jeunesse (CCAJ) festival in Lisbon, Portugal, in June 2024, before returning home for its Thokoza screening. It was a moment of pride for the filmmakers, as well as a powerful reminder of the potential for creative expression to bring about positive change in communities.
“The event also marked the official introduction of the 2025 CinemaTAKE/CCAJ project, where the students will collaborate with young actors from the Windybrow Arts Centre to create a horror film, further expanding their creative horizons,” said Emilie Demon, a second mentor of the programme.
The success of Kasi Lama Kasi demonstrates the transformative power of mentorship, collaboration, and community support, offering a glimpse into what’s possible when young people are given the tools to tell their own stories.
