Esther Park filmmaker shines at Joburg Film Festival

Esther Park resident Malcom S. Legare was recently selected to showcase his film, The Creation of Modimolle: The Mountain That Remembers Me (2025), at the Joburg Film Festival.

“Being selected for the Joburg Film Festival was a surreal moment. It felt like affirmation not just of the film, but of the journey behind it,” said Legare.

The screening, held at The Forge in Braamfontein, was a particularly meaningful experience.

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“The atmosphere was engaging, and what stood out most was how the audience connected with the film on a personal level,” he said, adding that post-screening conversations reinforced his belief that storytelling is ultimately about connection.

Representing the East Rand on such a platform was a proud moment for the young filmmaker.

“It wasn’t just about me being there; it was about where I come from being present in that space,” he said.

Legare explained that Modimolle stems from a deeply personal place.

“It started as a journey of reflection, trying to understand identity, where I come from, and how memory shapes who we become. The themes of identity, memory and belonging are directly connected to my own journey,” he said.

Navigating different cultural, academic and professional spaces led him to question where he fits and how to carry all aspects of his identity.

He found that the essay-film format allowed him the freedom to explore these ideas without being confined to a traditional narrative structure.

“It gave me the freedom to think, reflect and express ideas openly. It’s a form that invites introspection, and that’s exactly what the project needed,” he explained.

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Growing up in Kempton Park, particularly in Esther Park, played a significant role in shaping his perspective.

“The East Rand has a grounded, real energy. It’s a place full of stories, but not always a place where those stories are seen or amplified. That awareness stayed with me,” said Legare.

From a young age, he found himself drawn to storytelling through observation.

“I paid attention to people, conversations and environments. Even before I understood filmmaking, I was already engaging with storytelling naturally. It started with curiosity more than anything,” he said.

Before pursuing film as a career, Legare was drawn to stories centred on identity, family and belonging.

“At the time, I didn’t fully see filmmaking as a clear career path, especially coming from where I come from. It felt distant, but the passion was always there,” he said.

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Being featured by the Kempton Express in 2018 marked an early milestone in his journey.

“That recognition felt like someone saying, ‘we see you’. It gave me a sense of belief and responsibility at the same time,” he said.
Since then, his growth has been both creative and personal.

“I’ve experienced moments of doubt and clarity, and times where I had to fully commit to my path. One of the biggest shifts has been understanding that filmmaking is not just about creating content, but about purpose, voice and impact,” he said.

A key aspect of his development has been navigating the space between academia and the film industry.

“I’ve realised that growth doesn’t only come from experience on set, but also from understanding systems, building relationships and creating opportunities where they don’t naturally exist,” he said.

Legare identified access as one of the biggest challenges for emerging creatives.

“Opportunities, networks and exposure are not always easily available when you come from areas like Kempton Park,” he said.

He explained that he had to be intentional about placing himself in environments where he could learn and connect, often stepping out of his comfort zone and creating opportunities for himself.

Despite these challenges, he views his background as a strength.

“It keeps me grounded and honest in the stories I tell. I’m not trying to imitate something else, I’m trying to reflect lived experiences, memory and identity in an authentic way,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of representation in the film industry.

“Many young people from places like Kempton Park don’t always see themselves reflected in the industry. I feel a sense of responsibility, not in a heavy way, but in a purposeful one, to contribute to something bigger and help create pathways for others,” he said.

Reflecting on his recent achievement, Legare described it as both a milestone and a new beginning.

“It has shifted how I see myself, not just as someone learning, but as someone contributing to the space,” he said.

“One of the biggest lessons has been understanding the importance of intention. Why you create matters just as much as what you create.”

Legare describes his filmmaking style as reflective and emotionally driven, rooted in identity, memory and culture, with a focus on personal journeys.

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He studied film and television at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where his passion for storytelling deepened.

“My decision to go into the arts came from a need to express and understand. Storytelling became a way to make sense of both personal and shared experiences,” he said.

He added that he is committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry.

“I believe institutions can play a bigger role in preparing students for real-world creative spaces, and that’s something I want to contribute to,” he said.

The journey with Modimolle is ongoing, with Legare exploring opportunities to expand its reach through additional festivals and platforms.

Looking ahead, he aims to continue telling stories rooted in identity and culture, while pushing creative boundaries in form and structure. He is currently developing new projects that build on these themes.

His long-term goals include contributing to both the South African and global film landscape, not only through his work but also by creating opportunities and strengthening connections between emerging talent and the industry.

“To young people in Kempton Park: your environment does not limit your potential, but you have to be intentional. Seek knowledge, build relationships and create your own opportunities,” he advised.

Reflecting on his journey, he added:

“To my younger self in 2018, I would say: trust the process, stay consistent and understand that growth takes time. The legacy I want to build is one of impact, using storytelling not only to express, but to connect, inspire and create pathways for others.”

He concluded by reiterating his passion for creating opportunities for future creatives.

“I’m passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry, particularly in the film and television space, and using my journey to help create more access and exposure for students coming after me,” he said.