An aspiring film-maker is on his way to success. Bongani Monyane (20) released his second short film on YouTube, shot in the streets of KaBokweni.
The film was made in 2022 and is called Everything Happens for a Reason.

It consists of local and young talents who managed to portray the rifeness of teenage pregnancy. It follows the life decisions taken by a 15-year-old girl, Excellent, played by Kanegelo Mashele, who is impregnated by her rich boyfriend, Hlanhla, played by Surprise Mnisi.

“This production is close to my heart because it comes after my first attempt at building a local film brand and as a producer and director. The first film is titled Crime Does Not Pay and was produced during the Covid-19 lockdown. I won’t lie, the film was almost a disaster, but I am glad I never gave up,” Bongani said.

This Grade 12 learner of Hlanganani Secondary School said the film is to motivate young people not to rush for easy money and luxury lifestyles at the cost of their education and dignity.

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“The luxury lifestyles with what we call ‘blessers’ is not fruitful. Girls are always chasing ‘the good life’. I am hoping this educational film will help young women make better choices,” he said.

“Having my peers come together in the making of the film was amazing, because we learnt good things from one another. The film is doing amazing on YouTube and my community has showed great support for it.”

Bongani said he wants to study towards a film production tertiary qualification and eventually become one of the best film-makers in the country.
His dream is to see his work showcased on big channels such as DStv’s Mzansi Bioskop.

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“More films are on the cards and I am closely working with young people and my co-producer, Vusi Nkosi, who has shown me great support at the start of my career,” Bongani said.