A DURBAN North resident has made history at AFDA, The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance. Charles Matthews, an honours student won the Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best 24 minute film for an honours film at the awards show at the film school. His film, Mandlakhe, tells the story of old man who sets out to the city on a journey of hope, in search of his son.

Incredibly, Matthews had planned on writing and directing a different film for his honours submission.

“It literally changed overnight. I woke up and I knew what I was going to do. So after writing a totally different script and setting up locations and getting the actors involved, I changed everything. I had a small crew but had to find new actors after changing direction. The first time I met the lead actor was on the first day of the shoot.

“But everyone was incredible and we all vibed from day one. I’m honoured to be recognised by the school but that’s not why I make films. I believe the best stories are simple stories that leave the audiences filled with hope and love,” he said.

Watch the trailer for his film below: