From law to movies, all because of a baby

As a 19-year-old, Thulani Mbatha had his life all planned out; he was going to become a lawyer.

This, however, was not meant to be.

“I just matriculated and registered myself into a university to begin my studies in January. Then, the December before I was supposed to leave, I found out I had a child. My ex literally dropped my son off on my doorstep and left.”

Shocked at discovering he had a son, Thulani knew he would have to abandon his studies to care for Langelihle.

“I had a responsibility and I refused to leave my son.”

Leaving Newcastle in 1994, Thulani travelled to Johannesburg in search of greener pastures for him and Langelihle.

“I found a job at a small cinema in Carlton City where I used to sell tickets and clean the theaters after the movie ended,” he said.

Cleaning the cinema theaters as the credits rolled, Thulani said he often looked up and saw the names of the directors who brought the movies to life.

“Names such a Jerry Bruckheimer and Steven Spielberg would come onto the screen, and I would look up at them. Then one day, I thought to myself, I can do this.”

He began researching how he could become involved in the movie industry, and eventually found an agent who taught him some acting skills. From there, his life changed overnight.

“I starred in a small Tshwane movie in 1996 before becoming involved in theatre in Johannesburg.”

Immersing himself in the stage world, Thulani never lost his vision to direct his own movies.

“In 2000, I started studying at Wits University with the intent of going into the movie world. While studying, I became involved with filming small movies which revolved around the Constitution.”

This set him in the right direction of achieving his dream. In 2008, Thulani produced his first movie called The King, in partnership with a friend.

This movie was shown on e.tv and from there, Thulani’s career gained momentum.

“e.tv requested that I do five similar movies, which I did and they were called Ekasi – Our Stories.”

From there, he got contracts to produce movies for Mzansi Magic.

“It all worked out beautifully, as I had decided to register my filming business in 2001. I knew that I wanted to run a production company where there was no form of ‘gap’ between the actors, crew and management. I just needed a chance.”

With his career flourishing, Thulani named his company after his son, Langelihle.

“I decided to name my company after my son because he changed my life drastically and introduced me to an entirely new world. I live for my son and he is the most important person in my life.”

Now at the age of 43, Thulani said he regretted nothing.

“I have done several documentaries, of which my favourite was of Baby Jakes the boxer. I am glad my son arrived in my life and changing my destiny. My life is more fulfilled than it would have been if I had pursued a career in law.”

Throughout his career, Thulani has been responsible for 16 movies, which all appeared on e.tv, and 32 movies which aired on Mzansi Magic.

With a firm foot in the film industry, Thulani is now bringing Newcastle to to the national stage through his work.

“I decided to move back to Newcastle last year, as I got a contract with the KZN Film Publication Board for a film called Lijeqememtombi Yethonga, which will go into the pre-production phase in June.”

While re-introducing himself to his former home town and working on the film for the KZN Publication Board, Thulani made two short movies in January.

“The first of the two is called Usathame Acamaqimiso (The Devil is a liar) and will be aired on Mzansi Magic on April 23 at 7.30pm.”

The movie was set in oSizweni and several local actors took part. The second movie, Mtwana (The Child) will air on Mzansi Magic on May 14, and it was set in Roy Point Cemetery and oSizweni.

“I wanted to promote local talent, while promoting our region and creating job opportunities.”

Be sure to catch the movies and show your support to home-grown talent!