Director keeps Kwesta's Spirit alive!

DIRECTOR and producer Tebogo Malope unveils his first independent film.

The 40-year-old director's first independent film is titled Spirit: The Movie. It is inspired by Kwesta and Wale's song, Spirit, whose music video Tebogo directed.

The film stars top actors such as Jerry Mofokeng, Motshabi Tyelele, Rami Chuene and Kagiso Lediga.

Tebogo said the film expands on the theme of identity, resilience and freedom that are so vividly explored in the original music video, crafting a cinematic experience that offers a deeper and more immersive journey into the universal human spirit.

"Creating my first independent film was an act of self-liberation, a bold journey in storytelling without constraints.

"Inspired by the characters from the Spirit music video, I crafted a narrative that speaks to the power of identity and freedom. The independence of the film allowed me the space to explore these characters not just as figures, but as reflections of the inner struggles we face in defining ourselves," he said.

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Tebogo said at the helm as the director, this project represents an opportunity to engage with complex narratives of surrounding self-discovery.

"This film is my way of honouring the journey we all take to understand who we are and the power of owning that truth, breaking free from conventional storytelling and celebration of who we are, both individually and collectively," he said.

Tebogo said that the film is set to premiere in 2025, with more details to be announced soon.

He recently made history by walking away with 11 Golden Horns at the 2024 South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas).

Tebogo's impressive work includes award-winning projects such as Outlaws, which recently scooped eight awards at the Saftas, The Rise: Siya Kolisi Story, which won Best Achievement in Editing, while Classified won the Best Achievements in an Original Song-TV Drama.

Other notable projects in Tebogo's career include the Netflix series, Queen Sono and directing an NBA series featuring rapper J Cole and former US president Barack Obama.