Ntokozo Mlaba's journey from failed auditions to filmmaking highlights resilience, passion for storytelling and the impact it can have on a community.
For Ntokozo Mlaba, failure is an important part of the creative journey, so failing his first audition at the National School of the Arts (NSA) was just the beginning that shaped his path to becoming a filmmaker.
Today, Mlaba is a filmmaker, writer, director, social activist and cultural producer with a passion for storytelling.
Originally from Boksburg on the East Rand, he recalls being a natural people-connector even as a child.
Bringing people together
He is the co-founder and managing director of Umphakathi Artists, a non-profit organisation that promotes his social work and impactful programmes.
“I've always been involved in the community, but I didn't know what that meant as a kid. I was always connecting people, but it became more meaningful in high school,” he said.
His journey into the arts world was not without difficulties. Despite early setbacks, including a failed audition at the NSA, Mlaba’s tenacity prevailed. He embraced setbacks as essential to his personal growth.
“It's not about how hard you can hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep going.
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“Those are the words of Rocky Balboa, the star character of the Rocky film series, and they're what I live by,” he said.
“I started out as an actor but soon found my calling behind the camera. My first forays behind the camera were tough. Working as a freelancer in the film industry is hard work,” he admitted.
Despite initial setbacks, notable roles with renowned companies like BoM Productions and Market Theatre proved to be valuable experience. “I achieved something I always dreamed of,” Mlaba said.
Working on these productions shaped his perspective on storytelling and production quality.
“But I realised I wanted to tell stories that resonated deeply with me – to carve my own path,” he says proudly.
Walking the path for parents
Mlaba's parents never understood his passion for storytelling, and he says he wanted to study African literature but unexpectedly completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree to impress them.
“My father was not keen on me pursuing a literary career so I worked part-time at the Market Theatre whilst studying,” he said.
Reflecting on his decision not to go to graduate school, while his peers pursued traditional career paths in law and finance, he built a network that spanned both creative and professional fields.
“I've learned the value of connecting the dots backwards. The shortness of life has encouraged me to prioritize meaningful pursuits that align with my passions and values.”
“My diverse educational background has given me vital contacts to support my artistic ventures. I consider myself first and foremost a storyteller,” he said.
Mlaba’s journey working with Absa to deliver special film events through the Biscop exhibition is testament to the transformative power of grassroots engagement and community-led storytelling.
Mlaba recalls the shock of neighbours and strangers watching local stories unfold on the screen: “The community response was overwhelming.
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“Every screening was a testament to the hunger for authentic stories in underrepresented communities,” he said.
Despite financial challenges and an initial refusal to provide funding, Mlaba remained steadfast in her commitment to Biscop’s mission.
“For the first film, I raised funds by recycling bottles and cans around Wits University and used my savings,” he said.
“The community response is what keeps us going. Seeing the community come together is what motivates me. It's inspiring when young kids see us and believe in us,” he said.
“The aim is to create an accessible space for cultural exchange and storytelling.”
Awards: Highlights of his career
The highlight of Mlaba's career so far has been winning the Young Voices Award, which he said was a great recognition of his hard work in the film industry.
“This confirmed my unwavering commitment to this profession,” he said.
“My acceptance speech was an advertisement for my next film. That's when Absa recognised me and offered to sponsor my next project. And now, thanks to Absa, I'm in the production stages of my next film.”
Mlaba said the younger generation of storytellers, filmmakers and artists is redefining storytelling.
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“The young filmmaking community is really excited right now,” he said.
“It's been an honor to watch so many talented people grow. It's been an amazing experience watching them find their voice. They are exactly the people we've been waiting for.”
Over the next five years, Mlaba’s vision goes far beyond filmmaking to encompass building a legacy that impacts communities across the country.
“In five years' time, I plan to produce my first feature film. I want to branch out into different industries, including agriculture and other entrepreneurship. I plan to go beyond films,” he said.
“It's not about us being the biggest or the first, it's about making a difference.”