Milisuthando
ABOUT
This self-reflexive visual delves into the prismatic meaning of being Black in South Africa today. Rooted in the present, while the past inevitably haunts, questions of identity flow through Mili’s idiosyncratic and lyrical encounters with her community, as the protagonist and director. The micro-narratives, reflections and hybrid format provide for a liberating cinematic experience as Mili invites a kinetic glimpse into the Xhosa community’s history.
Milisuthando Bongela (b.1985, South Africa) is an award-winning writer, editor, cultural worker and artist. Her career began in the fashion industry but the last 15 years has seen her traverse the worlds of music, art, media and film - continually turning towards indigenous knowledge. For 3 years she was Arts Editor for the Mail & Guardian's Friday section and was host and co-producer of the podcast Umoya: On African Spirituality with Athambile Masola. After 8 years, she has recently completed her first film, a personal essay documentary titled MILISUTHANDO which will have its world premier at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in the World Cinema Documentary Competition. She is an inaugural fellow of the 2020 Adobe Women at Sundance Fellowship.
CREDITS
Executive Producers: Jessica Devaney, Anya Rous, Charlotte Cook, Brenda Robinson;
Co-Executive Producer: The Dobkin Family Foundation.
Original Music Composition: Neo Muyanga, Msaki (Asanda Lusaseni);
Consulting Editors: Arya Lalloo, Todd Chandler.
Associate Producers: Milisuthando Bongela, Hankyeol Lee