|2nd in Category Winner|
From an early age, Thabang Moleya’s father would take him to castings for acting and studio presenting roles.
This thrill, combined with a love for photography, which he cultivated while at the National School of Arts, led to a love affair with moving pictures. In 2016, Moleya completed his first feature film, Happiness is a Four-Letter Word.
It was a local success that broke box office records and left international releases in its wake. He has also won recognition for his short films, being selected for a Cannes International Critics’ Week and a Multichoice Vuka! Award.
The 34-year-old was also the youngest director to compete at the 16th African Film Festival in Milan. Before joining film production company Bouffant, where he now directs commercials, Moleya directed an international medical drama that aired in SA and Canada.
He thrives on storytelling, collaborations, and “making the impossible work” to touch the lives of ordinary people.
Although his days are manic, Moleya still takes a nostalgic moment to remind himself where home is – Joburg’s East Rand – by savouring a slice of white bread and butter with his coffee. He attributes his success to hard work and the support of his family. “I find my silence around midnight, and that’s the best time for me to work.”
|The hardest lesson I have learnt is that fear is temporary, regret is forever.|
