Koketso Matabane: The Rising South African Director Putting Soul Back Into Film
In a “sometimes frustrating, sometimes invigorating” industry, Koketso Matabane is looking to inject soul back into the work. Safe, played-out formulae don’t interest this emerging director, represented by South Africa’s Carbon Films; she’s out to take risks to shift the way people experience film.
Looking back, Koketso sees her childhood experiences as breadcrumbs leading up to this point. She was the kid who lived for art class, losing hours in a world of colours, shapes, and stories, and who raced off to drama classes after. At home, her outlook was shaped by her cultural upbringing which valued storytelling as a means to pass on knowledge of history and the wisdom of her elders. When it came time to head to university, she listened to those early callings, pursuing a degree in motion pictures at Johannesburg’s AFDA and specialising in directing and writing.
Above: MTN 'Pimp My Taxi'
“My experience there was a whirlwind of excitement and nervous anticipation – navigating in a new space, absorbing knowledge, and honing my craft,” Koketso recalls. “Though the journey was challenging, being surrounded by like-minded creatives made it all the more rewarding – even on those long edit nights.”
Having fallen in love with behind-the-scenes movie magic, Koketso went on to spend five years as a creative researcher and director’s assistant, observing and training under leading African filmmakers. Once she felt ready, she took the leap to shoot her own films, aspiring to connect people through unconventional, performance-driven narratives that bridge past and present, demand a rewatch, and leave a lasting impact.
Since then, Koketso has been hard at work transporting audiences into dynamic worlds that challenge mainstream perspectives through her films. The one she credits for changing her career was ‘S.W.A.N.K: An Origin Short Film’, which she wrote and directed. “This was a true representation of collaboration on an invisible budget – that’s a passion project for you,” Koketso remarks. The film performed well both on a local and international stage, being shortlisted at the London and Berlin Fashion Film Festivals. “That was crazy to me, but it goes to show that the work I’m trying to create isn’t just for a small group of people in one sector, but for a bigger group of like-minded people.”
Above: ‘S.W.A.N.K: An Origin Short Film'
Koketso also captivated audiences worldwide with her more recent short documentary, ‘Untitled Skates’, which she counts among the most fulfilling projects of her career so far. It explores the lives of three young women as they find their way into skating subculture, confronting cultural differences, family interferences, and the challenges that come with breaking norms. While focused in its subject matter, its universal themes of resilience and the value of community in the face of obstacles resonated with audiences worldwide. “It’s a film I could never have imagined making such waves,” she comments. “It’s been both humbling and inspiring, reinforcing my passion for storytelling that amplifies voices and experiences often overlooked.”
The power of resilience and authenticity is also one of the most crucial lessons Koketso has learned for herself: “In an industry where representation is still evolving, I quickly realised that my unique perspective and lived experiences were my greatest strengths. I’ve learnt to trust my creative voice, stand firm in my vision, and embrace the challenges that come with breaking new ground.”
It’s those qualities in other young creatives that get Koketso excited about the future of the industry. The way she sees it, their growing energy can set in motion a renewed push for innovation in filmmaking. “While we won’t change the industry overnight, empowering young filmmakers with the tools and freedom to experiment will lay the groundwork for a more dynamic future.”
Above: Jägermeister 'Thebe'
