1. What inspired the story behind your short film?
The story was inspired by an experience I had in 2019, when I was robbed at knifepoint in Johannesburg CBD. There were so many people around—just watching—who could have helped. When I looked at them, they looked away. That moment stuck with me and led me to ask: would I, despite everything I may be going through, help a stranger, even if it put me in danger?

2. What message or emotion do you hope the audience takes away from your film?
In a world where labels like “foreign national” and “deaf” define how we see people, we often lose sight of their humanity. I want this film to take audiences on a wild, dangerous ride of empathy—one where people rise beyond their past, beyond their mistakes, beyond societal labels. I hope it encourages viewers to give themselves and others a second chance and to see the humanity in those different from them.

3. What’s your go-to creative ritual before a shoot day?
I pray and fast. It brings me stillness and helps me surrender the journey ahead—planned yet unpredictable—into God’s hands.

4. What’s one film you wish you had directed and why?
Uhm… I’ve gone blank! Too many great films to choose from.

5. If you had to shoot a short film using only three props, what would they be?
A mirror, a safety pin, and a handkerchief.

6. What’s your guilty pleasure movie or series you rewatch all the time?
The Office—I never get tired of it!

7. Why are short films important in today’s media landscape?
Shorts remind us of our humanity. In a world increasingly divided, short films offer a moment—3 to 40 minutes—to take people into another world and possibly remind them what it means to be human again.

8. What advice would you give to someone making their first short?
Be clear on your intention. Why do you want to make this short? Why does this story need to be told now? That clarity will guide you when things get tough.

9. What’s one question you wish interviewers asked you—and how would you answer it?
Q: What’s an interesting hobby not related to filmmaking or art that people might not know about you?
A: I’ve been collecting special edition R5, R2, and R1 coins for the past 12 years.

10. Why are festivals like the FAME Shorts Film Festival so important?
As someone whose film has screened in Europe and the U.S., having FAME Shorts Film Festival here means the world. It tells me there’s a space for my work on this continent, in South Africa—that I’m seen and valued not just abroad, but here too. It’s about growing our local and continental film landscape with purpose.