“Untitled Skates” is a short documentary offering a glimpse into the world of female skaters in South Africa. Amidst the male-dominated skateboarding scene, these young women defy stereotypes and pursue their passion. This short documentary celebrates the resilience and dreams of girl skaters as they carve their paths on the board.
Koketso Matabane holds a degree in Motion Picture Directing and Writing from AFDA. Her multifaceted skills and aesthetic eye for performance and storytelling are her strongholds when creating captivating content. Koketso’s love for music videos, fashion films, and commercials drives her craft. She is currently a creative researcher and director’s assistant at Darling Films in Johannesburg. Known for her authentic instinct for African youth culture, Koketso brings a unique and genuine perspective to her work.
What inspired the story behind your short film “Untitled Skates”?
I was inspired to shoot a documentary about young black female skateboarders in South Africa after witnessing their resilience and passion in a subculture where they are underrepresented. Their stories of overcoming societal and cultural barriers to pursue a sport they love struck a chord with me. Hearing about their journeys, the challenges they face, and the community they have built around skateboarding was profoundly moving. This documentary aims to amplify their voices, celebrate their achievements, and shed light on the transformative power of skateboarding as a means of self-expression and empowerment in their lives.
Can you discuss any unique challenges you faced during production?
A unique challenge we faced was finding black female skateboarders who were comfortable and confident enough to talk about their lives in the skateboarding world. This was a non-profit, non-funded project, so finding individuals keen to participate without monetary compensation but who were passionate about sharing their stories was crucial. Their willingness to be part of the documentary despite these constraints meant a lot to us.
How did you approach character development within the limited runtime of a short film?
Approaching character development within the limited runtime required a focused and nuanced strategy. I concentrated on capturing pivotal moments and authentic interactions that reveal the essence of each character’s personality, dreams, and struggles. By honing in on specific, impactful experiences—such as a breakthrough trick, a heartfelt conversation, or overcoming adversity—I was able to convey depth and complexity efficiently. This approach allowed the audience to connect with and understand the skateboarders on a profound level despite the film’s brevity.
What message or emotion do you hope the audience takes away from your film?
I hope the audience takes away a message of resilience, empowerment, and the unifying power of passion. I want viewers to feel inspired by these young women who, despite societal and cultural obstacles, carve out a space for themselves in a sport where they are often underrepresented. The film aims to challenge stereotypes, showcase the strength and determination of these skateboarders, and highlight the importance of community and self-expression.
How do you see your short film fitting into your broader body of work or future projects?
As a black female filmmaker, I always incorporate my personal background into my projects to show that young black girls are capable of achieving anything they believe in. This short film is an extension of that belief and my mission as a filmmaker. It’s a testament to the diverse stories I aim to tell about black women and their complex lives.
If you could cast any actor, living or dead, in your next project, who would it be and why?
I would love to work with Viola Davis. Her extraordinary talent, emotional depth, and powerful screen presence make her an exceptional choice. Viola’s ability to convey complex characters with authenticity and grace would bring immense depth to any role. Moreover, her advocacy for diversity and representation in the film industry aligns with my values and mission as a filmmaker.
If your short film had a theme song, what would it be?
“Cherry Bomb” by The Runaways. The rebellious tone of the song fits perfectly with the spirit of the skaters in the short documentary for us as filmmakers to do our part and tell their stories authentically.
If you could have a superpower to help you with filmmaking, what would it be and how would you use it?
My superpower would be Perfecting Pre-Production. I could quickly prototype different scenes, settings, and visual styles to see what works best, saving time and resources typically spent on storyboarding and conceptualizing. This would revolutionize the filmmaking process, combining creative vision with instant execution.
Why are festivals like the FAME Shorts Film Festival so important?
Film festivals like FAME Shorts are crucial because they provide a platform for new filmmakers to showcase their work and gain recognition. They bring together filmmakers, industry professionals, critics, and audiences, fostering networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. This environment is essential for career development and provides opportunities for emerging filmmakers to connect with their audiences and gain exposure for their work.
“Untitled Skates,” directed by Koketso Matabane, is a celebration of resilience and the unifying power of skateboarding. Don’t miss it at the FAME Shorts Film Festival.
