Not only does he focus his camera lens on the subject matter of his documentary films, but he focuses it on his endearing love for his home town of Mbekweni.
Bulelani Ndzuzo (27) graduated in January as a film student from The Documentary Institute of South Africa.
He said: “Growing up I always knew I wanted to be on TV, not knowing that I might actually create content for TV. I fell in love with producing because I’m a person who loves to work behind a desk ensuring all scripts are up-to-date, location release forms are secured and simply organising behind the scenes.
“I was one of only 15 candidates that were selected for Proudly South African’s (SA) set tour among a 100 applicants. We were invited on the set of The Queen at Mzansi’s studio in Johannesburg to peruse the action that takes place off-camera. It was part of a campaign called ‘Take a student to work’ focussed on film students.”
Previously he had worked closely with Michael Murphy, who was the executive producer for the dystopian movie filmed in South Africa District 9 and asked Murphy to send in a good word as part of his application for the campaign.
“The challenge I then faced was covering my travelling and lodging expenses to participate in this Proudly SA campaign in Jo’burg. I had only two days to arrange this and felt hopeless since I didn’t have any money. I wrote an open letter on Facebook seeking sponsorship with a tight deadline. I offered volunteering my services to anyone willing to sponsor me. The same afternoon after posting, I got a call from the chief executive at Diemersfontein Wine Estate, David Sonnenberg, asking me how he may help me.”
Sonnenberg sponsored Ndzuzo’s travels, accommodation and meals for the remainder of Proudly SA’s campaign in exchange for his craft. “He said he needs me as a certified producer to come back and do a documentary about the significance of the wine industry while incorporating the issue of gender-based violence potentially stemming from it.”
Sonnenberg believes the factor of alcohol in the industry drives the issue of violence and abuse against women in the Winelands.
“In my exchanges with David I got a sense he is someone who enjoys giving back to the community and empowering new businesses.
“The partnership behind the documentary entail that I’m responsible for the pre-planning of the production, post-production and the actual production. Now I’m busy sourcing out a crew and busy writing the script, story board and planning the budget.”
This is Ndzuzo’s opportunity to scout out a team in Mbekweni and extend his opportunities to those in his community with the right skill-set to gain experience for their own dreams. “In doing so I hope also to put Mbekweni ‘on the map’, as they say.”
One of his documentaries, titled Dating Harare, has already been published on the International Movie Database (IMDB).
“This film was inspired by a friend who is a Nigerian who came to SA,” Ndzuzo explains. “He started dating a Xhosa girl in Mbekweni and was tremendously stigmatised for only using her to gain citizenship. Against a background of serious xenophobia and xenophobic tensions in our country, I filmed Dating Harare to get a glimpse of young and old foreign nationals’ experience of dating in SA.”
He is proof that dreams come to fruition, especially if one puts oneself out there. Other opportunities have come along due to his engagement with social media, for instance. As Ndzuzo posts seeds of possibilities on social platforms asking for expertise or resources, places like KC Radio recognised his talents and drive.
“KC Radio recently reached out and employed me to produce radio productions and create audio documentaries to be aired on the station. I am so surprised and even more grateful for each offer from the wider community. I realise, with every opportunity that comes along, another awaits.”
He paid tribute to another mentor and “close friend”, Solly Moeng, a brand and reputation management expert who taught him the importance of building one’s brand. “He would scold me every time I behaved poorly, and tell me, ‘Bulelani, your brand is what people say of you when you’re not in the room.’ He’s always too happy to invest help in securing my future.”
Ndzuzo is also the founder of the Braai Café concept of creating fresh and inviting spaces that offer, not only a menu of good eats, but a place where young locals may turn to for empowerment and job opportunities. “Bulelani Ndzuzo” has the potential to be a household name on the cast lists of major productions that are still to be rolled out.
