They are passionate about telling stories and these two young filmmakers are ready to grow and fill the world with their tales.<\/p>\n
Xolani Mbelu (23) from Dinwiddie and Odwa Kolwane (23) from Brakpan met when they registered at Tshwane University of Technology\u2019s (TUT) arts campus in Pretoria Central two years ago and have been firm friends and co-workers ever since.<\/p>
Now in their second year of film and television production, the duo work on projects as filmmakers to inspire the youth.<\/p>\n
And their work is starting to be recognised with them earning three nominations, as well as a win at the recent Ekurhuleni International Film Festival.<\/p>
\u201cWe were nominated for best director, best documentary and best trailer,\u201d said Xolani.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were thrilled when we walked off with the Best Trailer Award.\u201d<\/p>\n
The youngsters\u2019 documentary, Up in Smoke<\/em>, was about spinning and drifting and how a young man Levi Mambolo (23) takes part in the sport.<\/p>\n Through their research they showed how the sport has evolved over the years.<\/p>\n \u201cWe enjoyed doing the documentary, it was something completely different,\u201d said Xolani.<\/p>\n Odwa added that they have also just finished working on a feature film entitled The Impressions.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is based on a true love story of a boy who changes his life to impress a girl and then realises he has made the wrong choice by changing himself,\u201d said Odwa.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are also working on a new documentary, for release in February, next year, where we talk to parents about art and try and change the perceptions parents often have about the world of art which leads to conflict between them and their children who want to study it,\u201d said Xolani.<\/p>\n Both young men say their parents support their career choices and help them with equipment to do their work.<\/p>\n The duo told the GCN they work well together and balance each other out, with Xolani favouring documentaries and Odwa feature films.<\/p>\n