Aptly named, Thalente Biyela (meaning Talent in Zulu) is a skateboarder from the streets of Duban, South Africa. For the last eight years he has been hustling his way around South Africa’s skate scene making a name for himself. His enthusiasm has paid off as he has become one of the most promising young skaters in the country. His deep bag of tricks and effortless style make Thalente one to watch at any session, be it at the concrete park - where he slept for many years - or street skating on the local urban terrain. Skating is his life and he puts his heart and soul into it.
Winner of audience award at the 2015 LA Film Festival
“A unique tale that shows just how far positivity and confidence can take someone.” - Katie Walsh, Indiewire’s “The Playlist”
“I AM THALENTE is an active, soul-searching and soul-affirming doc. It is one that doesn't exist in a passive fly-on-the-wall sense, with a hero that lives up to his namesake 100%.” - Ben Umstead, Twitch
“As [Thalente] perseveres through the challenges he faces in moving to America and defining himself as a pro skater, he demonstrates deep reserves of willpower and personal strength, but as the film shows, it’s his sunny optimistic nature and pure goodness that pulls him through the hard times.” - Katie Walsh, Indiewire’s “The Playlist”
“ Thalente is a charismatic, and relatable person who you want to root for because he works hard to master an art form that he is passionate about… [Natalie] Johns does a nice job of weaving the voices of the skateboarding community into the film, providing insight into a sport that is often misunderstood or seen as a teenage hobby.” - Nilja Mumin, Indiewire’s “Shadow and Act”
“The genuine good feeling that comes from everyone involved [in I AM THALENTE] is infectious, and you will leave the theatre more optimistic of humanity.” - Morgan Rojas, Cinemacy
Showtimes
Saturday, December 12 / 11:00am
Galleria JFK Cinema Theatre 2
Credits
Director
Natalie Johns