KuGompo City filmmaker and founder of Amantambo Media, Siviwe Mhambi, is making waves in the local film space with her production Impilo Yase Kasi — a project rooted in authentic township storytelling.
Impilo Yase Kasi explores real-life experiences within township communities, aiming to reflect, educate and inspire.
Mhambi told the Go! she hoped to spark meaningful conversations, while also creating a platform to showcase emerging talent.
Her journey into filmmaking began in 2023 at Montywood Productions under Kumkani FM, where she started as a special effects makeup artist.
Being on set exposed her to various departments, which sparked her interest in the technical side of filmmaking.
“I then grew into roles as a second and later first assistant camera, which gave me a deeper understanding of how productions come together,” Mhambi said.
With time, she realised she wanted to move beyond assisting and begin telling her own stories.
This led to the creation of Amantambo Media, a platform dedicated to producing authentic, impactful content reflecting real-life experiences, particularly in township communities.
Mhambi’s “humble start” saw her shooting content on her phone before saving up for basic equipment to improve her craft.
“Being on different film sets also shaped my approach, as I learnt by observing and working within professional spaces.”
Impilo Yase Kasi reflects the realities of township life, tackling themes such as mental health, pressure and survival.
“Township stories are often overlooked or misrepresented.
“I wanted to tell them in an honest and relatable way, from someone who understands that reality,” she said.
Beyond storytelling, the project aims to encourage open conversations around mental health and inspire communities to support one another.
Mhambi emphasised the importance of balancing entertainment with education.
“When the story is real, the message naturally comes through without feeling forced,” she said.
Producing the project came with its challenges, particularly limited resources.
However, Mhambi credits teamwork and creativity for helping bring the vision to life.
“The process was hands-on and required adaptability.
“My technical background helped me take on multiple roles,” she said.
Casting and crew selection focused on passion and commitment, with many collaborators coming from her existing network within the industry.
Mhambi recalls several standout moments on set, especially during emotionally intense scenes that felt deeply real and highlighted the impact of the story being told.
Like many independent filmmakers, she faces challenges such as limited access to funding, equipment and industry opportunities, as well as pressure to alter stories to meet commercial demands.
Despite this, she remains committed to authenticity.
“It’s extremely important for South African audiences to see their own realities reflected on screen. Representation builds connection,” she said.
She believes projects such as Impilo Yase Kasi play a crucial role in shaping the local film industry by bringing diverse, authentic narratives to the forefront.
Looking ahead, she plans to expand the project, reach wider audiences and secure distribution opportunities to increase its impact.
She is also working on The Township Lens, a documentary-style project capturing real township stories, as well as preparing to shoot a short film titled Emzini Wamadoda.
Both projects form part of her broader vision to build strong, honest storytelling under Amantambo Media.
Audiences can watch the content by subscribing to Amantambo Media under “Mdantsane Bioskop” on YouTube. For updates, follow Siviwe Mhambi on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok (@Butch Enamandla).
