Local actress, filmmaker and fashion designer Mmabatho Montsho took to social media to express her disappointment after a production company used her work without her knowledge to enter the SAFTAs.
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In a series of tweets, Mmabatho said that she was shocked when she saw a clip of scene that she directed being played at The South African Film and Television Awards.
“So last night at the SAFTA’s, a show was nominated for best achievement in directing, and when they played the clip, I realized with shock that the clip was a scene that I directed. The production didn’t even tell me they used some of my work to enter the awards (sic),” – Mmabatho Montsho said.
So last night at the SAFTA’s, a show was nominated for best achievement in directing, and when they played the clip, I realized with shock that the clip was a scene that I directed. The production didn’t even tell me they used some of my work to enter the awards.
— Mmabatho Montsho (@MmabathoMontsho) March 3, 2019
“I am deeply saddened and baffled by how committed so many in this industry are to erase black women directors. It’s like we personally offend them for existing.”
“Part of what keeps me going, is the support and encouragement we give each other as black women directors. The messages every now and then to say, “are you ok?” “Keep going” “well done.” – she said.
“The blessings that come from this toxicity is that we have all become multi skilled. We learnt how to become (award winning) writers and producers, and create our own work. I understand why they are so afraid of us shem – we are formidable (sic).”
Image Courtesy: instagram.com/montshotheblack