Umkhongo

This fantasy thriller tells the bewitching tale of an orphaned child with supernatural powers who is ‘adopted’ by a violent but empathetic tsotsi from the streets of Johannesburg. Made as part of the Focus Features Africa First programme, this sci-fi is a daring departure from conventional South African cinema. 

Matthew Jankes studied film at the University of Cape Town and the South African School of Motion Picture Medium (AFDA), training in writing, directing and cinematography. In between making short films he directs, shoots and edits music videos. In 2010 he was part of the Africa First program helmed by Focus Features, which resulted in his first short Umkhongo (The Gift)