A minute with Zuko Nodada

In film who is your mother and father?

Harriet  Gavshon gave me a chance to direct, She is the owner of quizzical pictures. Rolie Nikiwe he discovered me literally and mentored me.

When did you develop your identity as a film director, do you remember the hour, the moment you decided to be a director ?

In 1999 I decided to be a director, I was still in DUT (Durban university of technology), when I did drama I had the impression that they were teaching film, so I studied drama and did my first directing there I directed a show called "The big boys" it came no2. 'Next level from stage to film'

What was your first film you directed? 

The secret pile.

How was the experience?

The experience was good actually it was great to be Infront of the monitor and see your work and calling 'cut' and 'action' for the first time.

Shortly can you describe how that identity grew?

Well pphheeww!!! I didn't do anything- people I worked with helped me become the Zuko Iam today, the performers,the crew,the mentors. Personally I believe working as with script supervisor helped me decide what kind of a director Iam today. I don't want to be seen or labeled as this type of a director, I'm an all rounder and I can't take credit for anything there's always that special person who helps me to grow.

What do you want to be known for?

I would like to be known for unearthing new talent, I find a new talent that is always eager to work, it's amazing how much talent we have in Mzansi.

Who did you influence and train?

I'm shooting my next film Ithala-the reunion literally with about +40 people, one of them is Wandile Magadla  

What is your favorite character you ever created ?

Winston played by Dumisane Mbebe Ithala film my latest movie best character I've seen.

Film or theatre?

I'm a film maker I can't separate the two I'm a story-teller, I'm one director who improves making film by watching theatre .

Any final words?

We still have a long way to go as black film makers. One thing I'm sure about its that its our time and we have the resources, stories, talent. I guess what will help us it's to stop looking down to our writers who are write in our languages, if you are able to read a zulu book, why not direct it as a black director.