It’s pretty crazy how ideas or plans tend to change over time. Initially, I wanted VERVE to mainly focus on the creatives involved within the local music scene, expanding on the world of sound in Cape Town.

However, the more Jeriah and I bounced around the city finding ourselves in the most fascinating creative spaces, we just knew VERVE wasn’t the platform limited for just music. Cape Town has so many more creatives involved in many different forms of artistry, ranging from poetry, visual arts, theatre, photography, and so much more.

It’s why when I spotted a post on my Instagram for a screening of a short film shot in the dark and gritty streets of Woodstock and Observatory, I knew I needed to learn more about it. The film was titled “THREADS OF LOVE”.

The film was directed by the bright mind of Raphadu Maphoto, a man with so much experience, knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm for the art of filmmaking.

Then there’s Mpho Rakodi, the leader in charge of the whole production process behind the film. A task many deem strenuous, however with her drive and hunger for her passion, she’s been able to conquer her duties as a film producer with great success.

What also had me intrigued was the cast. Leading the film was the gifted Odwa ‘Orie’ Tsotsobe alongside the likes of Tamsbaby, D2, and Kila G. All creatives who I discovered were all new to the world of acting. I appreciated this angle because it proved how creative minds in South Africa are always keen to explore outside of their comfort zones.

With all this information, I just knew this was the perfect time for VERVE to finally explore the world of filmmaking. I jumped at the opportunity to have a sit-down with Raphadu and Mpho to discuss how and why they chose the path of film while also speaking on what crafting the short film meant to them and how it all went down.

I remember how hot that Saturday evening was, eagerly awaiting the presence of the dynamic duo while sipping a cold one. When they arrived and we started going, it was probably the most unique interview I had ever had. I never take my interview process seriously. I always try to think of it as a casual conversation.

The both of them made the conversation really feel like we were all just homies catching up while also discussing their art and what it involves. There were countless moments where I barely said a word while they continued to passionately speak about what they do.

At some points, Raphadu would even apologize for babbling but I would always decline. I loved this interaction as it just emphasized how much the two were in love with what they do, and I loved just listening to everything they had to say.

Can you tell us who you both are and why you do what you do?

Raps: “Dumelang! I’m Raphadu Maphoto from the bustling city of Johannesburg. I think stories have always been there for me. I’ve been documenting since I was, like, what? Thirteen? I’d take my dad’s camera, run off to shoot the homies or head to Braamfontein, then come back and carefully pack it back into the wardrobe where he kept it safe.”

“As I did that, I’d post my work on social media, and it attracted a lot of interest. I was just blessed enough to be in situations where my creativity opened up opportunities I never imagined.”

“The New York Film Academy offered me a talent-based discount (scholarship) while I was still in high school and even sent their team to interview me. But things didn’t go the way we wanted. I didn’t perform well in my final year and ended up in a really tough predicament. You know, my dad is a civil engineer, so he’d always ask if I really wanted to take photos for the rest of my life. It was a difficult time because I understood he wanted me to pursue something more sustainable.”

“Luckily, I hit a turning point when I reached out to a family friend who inspired me a lot—the late SJ Myeza, a film director working in Cape Town at the time. SJ asked me what I was planning to do, and I told him I’d figure out this photography thing. That’s when he asked me: “Do you want to be a photographer or a director?”

“I remember sitting with that question. It really made me think. At the time, I had photographs that naturally pushed me toward pressing the red button—to record. And yeah, I just had this knack for telling stories, which eventually brought me here. I relocated to Cape Town, where I worked as a junior director at a renowned production house.”

“Things went well. I was mentored by some really inspirational directors. One thing that always stood out for them was my approach to a creative brief. I don’t sugarcoat things. I have a very raw approach—raw narratives, psychologically driven stories, and imagery that always feels emotional. That’s just me.”

“But as much as things were going well as a junior director, I knew my mentors could drop me at any moment. So I asked myself: What happens after that? That’s when I decided to dedicate three years of my life to studying and mastering the craft—unapologetically.”

“After I graduated, I thought opportunities would come flooding in. Instead, I was hit with a rude awakening. But I was blessed because I had some experience and, more importantly, the hunger to reach my dreams. Nothing was going to stop me from doing what I wanted.”

“For me, the most important thing has always been telling the stories we really want to tell—and telling them in the most interesting way possible.”

Mpho: “My name is Mpho, born in Soweto and raised in the East Rand. Like Raphadu, I didn’t initially have a creative background, or so I thought. I didn’t have the knowledge or information to fully embrace creativity, and I was on the conventional path—thinking of becoming a doctor, lawyer, or something similar.”

“I studied cosmetology, which felt like the right choice at the time, and earned my diploma. But just as I finished, COVID hit.”

“During that time, I didn’t just sit still. I kept exploring other creative outlets like modeling and dancing, trying to find where I truly belonged. I wanted to share this with my parents, but there was no clear example to follow. They often asked why I didn’t just take a “normal” job or career.”

“Deep down, I knew I needed something that gave me purpose. I’ve always seen myself as a helper, someone who contributes in meaningful ways. In everything I do, I aim to learn and improve. Once I grasp a skill, I dedicate myself to it.”

“I was fortunate enough to learn more about the film industry, and I became fascinated with critiquing movies. I’d watch films, break them down, and study how directors and filmmakers analyzed them. It became a backup hobby, something I did for fun, but I didn’t realize it could be a career.”

“When the opportunity to work with Raphadu came up, it felt like an answered prayer. I was craving a creative shift, a career change, a life change. Meeting him opened my eyes to filmmaking, and I got to experience the process of working with a team to bring a vision to life.”

“That’s when I realized filmmaking was exactly what I wanted to do. I didn’t have a reference or blueprint, but as soon as I started, I knew this was my path.”

“This year, I am completing a Higher Certificate in Film, Television, and Entertainment Production at AFDA and will be graduating next year. I have gained the much-needed skills in the technical aspects of the various departments of the film industry which I am so eager to use.”

The screening event was an experience I will never forget. I’m a sucker for films, especially films that captivate me from the second they start rolling.

Ntando and I arrived at Gorgeous George to set up and interact with the crew while also mingling with the many attendees who pulled up to show support. If there’s one thing I love admiring in this beautiful city is the immense amount of support the locals show for the creative spaces within the city. It’s obviously not just us at VERVE who truly understand how blessed we are to have such an abundance of talent within this city.

Once the crowd had settled down on their comfy bean bags, the show was ready to commence. And what better way was there to kick off the night with an unexpected performance from Kila G, serenading the crowd with his heavenly vocal performance with Odwa also using the opportunity to display his lyrical gifts. Well played by the team, I have to credit them for that lovely moment.

Soon after, Thuto Vilakazi introduced the team to the crowd while also thanking everyone who showed love for their project. You could easily sense this whole evening meant everything to them.

But finally, the moment occurred when Raps requested the lights to be dimmed before finally showcasing the screening of the film. I can’t lie, for some reason, I knew I was in for a show, but I still wasn’t sure what to expect.

Now, I don’t want to get too deep about what occurred throughout the film or even spoil the plot of it. I’d recommend you view it for yourself. I will just mention the highlights of what we witnessed.

Firstly, I cannot fathom how beautifully the film was shot visually. Marvellous is the word I would use to describe it. I recall the scene of Odwa linking with D2, who played the antagonist, and Kila G trying to find a designer for his upcoming show. It was shot under a bridge, but man did it feel like I was watching an episode of Atlanta.

Or even better was the shot of Odwa sprinting through the reeds of a field during one of his nightmare sequences. The way it was captured really made the whole scene feel so much more emotional as you could truly resonate with the character's struggle and fears.

And the performance from the cast was absolutely sublime. You would never assume this was their first time finding themselves in this kind of challenging activity. But damn did they do an outstanding job.

Odwa as the lead was the perfect pick. It was destined for him as he showcased his talent in the field of acting. In the short run-time of the film, I had already built a connection with the character, constantly rooting for him to come out of his tough situation with a win.

Tamsbaby’s role as Odwa’s supportive lover for the film was also very crucial for the plot. Every time she was on the screen, she made it feel like the love between the two characters was pure, and it was always evident whenever she had her concerns about her onscreen partner.

However, D2’s performance stole the show. I haven’t met the guy but it’s clear the people around him have so much admiration for him in a humorous kind of way. Playing the role of the villain suited him so well and I couldn’t help but chuckle along with the crowd every time he was on the screen causing havoc while the crowd would laugh and chant his name every time he’d be acting like a menace.

Everything about this short film was glorious. If there were any negative comments I had about the film, it was that it was too short. And that’s not a bad thing. I was always aware it was a short film, but it just meant that I was in love with the experience so much that I needed more from it. Trust me, I don’t get that kind of craving from a lot of short films I watch.

And it was clear the crowd felt the same way as they continuously chanted for an encore which Raps was more than happy to replay the film for the crowd to indulge in once more.

This whole experience was one I’m so grateful we could’ve been part of. It was a world of creativity I had yet to explore, and I thank the crew for allowing VERVE to witness this moment in time.

Talking to the whole team and what it meant to them really showed me how passionate this city is when it comes to their creative projects. The film literally only took them a day to shoot, from the cold early morning until late into the dark evening, yet they did it because it meant so much to them.

And the amount of love they have for what they do is evident in the conversation we had that one Saturday afternoon.

I felt that it was only right to attach the whole recording below for those who are interested in listening to exactly how Raphadu and Mpho detailed the world of filming.

I look forward to whatever else they have cooking for the future.