Exuberant skate doc with a social message, I AM THALENTE, is currently playing event screenings throughout the U.S. releases digitally on May 13th, 2016.
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I AM THALENTE follows Thalente Biyela, a 17 year-old homeless skateboard prodigy in South Africa who catches the eye of the professional skate-world when a DIY video of him skating goes viral. (Seriously, check “Ten Tricks with Thalente” on his You Tube Channel) A group of top pro-skaters and figures in the skate world, including Kenny Anderson and legend Tony Hawk, offer Thalente support and an opportunity to pursue his dream of skating and competing in the U.S, to rise about his circumstances and help him shape his own future.
Director Natalie Johns, who grew up in South Africa, has created a moving international portrait of teenage struggle and ambition, capturing the extreme highs and lows of success and failure – all framed by the thrilling backdrop of skate parks and competitions from South Africa to Los Angeles. Featuring a vibrant ensemble of young skaters, professional legends, and the memorable figure of teenage skater Thalente Biyela.
Look for my upcoming review (shocker I love it!) and interview with Director Natalie Johns, producer Selema “Sal” Masekela Doc subject/skater Thalente Biyela & Legendary skaters Tony Hawk, Kenny Anderson, once I iron out the details.
“A unique tale that shows just how far positivity and confidence can take someone.”
– Katie Walsh, Indiewire’s “The Playlist”
“I AM THALENTE is an active, soul-searching and soul-affirming doc. It is one that doesn’t exist in a passive fly-on-the-wall sense, with a hero that lives up to his namesake 100%.”
– Ben Umstead, Twitch
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Event screening info: https://www.seedandspark.com/studio/i-am-thalente#updates
iTunes pre-order: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/i-am-thalente/id1089027479
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