Check Out Ofentse Malatse’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ofentse Malatse.

Hi Ofentse, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. AKA the city surrounded by corn. I dreamed of being an actor since I was eight. I went to my first audition with my dad and performed in front of a crowd. Like the guys were dressed like top secret agents and the women dressed like the cast of Ocean’s Eight. I was like “sheesh, is someone about to rob a bank!?” And there I was, a young boy wearing a long sleeve button up shirt with black church pants, sweating, trying to come up with something quick to impress these giants. I did a piece from the movie Finding Nemo for them then, afterwards, ran straight to my dad. I was given the opportunity to move forward in acting and travel to Florida but my family was in a tight spot so I couldn’t go. I still wanted to perform for people in some type of way.

I later saw a post on Facebook that a company was shooting a dancing commercial in Indianapolis as a promo for the NBA playoffs. I went to the audition and got a spot but little did I know that it was a legit production company filming the commercial. Never have I seen anything like it before.

While I was on set someone told me that they are always filming shows in Chicago. I was like, “Word? Bet I’m moving to Illinois!” I managed to get a scholarship at a University and convinced my family that I was going to embark on a journey of becoming an actor/filmmaker. In Illinois, I have been blessed to have the experience to collaborate with other filmmakers and artists. I directed and wrote my first documentary film that went on to be shown at the university’s auditorium. I had the privilege to work at Chicago Cinespace. I had a blast working on set and met some amazing people but those long 12 to 14 hour shoot days were fun but no joke! Sometimes I was couch surfing at a friend’s place just to get by.

After shooting a few shorts and shows, I decided to take my talents to the mecca of the entertainment industry. Los Angeles! There’s just more opportunity and so much more to learn. I studied at a couple of drama schools and collaborated with some dope artists. I had fun acting in “Academic Super Squad,” directed by Taylor Gates and produced by Benjamin Bermudez. I also got to act in a feature indie film “Sacred Hearts” and learned a lot about taking directional notes. There are so many lessons that I’ve learned that inspired me to create my own content. So I gathered my old Sony camcorder, bought some lights, and a microphone, then started posting videos on my YouTube Channel again!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think life, in general, is a struggle. Especially when chasing a dream where people think you’re crazy for doing it. At the time, my family didn’t have much money. My family was living in South Africa while I was staying with another family to save up money to buy the film equipment and travel back and forth between cities. If there was any chance of me moving close to Chicago, I had to save up enough money and work hard enough on my studies to get a scholarship. From there, it was figuring out how to get casted for roles. I hired a photographer to take headshots. I took drama classes. I paid to launch my own website.

By then, all the money I saved was gone. Not going to lie, there were some close calls. Later, I saved up enough money then left for Los Angeles. There was a lot ahead of me and I had to take on the responsibility. In Los Angeles, rent is a whole different ball game. On top of that, paying for classes and acting services had my wallet run for the hills. Working odd jobs and production gigs were cool and all. Some of them sucked. But when you want something so bad, you figure it out and trust your instincts. Eventually, it will all pay off. All in all, it’s about what you are willing to struggle for.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I act, but in general, I entertain people. Whether that be on camera or in public. Now, I post skits on Youtube. I’m proud of the journey. How I got from where I was to where I am now. It’s so surreal.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has always played a role in my life. I’m grateful for every failure and I’m grateful for every success.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: ofentsekmalatse
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCujnVkwp3KTfbpFQuSxT7VQ?view_as=subscriber
• Other: https://youtu.be/e0htyrrO3ZA

Image Credits
The personal photo is credited by Addison Migna