Meet Lethabo Mokgatle

Lethabo, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Coming from the Capital city of South Africa, formally known as Pretoria, I have always thought that I would become an architect and follow in my grandfather’s footsteps. But throughout my teen years, I had always had an interest in the arts and entertainment industry. I took this interest into action and auditioned for a ballet dance company called Monnyth Dance House which was located at the South African State Theater. I danced ballet until I was 16, as my passion drifted me into the visual arts industry. I then decided to finish my high school years at The National School of Arts with an Art Major in 2D Design.

I still felt like I wanted to grow my skills and knowledge, so I decided to go to film school to turn my art into motion and create stories. Since then I fell in love with the Film industry as it has exposed me to so much, and that helped me create my own independent films, which one of them was nominated to the Cannes Short Corner Film Festival, in May 2015. I felt very confident and decided to collaborate with other professionals in the industry, which led me to an open door in 2016 with one of South Africa’s biggest and popular morning talk shows called Morning Express. I was given an opportunity to produce a dance workshop with an international choreographer who worked with the likes of Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, and many more. Through this experience, I knew that I wanted to do bigger and greater things. I started collaborating with new directors and producers, which helped me grow as a producer. I also signed with two model agencies; one was called Espoir Model Management- I attended a model school for grooming and fashion show classes, and the other agency that cast me as the Face of Jet Donatella clothing brand for plus-size models is called GAPA Model Agency. I had a combination of the fashion and film industry, and the two worked really well because when I was on shoots for Modeling, I was able to learn how professional crew members were and I would apply that to my work when I would be on set for film shoots.

At the time I was sitting with two international acceptances to study a Bachelors in Filmmaking, one school located in England called the University of Central Lancashire and the second school located in Los Angeles called the New York Film Academy. However my journey to getting to where I am today was not easy, I faced a lot of challenges, but eventually what I like to call a miracle had appeared- One of South Africas biggest Broadcasting and Television company called Multichoice-MNet, made the one dream I had come true- I was able to pack my bags and travel to Los Angeles and study my bachelors in filmmaking.

Whenever I share my story, I always refer to it as a miracle testimony to most people, as my trip to California was prophesied by one of my pastors during a new years eve cross over church service in 2017. As a religious person, I do believe that everything happens for a reason and that being persistent is the key to achieving your goals

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have had a lot of challenges getting to where I am today. For over four years, I had to stay consistent and focused on my dreams. It was never easy, but I always made sure that I worked twice as hard to prove to the people that were already discouraging me that my dreams will one day come true.

I was told that film was not my calling and that I should try something else, and at that time it felt like this dream would never come true. I was also asked why did I choose this industry as most people want the same thing that I want, but I had to explain to them why I am different from the other people. I am me, and I know what I want and how I will get there, with or without their help.

I had a lot of people also sending out empty promises to me, people saying that they will help but never do! I had to learn to do it on my own.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your story. Tell us more about the business.
I am known for my art with most people in South Africa; however, since I started making my name in the film industry, most people know me as a filmmaker and producer as I have collaborated with a lot of independent directors in making their dreams a reality in filmmaking (producing new content).

I am proud of being able to work with more than one industry in the entertainment industry. I am a sketch artist and a painter and have collaborated with a small art gallery located in the East of Pretoria, which is my home town in South Africa. I am also a writer and director for small independent films. However, my best suit is producing as I enjoy the admin work of putting a film together.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
The Role of “luck” changed my life right after getting discovered by the Multichoice group. They made my dreams come true; if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today! I have faced many challenges, but those challenges were all worth it, as I know how the road is and I this has made me more mature as an artist, knowing the struggle to getting your goals is something that has helped me grow.