On our previous post we introduced a new member of the Ndufromtheclan group – writer, filmmaker and Art Activist Thamsanqa Kasie. He let us in on his work and what social view he holds in terms of the importance of art + representation in townships. So on this post we are delving a little deeper into his work, looking at how he has established a creative platform known as the Nangamso Arts Projects.

What does the name mean:

Nangamso Arts Projects is a socialist movement rooted in the understanding that “art belongs everywhere”. Initially, it began as a film screening named after Thamsanqa’s sister, Bongeka Nangamso Kasie who passed having not seen any of his work. The filmmaker shot his first film at age 16 and wrote his first stage piece at age 11. He defines himself as a township filmmaker who aims to change the current industry aesthetic.

What does the project focus on:

The project focuses on telling township stories all the while promoting creative work within underprivileged townships in the Eastern Cape. In creating these stories, Nangamso also bridges a gap between communities and storytelling. On his current project he focuses on a small township called Stutterheim, curating a documentary short film titled Ghetto Fabulous.

What inspired the platform:

The artist expressed his passion to contribute to the overall township experience. He feels strongly that stories create perception and that when we are in charge of writing and telling our own stories, we inevitably shift what we view we have of ourselves and the places we come from. He believes that the Nangamso Art Project is an opportunity for creatives to be more, and to do more for underprivileged spaces in our country.

Thamsanqa is showing us that when we are willing to do the hard work, that we can reveal what treasures our communities hold. Follow more of his work on Facebook at Nangamso Arts Projects.

[Words by Thamsanqa Kasie, paraphrased by NdufromtheClan]