Menzi Mzimela Reveals What Inspired His Directorial Journey In Exclusive Instagram Qa

Menzi Mzimela , a 32-year-old writer, director, and editor, recently premiered his debut feature film, Kites, at the 2025 Joburg Film Festival.

Kites premiered at the Joburg Film Festival , which took place from March 11 to 16, 2025, at the Joburg Film Theatre. This premiere marks a significant milestone for Menzi, who has spent years working tirelessly to bring his vision to life. The premiere was well-received, with tickets selling out prior to the event, a clear sign of the excitement surrounding Menzi's work. The films premiere marked an exciting new chapter for Menzi, who has worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life.

IOL had the opportunity to ask Menzi a series of questions on Instagram, where he opened up about his journey, the challenges of directing, and his creative process. Below are his responses.

Kennedy Phungela: What inspired you to pursue directing?

Menzi Mzimela : Ive always loved movies since I was a kid. But directing was never an option until I was 28. I knew deep down it was something I wanted to do but I genuinely didnt think it was a possibility. So, I expressed my passion for movies a lot, but I never really openly spoke about the fact that I wanted to direct until my late 20s.