Kabelo Thathe didn’t set out to become a cinematographer. Raised in South Africa, he felt the pressure so many young creatives do—to pursue a "real" career. But behind closed doors, his walls were a riot of movie posters and cinematic dreams. A high school year in Minnesota cracked the world open for him. When he returned home, he knew he had a calling: to tell stories with light, movement, and meaning.
In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Kabelo to trace the journey from Canon 5D experiments to global film sets. He shares how a commercial gig with Mzi Kumalo gave him his first taste of the industry and how film school at AFDA sharpened his eye and his discipline. From reality shows to critically acclaimed features, Kabelo’s path is one of patience, passion, and purpose.
His work on 'Vaya' showed the world his eye for classic visual storytelling—honest frames and natural light that serve the scene rather than steal it. That signature style has taken him all the way to 'Rise,' his Disney Plus collaboration with longtime creative partner Akin Omotoso. For Kabelo, it's not just about the shot. It's about the story and the trust between the director and DP that brings it to life.
Whether he’s running on set or photographing with friends, Kabelo Thathe brings a quiet intensity to everything he does. He may have once dreamed of being a marine biologist, but the pull of film was stronger. Today, he’s the one making the posters—the ones that end up on someone else’s wall, sparking the next generation of visual storytellers.
Kabelo Thathe's IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7984838/
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