Are you our Women of the Future? Are you a woman shaping the future of our country? We invite you to enter as an outstanding woman entrepreneur for the Santam Women of the Future Awards, in association with FAIRLADY and TRUELOVE.
Whether you’ve just launched your business, are making a difference in the community or have been steering your own enterprise for years, this is your moment. We believe that women-led businesses have the power to transform our economy and redefine the future, and we want to celebrate you!
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I have submitted my company Sacambaya Films under the category ‘The Santam Rising Star Title’, which is awarded to an entrepreneur between 16 and 35 years old who is still within its first 1 000 days but whose business, the judges believe, will flourish way beyond them.
These are my entry answers:
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What does your company do?
Sacambaya Films is my purpose-driven production company, inspired by the legend of the hidden treasure in Bolivia’s Sacambaya River. Just like that treasure, I believe there are powerful, overlooked stories waiting to be uncovered—especially stories rooted in disability, resilience, and hope. As the founder, I launched this company to amplify voices that are rarely heard and to offer authentic, nuanced portrayals of people with disabilities.
My Vision & Mission:
Authentic Disability Representation –
As a Deaf filmmaker who uses cochlear implants, I bring my lived experience into every story I tell. I’m passionate about shifting how the film industry portrays disability—moving beyond stereotypes and tokenism to highlight fully realized, dynamic characters with depth.
Inclusive, Empowering Storytelling –
My academic thesis, A Forgotten Audience: Responses of d/Deaf Audiences to Films Depicting d/Deafness, examined how Deaf viewers respond to authentic versus inaccurate representations. That research now informs every script I write and every project I develop. My current short film, ThisAbility, reflects this: it’s a story that places disabled people at the center, not the margins.
Community-Focused Filmmaking –
I’m based in Jeffreys Bay, and it’s important to me that I uplift my hometown. I am actively assembling a local crew for ThisAbility, aiming to create sustainable jobs and a growing creative economy in the Kouga region.
Early Successes:
I was one of only four recipients in South Africa to receive a National Film & Video Foundation grant under the theme “Not What Society Expects.”
My Honours film, Is’Thuthi, which featured a Deaf protagonist, was selected as the top script from my AFDA class and premiered in November 2024.
I graduated with distinction from AFDA (Port Elizabeth), where my passion for film and disability advocacy came together.
What I’m Working On:
My current project, ThisAbility, is in development and funded by the NFVF. It’s a 5–10-minute short film that aims to challenge societal norms while celebrating difference. I’m proud to say that my team is being sourced from local talent pools, which is part of my bigger vision to build a vibrant, inclusive film hub in the Eastern Cape.
Why Sacambaya Films Exists:
The name “Sacambaya” captures my mission: to search for hidden treasures—in this case, the stories and talents society often overlooks. I want my films to educate, entertain, and most importantly, empower.
With each project, I want to show that stories led by disabled characters and created by disabled filmmakers aren’t just important—they’re necessary. They belong in cinemas, on streaming platforms, and in the public consciousness.
Why I’m a Rising Star:
I officially registered Sacambaya Films in early 2025, so I’m still within my first 1,000 days as a business owner.
I’ve already secured national funding and critical recognition for my work.
I have a clear path ahead—completing ThisAbility, entering it into festivals, and scaling into larger productions and mentorship programs.
Sacambaya Films isn’t just a company—it’s a calling. I created it to tell stories that matter, build something meaningful in my community, and ensure that future generations of disabled creatives have a seat at the table. With the support of this award, I believe I can take my vision even further—and continue to unearth the treasure of untold stories in South Africa and beyond.
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What has been your biggest success?
My biggest success with Sacambaya Films has been securing a competitive National Film & Video Foundation (NFVF) grant to develop ThisAbility, a short film that authentically centers the disabled experience. As one of only four recipients nationally, this recognition affirmed the impact and originality of my vision: to create inclusive, community-rooted stories that challenge stereotypes. ThisAbility is not just a film—it’s the embodiment of my mission to empower Deaf and disabled voices, both on screen and behind the scenes. The grant has enabled me to hire local talent from Jeffreys Bay, laying the groundwork for a sustainable creative industry in my hometown. It’s a powerful start within my first 1,000 days—proof that authentic storytelling, driven by lived experience, resonates deeply and has the potential to change hearts, minds, and the industry itself.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
My biggest hurdle has been navigating the film industry as a Deaf filmmaker in a space that often overlooks accessibility and inclusivity. From limited networking opportunities to the lack of Deaf representation behind the camera, I’ve had to advocate constantly—not just for my own voice, but for the stories I want to tell. Building Sacambaya Films from the ground up without an established industry network, while also educating others about authentic disability representation, has been both challenging and exhausting. Yet, these obstacles have fuelled my purpose and sharpened my vision. Every barrier has reinforced why Sacambaya Films must exist.
What does success look like in the next 3 years?
Success in the next three years for Sacambaya Films means becoming a leading voice in authentic, disability-led storytelling in South Africa and beyond. I see ThisAbility completed, screened at national and international film festivals, and used as an educational tool in schools and universities. Sacambaya Films will grow into a fully operational production company with a Deaf-led core team and a network of inclusive, trained crew members—especially from my hometown, Jeffreys Bay.
We’ll produce at least two more short films and begin development on a feature or docuseries centered on underrepresented voices. Beyond the screen, success means hosting workshops and mentorship programs to train the next generation of Deaf and disabled creatives.
Ultimately, I want Sacambaya Films to be known not just for our powerful content, but for building an accessible, inclusive filmmaking model that can be replicated across the continent.
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For more information on this competition, click HERE.
View my entry HERE.
