I Am Thalente

I Am Thalente is an inspiring and heartfelt documentary released in 2015. It explores the life of Thalente Biyela, a homeless South African boy who turns his fortune around through sheer passion and determination for skateboarding. The film showcases the transformational journey of Thalente, embracing his love for skateboarding and overcoming the adversities of life.

Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, Thalente has endured a life of poverty and hardship since childhood. At the mere age of eight, he was forced onto the street after his troubled home life deteriorated. The skate park is not only his home but also his solace from the harsh realities of street life. Over time, Thalente grows a penchant for skateboarding, becoming a prodigious local figure in the South African skate scene, catching the attention of legends in professional skateboarding like Tony Hawk and Kenny Anderson.

Thalente's organic talent shines through his odes to the skateboard, serving as a metaphorical passport to freedom. The documentary covers Thalente's journey from the streets of South Africa to sunny California, where he gets discovered by former pro-skateboarder and now businessman, Kenny Anderson. He recognizes Thalente's talent, and that's when his life course takes a sharp turn. Later on, Tony Hawk, the skateboard king, also acknowledges him, leading to newfound hope, opportunities, and the consequent upturn in his fortune.

The film has elements of stark reality combined with the magical unfolding of an underdog story. Its narrative tackles issues such as homelessness, poverty, and the transformative power of community support and resilience. As audiences, we begin to witness Thalente's journey from an unprivileged background to overcoming social barriers, towards making a name in the insular world of professional skateboarding.

The titular character, Thalente, is indeed the heart and soul of the film. His raw talent and adolescent innocence are striking and makes this documentary utterly compelling. Moreover, his humility and life perspective add deeply to his character, making him relatable and creating a profound impact on audiences across the globe. His lucid personality and vibrant spirit portrayed in the film should serve as an inspiration to anyone attempting to make a life in spite of substantial odds.

The film also offers beautiful visual contrasts between the vibrant, bustling streets of Durban, South Africa, and the paved sidewalks of sunny Los Angeles, California, known as the global hub of skateboarding. This contrast signifies a symbolic journey for our protagonist, moving far away from his familiar territory to enter the world's biggest stage. The cinematography does justice to the essence of the narrative, capturing the raw spirit of skateboarding, the beauty of the streets, and the essence of true grit in the eyes of the protagonist.

Celebrated personalities from professional skateboarding, Kenny Anderson and Tony Hawk, play noteworthy roles in the film. As Thalente's mentors, they both serve to amplify his skillset and, above all, provide that essential support and belief needed for his advancement. Their characters are instrumental in the narrative development, making Thalente's dream-come-true story even more inspiring and convincing.

I Am Thalente is a story of resilience, determination, grit, and the power of dreams. It's a demonstration of how skateboarding or any form of art, can not only serve as a mode of escape from life's harsh circumstances but also transform lives. Director Natalie Johns does an exceptional job of capturing Thalente's journey in a manner that is raw, real, and utterly poignant. She presents a heartwarming portrayal of Thalente's personality and his raw talent that deserves to be celebrated.

Overall, I Am Thalente is an example of human triumph amidst adversity and universal themes of ambition, determination, resilience, and the power of community. It's a compelling portrayal of skateboarding as a means of escape, a catalyst for transformation, and a symbol of hope, guaranteed to resonate with audiences far and wide. This film doesn't just entertain; it also inspires and motivates viewers to dare to dream and believe.