We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Khumalo and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Denise, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As an immigrant I wanted to start my legacy within the film industry. It was the best way to help get my name out and showcase my culture and tradition. That is why I chose to name it “Mnandi” Productions which means Good or Nice in Ndebele/Zulu. My goal is to create feel good films and to be inclusive in content by showcasing immigrants and People of Colour. Owning a production company puts me in the position where I can help and hire other immigrants which is my way of giving back as it is an extremely competitive industry.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always had a unique eye for storytelling. My way of thinking and seeing ideas or thoughts was something I did not realise was a blessing when I was younger and I felt like the black sheep but now I see that it is my superpower. As I grew up, I saw that I enjoyed entertaining people through storytelling. Once I took a filmmaking class in college I was hooked and that is when I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. My speciality is unscripted content, especially documentaries. I love cinema verite, showing the true nature of people and their stories. I find that absolutely beautiful and that is why I make it my mission to bring unique or untold stories to the forefront from all walks of life. My biggest challenge was believing I was good enough or talented enough to have a voice and not being afraid to show my vulnerability. Over the years I have learnt to be myself and trust that I am where I am supposed to be because I deserve it. Once I did this everything has aligned and I am living my truth and it has opened so many doors for me.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being born and raised in Zimbabwe we love to eat meat, therefore I am obsessed with Oxtail. I found an amazing Jamaican chef named Ozi Brown who makes the best Carribean cuisine in Los Angeles. He has a restaurant called Ozi’s Kitchen in Downtown LA and I make sure that I take my friends there to taste his food when they visit.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly finding my tribe in Los Angeles is what really helped me grow and succeed in my career. I definitely want to give a special shoutout to Brown Girls Doc Mafia as they are an amazing group that offers advice and opportunities to women of colour. I have received many jobs through their platform and recommendations.
Website: https://www.denisekhumalo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makhu/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisekhumalo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denise.khumalo
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs_6FiV500g
Image Credits
Photographer: John D Starling III