Meet Phateka Malahleha | Producer, Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phateka Malahleha and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phateka, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, surrounded by my predominantly Sotho family and friends who spoke at least 2 of the 11 official languages in SA. This background has inspired me to always have an expansive understanding of how we connect with each other as people and how powerful storytelling can be in bridging that gap. I grew up in a home and in a culture that embraces storytelling. I grew up seeing my mom get home from work every day and watch a film – either by starting a new one or attempting to complete one she had already started. Even if it took her a week to finish the film because she kept falling asleep, she would finish it eventually. She’s made my dad and I watch so many of her favourites on repeat! Eventually, I caught on to the infectious sense of possibility they left her feeling. I want to be a part of storytelling that makes people who look like me or are otherwise marginalized feel seen and celebrated, and prioritized. This led me to Southern California to pursue a joint MBA and MFA in Film and TV Producing. Through graduate school, gaining work experience at various companies in the entertainment industry, and being a part of several productions, I have developed more certainty that I want to continue working in storytelling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have often struggled to label myself, and still do, because my skills are so expansive, and my passion for bringing ideas to life goes beyond one practice. But it all comes back to storytelling. My love for transforming an idea into a communicative work of art runs deep. I have been a part of many projects that I am proud of, each refining my taste and making me a better producer, writer, and overall human being. I recently wrote and produced a short film titled The Missing Middle (follow us on IG: @themissingmiddle.film). Within the same year, I also produced a short film titled Irma, written by Roger Torres. I produced both films alongside another MFA Producing student, Melissa Valdiviezo. Executing these projects while completing my master’s degree and working roughly 30 hours a week was definitely not easy. However, it was truly a labour of love and I am thankful for the opportunity to have developed myself creatively and professionally. We are working on getting both films out in the world, and I am grateful for every person who worked on these projects.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Way too many people deserve recognition for aiding me in my journey so far. Firstly I would like to thank God for continuing to write the story of my life which I am blessed to be a protagonist in. My family and friends encourage and ground me with their love and support. Certain teachers and lecturers have pushed me to challenge myself continuously. There’s remarkable people I’ve met in the entertainment industry who have taken the time to mentor me and continue to advise and guide me as I navigate this industry. I owe them all my sincerest gratitude.

Instagram: @themissingmiddle.film

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phateka-malahleha/ 

Image Credits
Chaewon Suh