What I’ve Learned in Two Decades of Mentoring Filmmakers

My journey with the mentoring spans over two decades.

And there’s one truth I’ve come to understand deeply.

Relationships aren't built by accident. They’re built by intention. And shared values.

Let me take you back to the beginning.

I was in my twenties when I gave my very first industry workshop. It was at the Durban International Film Festival, and I was representing the SABC. I had been asked to speak to a room full of 100 festival attendees.

I had prepared my slides. Rehearsed my points. But when the day finally arrived, and I stepped in front of that crowd… I froze.

Busisiwe Ntintili speaking at German Producers Alliance - 2023 Creators Conference in Munich

I looked out into the sea of faces, not sure how to begin. My heart was pounding. And then, I made a spontaneous decision — one that has stayed with me ever since. I picked out a few people in the audience, made eye contact, and simply asked:

“What did you do this morning?”

The answers were as ordinary and as extraordinary as life itself.

“I brushed my teeth.”

“I made breakfast.”

“I missed my flight.”

“I had to deal with a family emergency.”

And in that moment, the room changed.The tone shifted. People relaxed. We connected as human beings. People with messy mornings, anxious hearts, unexpected detours… people with stories.

That moment reminded me, and everyone else in the room, that storytelling always begins with authenticity. It set the tone for the entire workshop. And enabled me, through the intention of connecting with my audience, to engage with the shared value of why we were all there – to learn from each other. 

And more than that — it shaped my entire approach to mentorship. And my work.

Connect first. Engage second.

Over the years, I’ve had the immense privilege of mentoring filmmakers across the African continent.

Busisiwe Ntintili speaking at Market Theatre Lab for Arts Alive in JHB

Through Talents Durban, I’ve worked with rising film professionals from countries as diverse and dynamic as the continent itself. Through DFM Access, I’ve mentored entry-level South African producers on an 8-week incubator programme. And through my Masterclasses and panels at Durban FilmMart, I’ve had the chance to connect, share, and learn alongside brilliant creatives who continue to inspire me.

But mentorship is never a one-way street.

More recently, I found myself on the other side of the table — as a participant. I was selected to take part in the Caribbean Tales Incubator (CTI), a partnership between DFM and CTI that brings together African and Caribbean filmmakers to create new possibilities for collaboration.

I was also a selected participant of the DFM Pitch and Finance Forum, representing my company’s first animation project in development. That journey led us to something incredible — we were chosen to attend the Annecy International Animation Film Festival through the Road to Annecy Incubator Programme.

My Big World - Children's author and Animation Co-Producer Amonge Sinxoto

So yes — the mentor became the student. But even that was born out of intention. The intention I had at the very start of my career to never stop learning. To be curious about everything.

Through my personal and company's training and development work, I have gone on to partner with other festivals, institutions, broadcasters and platforms to train and mentor storytellers. Partners like SABC, eTV, Soweto Theatre, Market Theatre Lab, Hillbrow Theatre, Arts Alive Festival, Soweto International Film Festival, Eastern Cape Film Festival, Time of the Writer Festival, Wits University Film School, Monash University, Big Fish School of Film, AFDA and international platforms like German Producers Alliance and MediaXChange London.

WGSA panel discussion at Soweto International Film Festival

Today, I sit in the role as the Chair of the Writers Guild South Africa. And this lesson is even clearer:

Just as relationships aren't built by accident — neither is an industry.

An industry is built with intention. With shared values. With people who are willing to do the hard work — together.

And this is where I see the beautiful alignment between WGSA and the organisations we partner with and support — organisations committed not just to what we do, but how we do it.

At WGSA, our mission is to protect, empower and develop performance writers in South Africa. We are committed to the growth of our creative sector. To the innovation that will future-proof our storytelling. To the sustainability that ensures our artists aren’t just surviving, but thriving.

WGSA industry talk with AFDA students in Durban

Even with all this progress… I believe we’ve only just scratched the surface.

We haven’t even begun to see the full power of what African filmmakers, writers, producers, directors, actors, creative talent and crew can offer the world.

ISIPHO telenovela - Writers Room

THE WIFE telenovela - Writers Room

We are sitting on a continent rich in culture, story, talent, and innovation. But to unleash that potential — we have to move with intention.

And we have to align around shared values.

We must champion:

• Industry Regulation

• Fair play

• Equity

• Real transformation

• And an unwavering dedication to our Craft.

And we must reject — at every turn — the forces that threaten to undermine us:

• Exploitation

• Gatekeeping

• Racism and Misogyny

• Corruption

  
  

Because every time we choose integrity over shortcuts, every time we choose collaboration over competition, every time we mentor someone, uplift a peer, open a door that was closed to us — We are building something. Not just a career. Not just a project. But an industry. A legacy. A future.

One intentional connection at a time.

Ntintili Factory Crew on Set

Robotics and Storytelling Workshop