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Presented at the Durban International Film Festival and billed as the first ever dance film from South Africa, Hear Me Move tells the story of Muzi (played by Nyaniso Dzedze), an accounting student at a Johannesburg college and the son of a legendary township pantsula dancer. When tragedy struck at a street dance and his father was murdered, Muzi promised his mother to give up dancing. What Muzi doesn’t know is that his father’s death was not as everyone believed it to be. When his father’s former dance partner, Shoes, approaches Muzi to join his crew, “Sbujwa Nation”, Muzi has to choose between finding out the truth about his father’s death or disappointing his mother.

The film features a host of well-loved South African actors such as S’thandiwe Kgoroge, Makhaola Ndebele, Lillian Dube, Alfred Ntombela, Khanyi Mbau, Lorcia Cooper, Boity Thulo, Thembi Seete, Wandile Molebatsi, Amanda Du Pont and radio DJ Khutso Theledi also make cameo appearances.

Bontle Modiselle, from SA’s first ever dance film, Hear Me Move, talks about her part in the film

Who is Bontle?

Bontle Modiselle is a 24 year old, Johannesburg born and bred performing artist. I have been dancing for about 8 years now. Acting was an art form I dabbled in, in my younger years in primary school but stopped. I was officially thrown into the deep end in doing my acting debut on South Africa’s first Feature Dance Film titled ‘Hear Me Move’. Since then, I have also acted in two short films still to be aired, all Coal Stove Pictures productions.

When did you know you could dance?

I didn’t crawl, I just walked because I was in a hurry to dance, so my mom says. But my earliest memory of knowing how to dance was when I would dance to Boom Shaka’s music. That later became a different awareness through Rhythmic Gymnastics, and was solidified in my high school years when I was reintroduced to dance in becoming part of the hip hop street dance culture. I’ve been milking it for everything it is worth since then.

Did you study dance?

The only studying I got done was at the University of Johannesburg where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Corporate Communications. I’ve never seen the walls of a dance school but throughout my career as a dancer which was predominantly self-taught, I have a few individuals I could give training credit to, particularly Pacou Mutombo, Mabine Maila, Tyrone Watkins, Paul Modjadji to name a few.

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

2014 has been a year of abundant blessings for me from being part of the Woolworths RE: Jeans 2014 campaign, to working for Fact: Durban Rocks at the Durban July, becoming a Miller Dancer (Pop Bottles), being the dance entertainment at two big sporting events, the Basketball National League and later on the Multichoice Diski Challenge. My greatest achievement to date undoubtedly has to be being the female lead character in SA’s first Feature Dance Film titled ‘Hear Me Move’ which is to be released in cinema in early next year.

What kind of challenges do you face in your industry and how do you overcome them?

I think the greatest challenge in my industry is the money in it, or rather the lack thereof. Dancers have the most physically grueling task of all the art forms and artists/production houses/companies don’t compensate dancers as well as they should. They don’t consider the hours put into creating the brief they send, which is delivered far beyond their expectations and instead treat it like it is a hobby, where in fact, it’s people’s livelihoods that they think so little of. With how it is ranked in the world of work, living off of dance in isolation in South Africa isn’t a viable option. As well, to do really well in this industry, you need to create your own consistency, and ensure you are as versatile as possible, that makes you limitless and flexible, a choreographer’s dream.

Tell us more about Hear me move, how did you get involved?

How I got involved in ‘Hear Me Move’ was purely destiny at work. I was in the same vicinity as the auditions of the film but I was next door rehearsing for a commercial I was cast in. I knew of the auditions but had no intention of attending them. Choreographer of the film, Paul Modjadji was judging the auditions alongside director of the film Scottnes Smith. I had a different working relationship with Paul, so I went next door to ask him a question but couldn’t speak to him beyond the glass doors. Next thing I know, I was pulled out of my rehearsal, called by Scott to audition. I did it because any chance to dance I’d take; I was given a script to learn and deliver within 5mins. From that moment, the rest was pretty much history.

How has the journey been so far?

The journey thus far is one I cannot describe to anyone, but can only be experienced. I couldn’t have imagined it myself and that’s why I’m certain that it was beyond my own means and the powers that be created it for me. I wouldn’t change a single thing and would relive these days over and over again without fail.

What can people expect from you in Hear me move?

People can expect a great performance all round, in both the acting and the dancing. They can expect to relate to the character, to go through the emotional journey she experiences but ultimately to have as much fun as ‘Khanyi’ (my character) does.

What advice would you give someone who would like to follow your path?

Firstly, never forget why you chose this craft. Despite the inevitable challenges, mainly the monetary exchange, never allow those factors to distort your passion. My mantra is the only thing that limits God is your thinking. If that is applicable to you in any way, be open to what God has planned for you, which will be far greater than anything you can fathom for yourself. Lastly, nurture and sharpen your craft as well as your business skills. Be savvy and smart about your work, remain focused and you’ll obtain most, if not all your goals.

Watch the short clip of Hear Me Move below