South Africa / 2024 / 12mins / Drama and Thriller / South African Vernacular

Set against the backdrop of a township brimming with both potential and peril, The Passage tells the story of Bafana, a bright and ambitious 17-year-old, whose dreams of becoming a lawyer are overshadowed by his toxic loyalty to his best friend, Mrembula. When Mrembula, a street-smart manipulator with a dark agenda, rapes Bafana’s girlfriend, Dakalo, the plot takes a chilling turn. Mrembula blackmails Bafana into fabricating an alibi, forcing him to choose between his conscience and the oppressive code of brotherhood.

Ntokozo Mlaba

Ntokozo Mlaba is no starnger to storytelling. His 2022 film To Be Seen garnered accolades across the globe Beyond the camera, Mlaba serves as the co-founder and managing director of Umphakathi Artists, a nonprofit leveraging the arts to drive social change. His work as a "social artivist" positions him not only as a storyteller but as a changemaker committed to addressing societal challenges through his craft. Learn More