Based on real facts and rooted in the current and past history of South Africa, Mthunzi is a movie under tension, both for the excellent performance of its actors and its impeccable image. Impressive by its strong subject matter − which resonates with our European reality − and important by its unstoppable effectiveness, Tebogo Malebogo’s first film undoubtedly reveals the talent of a promising filmmaker.

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- Locarno Film Festival

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"While walking home from the store, a young man is prompted to help a seizing woman, and unknowingly demonstrates the danger of doing the right thing. Cape Town–based filmmaker Tebogo Malebogo’s briskly tense script and direction elevate Mthunzi from a simple morality tale into a nervous thriller about implicit biases in unfamiliar circumstances."

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- New York Film Festival

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“Centered on a chance encounter, MTHUNZI gives an intimate and powerful glance into the intricacies of unconscious bias. Beautifully captured, grounded performances and daring choices on behalf of the filmmaker left the jury stirred by this gentle narrative.”

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- Jury Statement, Special Jury Award (Live Action) at the 33rd AFI Fest 

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"...with involving performances, an efficient script and crisp, suspenseful direction, this short thriller is a promising first sign of a confident and socially conscious young talent." 

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- Le Cinéma Club (lecinemaclub.com)

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"A simple story to tell an everyday, but deeply powerful event, full of reflections on how everyday racism can be very internalized, which still prevents many people around the world from reacting to preconceived stereotypes about black people .. It also shows us very skilfully the complex social fabric of South Africa that is still pierced by Apartheid's inheritance."

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- Jury Statement, Best International Short Film, Quibdó African Film Festival