Veins of the Veld
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Fantasy, Horror
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Zimbabwe, Veins of the Veld explores themes of identity, family bonds, self sacrifice, and self-acceptance as sisters, Vimbai and Monica, journey to the countryside to find a cure for Vimbai’s vampirism.
Veins of the Veld
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Fantasy, Horror
Green Light
This campaign raised $17,640 for development. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
109 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Zimbabwe, Veins of the Veld explores themes of identity, family bonds, self sacrifice, and self-acceptance as sisters, Vimbai and Monica, journey to the countryside to find a cure for Vimbai’s vampirism.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
We're thrilled to announce that 'Veins of the Veld' has been greenlit! ??♀️ Thank you, Veld Dwellers, for your incredible support. As our crowdfunding campaign draws to a close, we're gearing up for an exhilarating ride through planning, scheduling, and pre-production. But the adventure doesn't stop here!
While we've been greenlit, we're still reaching for those tantalizing stretch goals that will help us bring even more magic to the Veld. And we're still accepting tax-deductible donations through our fiscal sponsor, Film Independent.
If you missed our Seed&Spark campaign or know someone who'd love to join our nocturnal family, fear not! We dream big, and with your generosity and amplifying our message and page, we can achieve even more.
Every contribution brings us closer to realizing the full potential of our vampire tale.
Visit https://www.filmindependent.org/sponsored-projects/veins-of-the-veld/ to keep the blood pumping into our project. And please share it.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey – the best is yet to come!
.
.
.
“What if the monsters we fear are the very ones we need to embrace?”
Where African folklore meets vampire and shapeshifter mythology in the heart of Zimbabwe
Definitions:
VELD - the open country, bearing grass, bushes, or shrubs, or thinly forested, characteristic of parts of southern Africa
VEINS - blood, blood ties, familial bonds, returning to the heart of who we are
After a long stretch abroad, Vimbai returns to Zimbabwe and solicits her sister Monica’s help to cure a rare condition that haunts her existence, causing her skin to burn in daylight and fueling an insatiable thirst for blood—vampirism. She must sacrifice her desires in order for her loved ones to live. Monica has located a sangoma, traditional healer, who purports to have the ultimate cure.
As they journey through the vibrant countryside, a series of events unfold revealing glimpses of Vimbai’s struggle with her vampirism. She battles her dark urges, employing every ounce of willpower to suppress them.
The atmosphere shifts to foreboding as they enter the sangoma’s dimly lit hut. Too late, they realize they’ve walked into a trap. A fierce struggle for Vimbai’s life unfolds, with Monica entering the fray. In the heat of the battle, hidden truths about their identities and transformations come to light revealing who they truly are and who they have become.
Welcome to "Veins of the Veld," a short film that dares to ask, “What if the monsters we fear are the very ones we need to embrace?”
While I’m not necessarily a “monster” ;-) there are certainly parts of myself that I have had to hide in order to survive the various settings I have found myself in.
I was inspired to write Veins of the Veld to explore the tension I experience being a non-traditional African woman living in the West facing often conflicting multi-cultural expectations and demands. Where do I really belong? I also really like vampires. They are simultaneously grotesque and alluring. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I never saw a black vampire until I moved to the United States (shout out Angela Bassett!) and certainly not an African one on African soil.
So I created Vimbai. She’s a vampire who just wants to belong but must make great personal sacrifices to do so. Is it all worth it? Should she just accept who she is? Will that bring her true freedom, even if it leads her down a path of rejection and loneliness? And then there's family – those blood ties that can nurture or suffocate, lift you up or drag you down. How do our relationships survive when we undergo profound changes?
Veins of the Veld is a fun story exploring very relevant and universally relatable themes: Identity and Transformation, The Burden of Secrets, Sacrifice and Survival, Isolation and Companionship. Through the combination of vampire mythology, shapeshifter legends and African folklore, our desire is to make a short film that will stretch your imagination, ignite thought-provoking conversations and get your veins pumping!
Veins of the Veld will transport you to a magical Zimbabwe. Envision sun-soaked streets and savannas fading into mysterious nights, where shadows dance with secrets. We'll capture the city’s vibrant energy and rural landscape’s timeless allure, blending the everyday with the supernatural.
Our cinematography will dance between light and shadow, mirroring our characters' dual natures. Expect a dynamic palette that evolves with the story - earthy tones of day gradually yielding to cool, saturated hues as we delve deeper into the supernatural. Sharp contrasts and deep shadows will build mystery and tension, while bursts of vibrant color punctuate pivotal moments, creating a visual feast that's as rich and complex as Zimbabwe itself.
Why This? Why Now? Why Us?
Veins of the Veld isn't just another vampire story - it's a bold reimagining of vampire folklore through a contemporary southern African lens. In a world hungry for diverse voices and fresh perspectives, our film offers a unique blend of fantasy, horror and cultural exploration. Now is the time to bring authentic African stories to the global stage, challenge stereotypes and expand the boundaries of genre filmmaking. Because of the blend of our professional and personal Hollywood and African experiences we believe we are the best team to tell this unique story.
Current Status and Timeline
We are currently employing a multi-pronged fundraising strategy through grants, private donors, competitions, and crowdfunding. $20,000 is the minimum we need to get Veins of the Veld from script to screen. The funds you are so generously donating will mainly go to production.
At this time, we are in the development stage: refining our script, assembling our team, and securing financing. With your support, we'll move into pre-production in October, where we will start location scouting, casting, rehearsing, and designing our sets, lighting, and costumes. Our goal is to begin production in November, partnering with experienced South African production company Ndiani Studios. Most of our shoot will take place in South Africa, with landscapes and cityscapes being captured in Zimbabwe by our 2nd Unit team.
Your contribution will directly impact the quality and authenticity of our film. With your support we can pay for things such as:
- High-quality camera and lighting equipment to capture Zimbabwe's beauty
- Cutting-edge VFX for our supernatural elements
- Custom-designed costumes blending traditional African and vampire aesthetics
- Experienced stunt coordinator and choreography
- Fair pay for our talented cast and crew
NB: We will get to keep all funds raised once we have reached 80% of our goal. If we do not reach 80% of our goal, all funds raised will revert to you generous folks. Every dollar you pledge makes a difference. Thank you!
STRETCH GOALS!
We dream big, and with your generosity, we can achieve even more:
- $24,000: Upgrade our cast and crew rates, ensuring fair compensation for their incredible talent and dedication.
- $30,000: Secure top-tier equipment to capture drone footage of breathtaking aerial shots of the veld.
- $33,000: A haunting original score that fuses African rhythms with gothic tones
- $40,000: Enhance our SFX Makeup, Creature Fabrication, and expand our VFX budget, which would allow us to bring our shapeshifter transformations to life with stunning realism.
Beyond Production
After wrapping, we'll use additional funds to:
- Submit to major film festivals, sharing our story with global audiences.
- Host screenings and events, connecting directly with our supporters.
- Create promotional materials to secure Video on Demand (VOD) distribution.
- Build a stronger online presence, engaging with fans worldwide.
By supporting Veins of the Veld you're not just funding a film - you're investing in a new vision of African cinema. You're saying yes to complex female characters, innovative storytelling, and a fresh perspective on vampire lore. Join us in bringing this unique story to life!
Our team of dedicated BIPOC creators with professional and lived experience in Hollywood and southern Africa is working diligently to bring this story to life. (Please click on the Team tab for more info.)
Our Track Record
These represent a fraction of our combined experience. Now, uniting for Veins of the Veld.
Thank you for your support. Here are ways you can help:
- FOLLOW this page for updates (❤️ button way up top right!).
- CONTRIBUTE to the campaign. Every contribution counts, no matter how small (Check out our incentives and wishlist.)
- JOIN THE PACK and follow our journey on Instagram @veinsoftheveld
- SHARE this campaign with your people - https://seedandspark.com/fund/veins-of-the-veld.
- Pick 3 people. (your coworker, your pickleball doubles partner, your rich Aunt Grace, your friend who works at XYZ tech company - you get the idea!)
- Share @veinsoftheveld on social media
- Share with groups your are a part of (your high school Whatsapp group, your synchronized swimming class, your vampire fandom Facebook group)
Your donation is tax deductible! Veins of the Veld is a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a 501(c)(3) non-profit independent media arts organization. Film Independent will receive grants for the charitable purposes of Veins of the Veld, provide oversight to ensure that grant funds are used in accordance with grant agreements, and provide reports as required by the grantor. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Veins of the Veld are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. P.S. Double the impact of your gift with a matching donation from your employer - contact us for more info.
We appreciate you being part of our story. Let's make movie magic together!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Speciality Wardrobe
Costs $700
Keep our vampires in swag and style.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Marketing and Promotion
Costs $500
Spread the word about our dark venture faster than a virus!
Production Insurance
Costs $400
Protect our project from sunlight and other unforeseen disasters!
Local Trnasportation
Costs $300
Navigate the streets of South Africa like bats out of hell!
Props and Set Dressing
Costs $500
Build this supernatural horror-land from the ground up.
Sound Equipment Rental
Costs $800
Perfectly preserve every scream and shout!
Lighting Equipment Rental
Costs $1,000
There is no camera or action, without LIGHTS.
Camera Equipment
Costs $1,500
Capture each creepy moment in clarity!
Hard Drives
Costs $500
Keep our footage safe, and our vampire movie safer!
Visual Effects (VFX)
Costs $2,300
Use the latest tech to show off our fanged friends.
Airfare
Costs $2,800
Get our ailing vampire and friends to the Veld before it’s too late!
SFX Makeup
Costs $800
Bring our Monsters to life!
Color Grading & Finishing
Costs $1,000
Give our creatures a beautiful unearthly glow.
Post Production Sound
Costs $1,000
Finesses the Audio of our nocturnal nightcrawlers
Production Software
Costs $500
Equip us with the digital tools to track our undead production!
Locations and Permits
Costs $1,500
Unlock access to Southern Africa's most monster-friendly spots!
Production Vehicles
Costs $900
Get our Gear, Art, and Supplies to where it needs to be!
Picture Vehicle
Costs $500
Make sure our Vampires cruise in style.
Lodging
Costs $1,500
Keep our crew rested and away from the light.
Production Catering
Costs $1,000
Feed the vampires and keep the crew safe!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Nomsa L. Mlambo - Writer, Producer, Actor
Nomsa L Mlambo is a dynamic and versatile actor with a passion for bringing characters to life on stage and screen. With appearances in hit TV shows like The Upshaws on Netflix, Sherman's Showcase on Hulu, and The Mysterious Benedict Society on Disney+, as well as features, short films and commercials, Nomsa has proven herself to be a multifaceted and skilled performer, known for her ability to fully embody a wide range of roles. In addition to acting, Nomsa is writing and is looking forward to shooting her short, Veins of the Veld, in 2024.
Tendayi Nyeke - Executive Producer
Tendayi's multi-genre creative work has been awarded internationally. A former broadcast executive who helmed several award-winning shows, Tendayi has also written, produced, and directed television programs across global platforms. Most recently, she Executive Produced the Annie Award-winning Disney+ science fiction Anthology Kizazi Moto (2023) with Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey of Spiderverse acclaim.
Sibongile Mlambo - Actor
Sibongile Mlambo is a Zimbabwean-born actress based in Los Angeles, California. She is known for her roles in Florida Man, Siren, Lost In Space, & Teen Wolf. Her film credits include Message From the King alongside Chadwick Boseman, Under the Silver Lake with Riley Keough & Andrew Garfield, and The Last Face starring Charlize Theron & Javier Bardem.
Beyond acting, Sibongile has served as a consultant on the TV show Shadow & Bone. She has also produced short films, one of which, The Sadness In Freedom, will be having its premiere at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in May 2024.
Bongani Mlambo - Cinematographer
Bongani Mlambo is Zimbabwean-born cinematographer based in Los Angeles, California. He loves to tell authentic, compelling and visually creative stories. His most recent work includes: We're All Gonna Die by Freddie Wong and Matt Arnold which premiered at SXSW 2024; The Hair Tales TV series by Tracee Ellis Ross and Michaela Angela Davis for OWN, Onyx Collective, and Hulu. He is a 2018 Film Independent Project Involve Fellow and has collaborated with filmmakers in Disney Launchpad, WarnerMedia OneFifty, Netflix Emerging Filmmaker Initiative, Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween. Bongani supports diversity and inclusion in front of and behind the lens.
Vicki Syal (Dino Tacostein) - Producer
Vicki Syal is a Brazilian-Indian producer whose work has earned accolades at festivals such as LALIFF, HBO Women in Comedy Festival, Outfest, the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival, Icaro, and more. Her film ABRAZO has garnered over 25 awards to date including best short film and best director. In 2024, she co-wrote and produced WHAT TO EXPECT, a short film financed by Latino Public Broadcasting to be distributed by PBS and her feature film STAKES IS HIGH won the Narrative Grand Jury Prize at DIFF. Vicki also produced THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD for Warner Brothers' 100th Anniversary celebration, and her project FOR YOUR OWN GOOD was a top five finalist in Tribeca’s Untold Stories contest. Most recently, her project SKRRRT was selected for the inaugural cohort of Dirty Film’s Proof of Concept Accelerator Program with Cate Blanchett and Coco Francini. Vicki is currently the Head of Production for Pollution Studios, overseeing daily operations and post-production.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
We're thrilled to announce that 'Veins of the Veld' has been greenlit! ??♀️ Thank you, Veld Dwellers, for your incredible support. As our crowdfunding campaign draws to a close, we're gearing up for an exhilarating ride through planning, scheduling, and pre-production. But the adventure doesn't stop here!
While we've been greenlit, we're still reaching for those tantalizing stretch goals that will help us bring even more magic to the Veld. And we're still accepting tax-deductible donations through our fiscal sponsor, Film Independent.
If you missed our Seed&Spark campaign or know someone who'd love to join our nocturnal family, fear not! We dream big, and with your generosity and amplifying our message and page, we can achieve even more.
Every contribution brings us closer to realizing the full potential of our vampire tale.
Visit https://www.filmindependent.org/sponsored-projects/veins-of-the-veld/ to keep the blood pumping into our project. And please share it.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey – the best is yet to come!
.
.
.
“What if the monsters we fear are the very ones we need to embrace?”
Where African folklore meets vampire and shapeshifter mythology in the heart of Zimbabwe
Definitions:
VELD - the open country, bearing grass, bushes, or shrubs, or thinly forested, characteristic of parts of southern Africa
VEINS - blood, blood ties, familial bonds, returning to the heart of who we are
After a long stretch abroad, Vimbai returns to Zimbabwe and solicits her sister Monica’s help to cure a rare condition that haunts her existence, causing her skin to burn in daylight and fueling an insatiable thirst for blood—vampirism. She must sacrifice her desires in order for her loved ones to live. Monica has located a sangoma, traditional healer, who purports to have the ultimate cure.
As they journey through the vibrant countryside, a series of events unfold revealing glimpses of Vimbai’s struggle with her vampirism. She battles her dark urges, employing every ounce of willpower to suppress them.
The atmosphere shifts to foreboding as they enter the sangoma’s dimly lit hut. Too late, they realize they’ve walked into a trap. A fierce struggle for Vimbai’s life unfolds, with Monica entering the fray. In the heat of the battle, hidden truths about their identities and transformations come to light revealing who they truly are and who they have become.
Welcome to "Veins of the Veld," a short film that dares to ask, “What if the monsters we fear are the very ones we need to embrace?”
While I’m not necessarily a “monster” ;-) there are certainly parts of myself that I have had to hide in order to survive the various settings I have found myself in.
I was inspired to write Veins of the Veld to explore the tension I experience being a non-traditional African woman living in the West facing often conflicting multi-cultural expectations and demands. Where do I really belong? I also really like vampires. They are simultaneously grotesque and alluring. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I never saw a black vampire until I moved to the United States (shout out Angela Bassett!) and certainly not an African one on African soil.
So I created Vimbai. She’s a vampire who just wants to belong but must make great personal sacrifices to do so. Is it all worth it? Should she just accept who she is? Will that bring her true freedom, even if it leads her down a path of rejection and loneliness? And then there's family – those blood ties that can nurture or suffocate, lift you up or drag you down. How do our relationships survive when we undergo profound changes?
Veins of the Veld is a fun story exploring very relevant and universally relatable themes: Identity and Transformation, The Burden of Secrets, Sacrifice and Survival, Isolation and Companionship. Through the combination of vampire mythology, shapeshifter legends and African folklore, our desire is to make a short film that will stretch your imagination, ignite thought-provoking conversations and get your veins pumping!
Veins of the Veld will transport you to a magical Zimbabwe. Envision sun-soaked streets and savannas fading into mysterious nights, where shadows dance with secrets. We'll capture the city’s vibrant energy and rural landscape’s timeless allure, blending the everyday with the supernatural.
Our cinematography will dance between light and shadow, mirroring our characters' dual natures. Expect a dynamic palette that evolves with the story - earthy tones of day gradually yielding to cool, saturated hues as we delve deeper into the supernatural. Sharp contrasts and deep shadows will build mystery and tension, while bursts of vibrant color punctuate pivotal moments, creating a visual feast that's as rich and complex as Zimbabwe itself.
Why This? Why Now? Why Us?
Veins of the Veld isn't just another vampire story - it's a bold reimagining of vampire folklore through a contemporary southern African lens. In a world hungry for diverse voices and fresh perspectives, our film offers a unique blend of fantasy, horror and cultural exploration. Now is the time to bring authentic African stories to the global stage, challenge stereotypes and expand the boundaries of genre filmmaking. Because of the blend of our professional and personal Hollywood and African experiences we believe we are the best team to tell this unique story.
Current Status and Timeline
We are currently employing a multi-pronged fundraising strategy through grants, private donors, competitions, and crowdfunding. $20,000 is the minimum we need to get Veins of the Veld from script to screen. The funds you are so generously donating will mainly go to production.
At this time, we are in the development stage: refining our script, assembling our team, and securing financing. With your support, we'll move into pre-production in October, where we will start location scouting, casting, rehearsing, and designing our sets, lighting, and costumes. Our goal is to begin production in November, partnering with experienced South African production company Ndiani Studios. Most of our shoot will take place in South Africa, with landscapes and cityscapes being captured in Zimbabwe by our 2nd Unit team.
Your contribution will directly impact the quality and authenticity of our film. With your support we can pay for things such as:
- High-quality camera and lighting equipment to capture Zimbabwe's beauty
- Cutting-edge VFX for our supernatural elements
- Custom-designed costumes blending traditional African and vampire aesthetics
- Experienced stunt coordinator and choreography
- Fair pay for our talented cast and crew
NB: We will get to keep all funds raised once we have reached 80% of our goal. If we do not reach 80% of our goal, all funds raised will revert to you generous folks. Every dollar you pledge makes a difference. Thank you!
STRETCH GOALS!
We dream big, and with your generosity, we can achieve even more:
- $24,000: Upgrade our cast and crew rates, ensuring fair compensation for their incredible talent and dedication.
- $30,000: Secure top-tier equipment to capture drone footage of breathtaking aerial shots of the veld.
- $33,000: A haunting original score that fuses African rhythms with gothic tones
- $40,000: Enhance our SFX Makeup, Creature Fabrication, and expand our VFX budget, which would allow us to bring our shapeshifter transformations to life with stunning realism.
Beyond Production
After wrapping, we'll use additional funds to:
- Submit to major film festivals, sharing our story with global audiences.
- Host screenings and events, connecting directly with our supporters.
- Create promotional materials to secure Video on Demand (VOD) distribution.
- Build a stronger online presence, engaging with fans worldwide.
By supporting Veins of the Veld you're not just funding a film - you're investing in a new vision of African cinema. You're saying yes to complex female characters, innovative storytelling, and a fresh perspective on vampire lore. Join us in bringing this unique story to life!
Our team of dedicated BIPOC creators with professional and lived experience in Hollywood and southern Africa is working diligently to bring this story to life. (Please click on the Team tab for more info.)
Our Track Record
These represent a fraction of our combined experience. Now, uniting for Veins of the Veld.
Thank you for your support. Here are ways you can help:
- FOLLOW this page for updates (❤️ button way up top right!).
- CONTRIBUTE to the campaign. Every contribution counts, no matter how small (Check out our incentives and wishlist.)
- JOIN THE PACK and follow our journey on Instagram @veinsoftheveld
- SHARE this campaign with your people - https://seedandspark.com/fund/veins-of-the-veld.
- Pick 3 people. (your coworker, your pickleball doubles partner, your rich Aunt Grace, your friend who works at XYZ tech company - you get the idea!)
- Share @veinsoftheveld on social media
- Share with groups your are a part of (your high school Whatsapp group, your synchronized swimming class, your vampire fandom Facebook group)
Your donation is tax deductible! Veins of the Veld is a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent, a 501(c)(3) non-profit independent media arts organization. Film Independent will receive grants for the charitable purposes of Veins of the Veld, provide oversight to ensure that grant funds are used in accordance with grant agreements, and provide reports as required by the grantor. Contributions for the charitable purposes of Veins of the Veld are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. P.S. Double the impact of your gift with a matching donation from your employer - contact us for more info.
We appreciate you being part of our story. Let's make movie magic together!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Speciality Wardrobe
Costs $700
Keep our vampires in swag and style.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Marketing and Promotion
Costs $500
Spread the word about our dark venture faster than a virus!
Production Insurance
Costs $400
Protect our project from sunlight and other unforeseen disasters!
Local Trnasportation
Costs $300
Navigate the streets of South Africa like bats out of hell!
Props and Set Dressing
Costs $500
Build this supernatural horror-land from the ground up.
Sound Equipment Rental
Costs $800
Perfectly preserve every scream and shout!
Lighting Equipment Rental
Costs $1,000
There is no camera or action, without LIGHTS.
Camera Equipment
Costs $1,500
Capture each creepy moment in clarity!
Hard Drives
Costs $500
Keep our footage safe, and our vampire movie safer!
Visual Effects (VFX)
Costs $2,300
Use the latest tech to show off our fanged friends.
Airfare
Costs $2,800
Get our ailing vampire and friends to the Veld before it’s too late!
SFX Makeup
Costs $800
Bring our Monsters to life!
Color Grading & Finishing
Costs $1,000
Give our creatures a beautiful unearthly glow.
Post Production Sound
Costs $1,000
Finesses the Audio of our nocturnal nightcrawlers
Production Software
Costs $500
Equip us with the digital tools to track our undead production!
Locations and Permits
Costs $1,500
Unlock access to Southern Africa's most monster-friendly spots!
Production Vehicles
Costs $900
Get our Gear, Art, and Supplies to where it needs to be!
Picture Vehicle
Costs $500
Make sure our Vampires cruise in style.
Lodging
Costs $1,500
Keep our crew rested and away from the light.
Production Catering
Costs $1,000
Feed the vampires and keep the crew safe!
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Nomsa L. Mlambo - Writer, Producer, Actor
Nomsa L Mlambo is a dynamic and versatile actor with a passion for bringing characters to life on stage and screen. With appearances in hit TV shows like The Upshaws on Netflix, Sherman's Showcase on Hulu, and The Mysterious Benedict Society on Disney+, as well as features, short films and commercials, Nomsa has proven herself to be a multifaceted and skilled performer, known for her ability to fully embody a wide range of roles. In addition to acting, Nomsa is writing and is looking forward to shooting her short, Veins of the Veld, in 2024.
Tendayi Nyeke - Executive Producer
Tendayi's multi-genre creative work has been awarded internationally. A former broadcast executive who helmed several award-winning shows, Tendayi has also written, produced, and directed television programs across global platforms. Most recently, she Executive Produced the Annie Award-winning Disney+ science fiction Anthology Kizazi Moto (2023) with Oscar-winning director Peter Ramsey of Spiderverse acclaim.
Sibongile Mlambo - Actor
Sibongile Mlambo is a Zimbabwean-born actress based in Los Angeles, California. She is known for her roles in Florida Man, Siren, Lost In Space, & Teen Wolf. Her film credits include Message From the King alongside Chadwick Boseman, Under the Silver Lake with Riley Keough & Andrew Garfield, and The Last Face starring Charlize Theron & Javier Bardem.
Beyond acting, Sibongile has served as a consultant on the TV show Shadow & Bone. She has also produced short films, one of which, The Sadness In Freedom, will be having its premiere at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in May 2024.
Bongani Mlambo - Cinematographer
Bongani Mlambo is Zimbabwean-born cinematographer based in Los Angeles, California. He loves to tell authentic, compelling and visually creative stories. His most recent work includes: We're All Gonna Die by Freddie Wong and Matt Arnold which premiered at SXSW 2024; The Hair Tales TV series by Tracee Ellis Ross and Michaela Angela Davis for OWN, Onyx Collective, and Hulu. He is a 2018 Film Independent Project Involve Fellow and has collaborated with filmmakers in Disney Launchpad, WarnerMedia OneFifty, Netflix Emerging Filmmaker Initiative, Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween. Bongani supports diversity and inclusion in front of and behind the lens.
Vicki Syal (Dino Tacostein) - Producer
Vicki Syal is a Brazilian-Indian producer whose work has earned accolades at festivals such as LALIFF, HBO Women in Comedy Festival, Outfest, the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival, Icaro, and more. Her film ABRAZO has garnered over 25 awards to date including best short film and best director. In 2024, she co-wrote and produced WHAT TO EXPECT, a short film financed by Latino Public Broadcasting to be distributed by PBS and her feature film STAKES IS HIGH won the Narrative Grand Jury Prize at DIFF. Vicki also produced THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD for Warner Brothers' 100th Anniversary celebration, and her project FOR YOUR OWN GOOD was a top five finalist in Tribeca’s Untold Stories contest. Most recently, her project SKRRRT was selected for the inaugural cohort of Dirty Film’s Proof of Concept Accelerator Program with Cate Blanchett and Coco Francini. Vicki is currently the Head of Production for Pollution Studios, overseeing daily operations and post-production.