LA Film Fest Exclusive Clip: I AM THALENTE Doc Visits The Skateboarding Youth Of Durban

Ben Umstead, Editor, U.S.; Richmond, Virginia (@filmbenjamin)

When documentarian Natalie Johns and her team returned to her home country of South Africa, they weren't quite expecting the story they found on the streets of Durban.

Thalente Biyela is a 17-year old who is homeless and illiterate. And he just may be one of the few young skateboarders in the world who poses a near untapped pure, visceral potential.

Johns' documentary on Thalente's intro to the world of pro skateboarding is a journey of identity, a questioning of class, and a testament to passion. It has its World Premiere on June 15 at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Today, ScreenAnarchy is proud to share an exclusive clip from the film which features legendary skater Tony Hawk recalling his first meeting with the teen, and just how much of an impact that made on his world view.

*Header photo credit: Justin Kosman

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