tal·ent [tal-uhnt] - noun
1.a special natural ability or aptitude:
2.a capacity for achievement or success; ability: young men of talent.
Aptly named seventeen-year old Thalente Biyela which means Talent in Zulu is a homeless kid who aimlessly roamed downtown Durban until he was given his first skateboard by local skate store owner Dallas Oberholtzer in 2002.
Since then, he has become one of the most promising young skaters in his area. His deep trick bag makes Thalente one to watch at any session, be it at the concrete park - where he sometimes sleeps - or on urban terrain.
His charisma and charm have a way of drawing people towards him. He has spent the last four years on the streets hustling his way around the South African skate scene whilst trying to make a name for himself. He is motivated to use his skating talent as a tool to get him off the streets and make a career for himself. Skating is literally his life and he puts his heart and soul in the sport.
The future challenges facing Thalente are huge as he begins the journey from street kid to adult, fostering the dream of becoming one of the first black kids from South Africa to earn a living from skating.
Directed and Produced by Natalie Johns
Edited by Nayim Saati
Music:
Four Tet "Thirtysixtwentyfive" http://soundcloud.com/four-tet/thirtysixtwentyfive-output
Us Kids Know "Problems" ( wavy gravy edit) http://www.myspace.com/uskidsknowband
* A Dig For Fire / Left Wrist Media collaboration
