Watch I Am Thalente

I Am Thalente is a 2015 documentary film that tells the story of Thalente Biyela, a South African skateboarder who rose to fame despite overwhelming odds. The movie is directed by Natalie Johns and produced by Eliot Rausch. Thalente Biyela grew up in Durban, South Africa, in circumstances that were far from ideal. His mother was a drug addict, and his father was absent from his life. When Thalente was just three years old, he was sent to live with his grandmother, who also struggled with addiction. As a result, Thalente spent most of his childhood fending for himself on the streets.

Despite his difficult circumstances, Thalente found solace in skateboarding. When he was twelve years old, he was discovered by a group of American skateboarders who were touring South Africa. They were so impressed by his talent that they started a fundraising campaign to bring him to the United States to pursue his dreams.

The movie follows Thalente's journey from South Africa to America, as he tries to make a name for himself in the skateboarding world. Along the way, he forms relationships with some of the biggest names in skateboarding, including Kenny Anderson and Tony Hawk.

One of the most striking things about I Am Thalente is the way that it portrays the skateboarding community as a family. Thalente is taken in by people from all walks of life, who see his potential and want to help him succeed. The movie shows how these people not only support Thalente in his skateboarding career, but also help him navigate the challenges that he faces as a young man trying to find his place in the world.

The movie also explores some of the darker aspects of Thalente's life. Throughout the film, Thalente struggles with feelings of abandonment and betrayal. He is haunted by the memories of his traumatic childhood, and finds it difficult to trust people. The movie shows how Thalente's struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse threaten to derail his career, and how the skateboarding community rallies around him to help him overcome these challenges.

One of the things that makes I Am Thalente such a powerful movie is the way that it captures the sense of hope and possibility that Thalente embodies. Despite all of the obstacles that he faces, Thalente never loses his drive to succeed. He is determined to make a better life for himself and his family, and his passion for skateboarding drives him forward. The movie shows how Thalente's infectious energy and can-do attitude inspire those around him, and how his commitment to his craft helps him achieve great things.

Overall, I Am Thalente is a moving and inspiring documentary that celebrates the power of skateboarding to change lives. Thalente Biyela's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and the movie does an excellent job of capturing both the highs and lows of his journey. Whether you're a fan of skateboarding or not, I Am Thalente is a must-see film that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

I Am Thalente is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.