This year's host was leading actress Mampho Brescia. The masterclasses set out to bridge the gap between established and aspirant film-makers by offering an alternative learning space — one that engages would-be film-makers with both the possibilities and realities that a career in the industry entails.

The masterclasses feature professionals who share their insight, career journeys and notable lessons with an audience of emerging and professional industry creatives. Founder and CEO Ayanda Sithebe says, "It's always amazing and encouraging to see young people seeking knowledge about the industry and for us, this emphasises the importance of such initiatives that bring about continuous learning platforms." 

The theme of this year's masterclass was 'The New Actor,' referring to the innovative actor of the future who takes on a multitude of roles (in more ways than one): producing, directing and financing their own film, as a way of tackling the many challenges facing the growing South African film industry.

Aspiring individuals who attended included:
  • Director Adza Uga, whose credentials include Zone 14, Isibaya, Jacob's Cross, Society, Skwizas, Room 9 and his 2010 documentary feature, The Burning Man, which won four Golden Horns at the SAFTAs.
  • Actor Lemogang Tsipa who featured in Alien Outpost, Homeland, Traffic, The Book of Negroes, Black Sails, Roots, The Number and The Dark Tower, before making his film debut in Craig Friemond's hit film Beyond The River (2017) in the lead role of Duma.
  • Producer Layla Swart, co-owner of Yellowbone Entertainment and winner of the 2019 SAFTA Youth Achiever Award, whose recent credentials include producing and editing Xhosa sci-fi movie Stillborn, South Africa's 2019 Oscar selection Sew the Winter to my Skin and boxing filmKnuckle City.
  • Well-known actor Lerato Mvelase, who has starred in a multitude of local series including Home Affairs, Home Sweet Home, Backstage and Isibaya. 
Launched in 2017, the masterclasses are the brainchild of Actor Spaces and are led by Ayanda Sithebe, who won the 2017 SAFTA Youth Award, which launched the ongoing professional relationship with award sponsor Ster-Kinekor. 

According to Sithebe, the relationship was deepened by a shared interest in the development and support of rising young talent across the South African film and television industry.

For more information, visit www.actorspaces.co.za. You can also follow Actor Spaces on Facebook.