Keogatile was one of five winners of the recent, national MAQaMOVIE contest which was a search for five amateur actors to appear in a new South African movie. Due to his phenomenal acting kills and screen presence, Keogatile, who hails from North West province, has been cast in the lead role of Skorokoro.

Skorokoro is being produced by Phoenix Films, famous for Mr Bones, Mad Buddies and District 9 and will be directed by Darrell Roodt of Sarafina fame. Shooting commences on Monday, 8 June and Keogatile can’t wait to be on set.

“I still can’t believe I got the lead role in a major South African movie. I am so excited to be on set with the rest of the crew, learning about the industry and giving it my best. When I found out about MAQaMOVIE, I knew I had to enter. I knew I had a good chance of making it to the finals; and then I was one of the winners. All my dreams of becoming a professional actor have come true. I have always wanted to act and starring in a film of this calibre will take me to that next crucial level. I am extremely grateful to MAQ for this once in a lifetime opportunity,” says Keogatile.

Samuel Frauenstein, chief executive officer of Phoenix Films was significantly impressed with the talent that was showcased via the MAQaMOVIE platform. So much so that he not only cast the five winners, but also four of the finalists. He cast Keogatile as the lead actor because he had the right look, the right physicality and the right acting skills required for the role.

“Papiso has that leading man star quality. He has a strong screen presence, he has charisma and the camera loves him! He is the perfect fit for the lead role in Skorokoro. It’s going to be great working with him,” says Frauenstein.

Jacqueline Jacobs, sales and marketing director of MAQ Washing Powder, is extremely proud of Keogatile. “Papiso Keogatile is extremely deserving of the lead role. He is passionate about acting and a true star in the making. He missed the auditions in Vryburg but due to his determination he managed to track down the MAQ Roadshow team and made arrangements for an audition at the guest house. We at MAQ are happy that we helped him make his dreams come true. It takes persistence to have a career in acting and we have no doubt that he is going to succeed."

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