I AM THALENTE  SHOWS THAT THE HUMAN SPIRIT CAN SKATEBOARD 

From the Streets of South Africa to California and into the heart of skateboarding

NEW YORK, NEW YORK, November 19, 2013– I Am Thalente is a verité documentary about the once homeless skateboarder Thalente Biyela’s journey from the streets of Durban, South Africa, to the Los Angeles, California and into the heart of skateboarding. With the support of skate companies LRG and Bombshell, along with guidance from pro skateboarders Kenny Anderson, Guy Mariano, and Marc Johnson, the producers are embracing the specialist film crowdfunding platform Seed & Spark to finance the completion of this inspiring documentary.

Nineteen-year-old Thalente has been homeless since age nine. Finding refuge in the local skatepark, he was given a skateboard a year later through which he found an escape from the harsh realities of street life, and a community of friends who would become his family. As a skateboarder his natural understanding and effortless style quickly attracted attention within the industry, both locally and internationally. Last year he was given the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles and the privilege to skateboard with some of the world’s best. Far more importantly, he discovered the spirit of skateboarding is built on community, friendships and an understanding of one another, anywhere in the world.

Says director Natalie Johns, “Whilst this story hinges on Thalente’s love of skateboarding, it gives insight into the challenges that homeless youths face without family, literacy, role models, or hope. Skateboarding becomes a source of strength and competence for Thalente to rise out of circumstance and make a place for himself in the world. His journey offers a unique perspective on skateboarding, the power of uncompromised acceptance, community and individuality.”

About Natalie Johns, Digforfire.tv

Founded in 2007, Dig For Fire is a creative production house spearheaded by Natalie Johns. Storytellers armed with the belief that live event chronicling should not be an afterthought, for the past five years we have specialized in creating, capturing and composing the most memorable experiences. We understand the importance of forming an emotional connection through film and its distribution, and are united in the belief that we have the power to shift perspective not only through what we do, but how we do it.

For more information visit the I Am Thalente Seed & Spark profile, or contact Sarah Bronilla at VOCAL: .

About Seed&Spark:  

Seed&Spark is building a truly independent filmmaking community where filmmakers and audiences come together for crowdfunding, production, and streaming distribution.  Every time an audience member supports the making of a moving picture project (funding, following, sharing) they earn “Sparks” which can be redeemed to watch movies on the streaming platform.    Supporting films lets you watch more films: It’s the new ecosystem for filmmakers & audiences!