Arriving at Paulet House
When we arrived at Paulet House, it was raining. For me, rain holds a deep cultural significance. It represents belonging, a connection to the world around us. Belonging has always been something I’ve struggled with, so the rain felt symbolic, as though this journey was meant to happen.
In my culture, every surname is associated with an animal and mine is the crocodile. A crocodile represents strength, resilience and adaptability.
Paulet House welcomed me and a group of incredible creatives who, like me, share a love for storytelling. Despite introducing myself as an introvert, I found myself unable to stop talking. For once, I was in a space where I felt completely safe, where my ideas were not just heard but valued.
Meeting our mentors
Our mentor, Tina Kruger, is the kind of teacher every creative hopes for. Her energy is infectious, and she had a way of encouraging exploration and agency in our work. She wasn’t just guiding us; she was nurturing our growth. Tina’s soft-spoken yet powerful manner created a space where I felt free to take creative risks and learn from them. I wasn’t afraid to be wrong because I was there to learn. Being mentored by Tina was the best experience ever.
In the second week, we were joined by Muneera Sallies. Her presence added a new dimension to the experience. Muneera is super generous with her knowledge and experience. She shared her love for stories in a transformative manner. Her feedback wasn’t critique, it was about finding the heartbeat of every story and refining it without losing its essence. Being mentored by her was a privilege I will always cherish.
Paulet House itself was a haven. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The view while writing in the sunroom made me feel like I was in a writer’s room. The view from the sunroom was the best. You can just take a walk barefoot on the grass and be rejuvenated in an instant.
Personally I enjoyed eavesdropping on the birds. I didn’t hear what they were saying but as a storyteller, it was up to my imagination.
The food was exceptional, truly the best. Gilbert ensured that we had everything we needed. His attention to detail and care made the experience even more amazing and we felt like we were home.
To my fellow writers: Thank you, guys, for being amazing. For pouring into my journey and helping me become a better writer.
As 2024 comes to a close, I am filled with gratitude and pride. The Longhope TV Writing residency was amazing. I learned a lot in two weeks. Developing a concept in two weeks and writing a pilot episode is not easy, but being at Paulet House, writing was easy because there is barely any distraction.
A huge thank you to the Jakes Gerwel Foundation for this incredible platform. Thank you for seeing writers, valuing writers, supporting writers and nurturing their growth. Your commitment to developing storytellers is deeply appreciated and I am honoured to have been part of this residency.
I loved every second of this experience. It wasn’t just about writing; it was about being part of a community that celebrates writing and inspires growth. The Longhope TV Writing residency has been a highlight of my 2024 and I will carry the lessons and memories with me for years to come.
On the last day, we were just writing. After submitting our deliverables, we shot two short films. The best experience ever.
Manhlwa Rabenyane
Manhlwa Rabenyane is a creator, writer and producer from Limpopo, now based in Gauteng. Manhlwa obtained her BA in communication studies from the University of Johannesburg. From the moment she realised that her qualification could open a side door to embarking on film studies, she set her mind to absorbing everything she could learn about the industry as quickly as possible. With a keen sense for telling stories that connect with her target audience, Manhlwa has made an instant impact on the South African film industry through Tichere ya morutwana (“The trainee teacher”), a film she wrote and created especially for television as a medium and that was aired on Mzansi Bioskop earlier this year as part of the Young Bloods Movie Festival. Manhlwa has developed her skills through various programmes, including Story Oasis (funded by the National Film and Video Foundation) and an internship at Urban Brew Studios. She has also founded her own production company, Vintage Pictures. It is with great excitement that she is looking forward to the Longhope TV Writing residency at Paulet House and an internship at M-Net Channels to continue with her passion.
