Rotterdam Lab

Babalwa Baartman

Babalwa Baartman is a Cape Town-based creative producer and writer from kwaLanga, who uses storytelling as a tool for social activism. She founded the production company Sanusi and is a fellow of the 2022 Realness Institute’s Development Executive Traineeship, Durban Film Mart Alumni, and is part of the Realness African Screenwriter’s Residency 2023 cohort. Passionate about impact storytelling, in 2019 she co-wrote Sizohlala, a short film that highlights the occupation movements in South Africa. Babalwa recently co-produced and co-wrote a feature Mlungu Wam (Good Madam), which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival Platform Prize Competition in 2021. Eziko is her second feature and solo writing debut in development.

Sanusi - South Africa

Sanusi is a Cape Town-based independent production company. Sanusi is a historical term for the keepers of African history through oral storytelling. Its vision is to collaborate with distinct voices asserting African narratives through sincere and authentic filmmaking. They are keen on exploring commercially viable production models anchored in development, sustainability, and inclusivity.

 

Projects in development

Eziko, dir. Babalwa Baartman & Jenna Cato Bass (feature)

Ukushona Kwelanga, dir. TBC (TV Series)

Section 25, dir. TBC (TV Series)

 

Released films 

Mlungu Wam (Good Madam), dir. Jenna Cato Bass (feature)

 

Babalwa Baartman

Rotterdam Lab

Rotterdam Lab participants 2024

See the names of the emerging producers joining us for the Rotterdam Lab 2024.