Growing up in early post-liberation South Africa, this became a catalyst for my desire to tell stories through film and television. I have always considered myself lucky to have found this creative outlet, as it played a significant role in reshaping my outlook on the traumas I experienced in the ’80s and ’90s.

GQ: This year Inkabi won Best African Film at the Barcelona India Awards and last year some Inkabi cast members also won some awards, what do such accolades mean to you as an independent filmmaker?

Maake: I never start a film with validation in mind because that is never the end goal. However, winning awards is a fantastic experience, especially when it's unexpected. Accolades serve as a validation that your work is appreciated, and they provide a way to celebrate the craft of filmmaking. They can also help your films stand out, which is always a good thing.

GQ: This week you will be showcasing another film- Sebata: The Beast, at the Joburg Film festival, what inspired you to create this film?

Maake: Sebata was inspired by the need to create a cinematic film that delves into the Muti murder crimes plaguing African communities. As a filmmaker, I wanted to explore why so many of these cases remain unsolved. What excited me was crafting a fictional story that could tackle these difficult themes while still entertaining the audience. I was drawn to the idea of making a film that speaks directly and honestly to African audiences without using African spirituality as a mere cinematic trope to frame the brutality and horrors of these stories.

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Norman Maake to thrill with new film: Sebata: The Beast, at the Joburg Film festival