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Kabelo

In the mountains of Lesotho KABELO a shepherd determined to escape the shepherd life meets MASTER a fugitive from South Africa hiding out in the village. Master cons Kabelo promising that he will take him to Johannesburg (South Africa) and mentor him in his many businesses.

A desperate companionship forms and we realise that these are just two people from different walks of life both seeking freedom. The film invites you to journey through the realms of identity, where a shepherd's humble existence intertwines with the fleeting shadows of a fugitive. Each frame captures the essence of longing and belonging, painting a vivid portrait of two souls searching for their place in a world that often feels too vast and unwelcoming.

  • Carl Houston Mc Millan
    Director
  • Carl Houston Mc Millan
    Writer
  • Tara Desormeaux
    Writer
  • Pheello Makosholo
    Producer
  • Carl Houston Mc Millan
    Producer
  • Warren Masemola
    Key Cast
    "Master"
    Five Fingers For Marseilles, Tjovitjo, The Number, Vaya, Eye in the Sky
  • Lebohang Ntsane
    Key Cast
    "Kabelo"
    The Forgotten Kingdom
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 35 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    July 30, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    Lesotho, South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    Lesotho
  • Language:
    Southern Sotho
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:85
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Carl Houston Mc Millan

Carl Houston McMillan is a writer and director with a deep-rooted connection to Lesotho, where all of his previous work, spanning documentary and short films, has been set. His films often spotlight underdog stories and marginalised voices. Known for his abstract yet intimate perspective, Carl brings to life rich, slightly offbeat characters, working closely with actors to craft layered and authentic performances. KABELO marks his debut feature film.

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Director Statement

There is a mystical energy in the highlands of Lesotho, a gritty beauty that I have always been drawn to. Visitors are often intrigued by the shepherds, standing strong on the edges of cliffs with their balaclavas and customised blankets blowing in the wind. These shepherds stay for months at a time with flocks of goats and sheep high in the remote mountains. They have their own unique rhythm of speech and way of living, they also endure very harsh conditions, especially in winter, yet they display toughness and patience. However, there is a class divide and stereotype of them in Lesotho. They are sometimes seen as stupid, dirty, and mischievous. At it’s core this is a universal story of an orphan dreaming. A young man full of ideas and dreams not scared to express himself. but he is belittled and laughed at as he seeks external validation.