myNewYorkeye and James Cheeks joined the local skateboarding community in Los Angeles for the I AM THALENTE launch event at The Berrics. Check out the red-carpet coverage of the premiere featuring interviews with cast member Thalente Biyela and producer Sal Masekela.

SYNOPSIS: Featuring thrilling skateboarding footage around the world, I AM THALENTE is the story of Thalente Biyela, a teenage homeless black skater from a broken home in South Africa who struggles to overcome his circumstances and pursue a professional skateboarding career while being mentored and supported by top figures in the skateboard world, including Tony Hawk and Kenny Anderson. Indiewire called the film "A unique tale that shows just how far positivity and confidence can take someone." This doc marks the inaugural film release of innovative, socially conscious crowdfunding and streaming company Seed&Spark.

Playing at theatrical event screenings in select cities across the U.S. Available on VOD since May 13th.

Photos by Kevin Michael Campbell
Video by James Cheeks III

James Cheeks is a guest contributor with myNewYorkeye, from Los Angeles. He received his MFA degree in Film and Television Production at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles. Cheeks is also a skateboarding enthusiast and his documentary "On The Grind" aired nationwide on the Documentary Channel and most recently on PIVOT (AT&T U-verse, Verizon FIOS, DIRECTV, Dish Network). Cheeks was recently nominated by The Sheckler Foundation as a finalist in their Be The Change initiative for making a positive impact in the lives of at-risk youth.