Multi-award-winning director Tebogo Malope is returning to his roots with a compelling new feature film, "Studying Under the Barrel of a Gun."
Malope builds on the momentum of his acclaimed four-part documentary series featuring former US President Barack Obama and rapper J Cole.
The film tells the story of resistance and resilience at the University of the North (Turfloop) in Limpopo, South Africa, and marks a homecoming for Malope, who shot the hit series "Skeem Saam" in Turfloop-Mankweng 15 years ago.
The film marks the 40th anniversary of the University of Turfloop occupation, a defining moment in South Africa’s struggle for liberation.
The political-psychological drama follows Ernest Khosa, a soft-spoken rural student drawn into the underground student resistance movement opposing apartheid soldiers occupying the university.
As Ernest navigates faith, strategy, and moral responsibility, he confronts the true cost of leadership and the delicate balance between protest and governance.
The film explores themes of youth political consciousness, the role of faith in resistance, and psychological warfare versus armed struggle, all set against Turfloop’s historically significant backdrop, a breeding ground for South African liberation leaders and intellectual resistance.
Through this project, Malope aims to give back to the community that shaped him.
“A direct line connects 1976 to 1986. The story of the student and the military occupation doesn’t happen without the 1976 student uprising. This year marks 50 years since the 1976 uprising and 40 years of the military occupation. We reflect on the past while asking, ‘What occupies young people today?’ It’s a story about youth showing agency, and hopefully it will inspire the young people of 2026 to organise and take action,” he explains.
Shooting is set to begin in April, and the production team is calling on talented actors and technical interns from the Mankweng and Polokwane areas.
“One of my proudest goals is to empower and train young people in Mankweng. By giving actors and interns hands-on experience on a professional set with experienced industry heads, we can pass on skills that shaped my career. I am grateful to the Limpopo province and the city of Polokwane for making this possible,” says Malope.
With "Studying Under the Barrel of a Gun", Malope not only brings a pivotal chapter of South African history to the screen but also invests in the next generation of creative talent, ensuring that the institution’s legacy of courage, leadership, and agency continues to inspire.
Turfloop’s legacy is reinforced by its notable alumni, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and political leader Kgalema Motlanthe, alongside revered figures like Reverend Frank Chikane, whose influence shapes the narrative of courage and principled activism.
Saturday Star