Freedom’s Footwork

Kevin Thompson received a grant for the development of a new film. Freedom’s Footwork is a character-driven documentary about the remarkable life story of Jabulani Manyoni from Soweto, South Africa. Jabulani’s compelling journey begins in a youth prison at the end of apartheid in South Africa, where he discovers his unique dance talent. In a place where his body was controlled, he found a form of inner freedom through rhythm and movement. In 2026, the now-legendary pantsula dancer uses dance to reclaim his freedom and inspire a new generation, while the legacy of apartheid continues to resonate. In a society still marked by immense inequality, pantsula serves as a form of expression, discipline, and identity. Set against the visual backdrop of life in Soweto, the film uses rhythms in dance, imagery, and sound to showcase the power of the body as a carrier of history, resistance, and freedom.

Kevin is a filmmaker and dancer born in Suriname, currently based in the Netherlands. With nearly 15 years of experience behind the camera, Kevin brings a unique visual style, shaped by both his cultural roots and his deep connection to movement and rhythm. His work spans documentary, fiction, and digital content. He was one of the filmmakers behind the widely acclaimed documentary De Kinderen van Rutte, a powerful exploration of inequality in the Netherlands. As a dancer, he toured Dutch theaters with companies such as ISH, Nationale Ballet, and Lloydscompany. In 2025, Kevin directed the short film Konsensi, which received critical acclaim and won two awards, underscoring his talent for storytelling. As a filmmaker, Kevin combines visual storytelling with a keen sense of movement, culture, and emotion, bringing stories to life in an authentic and compelling way.