Kutloano Headbush, the multi-talented storyteller from Johannesburg, South Africa, is making waves in Hollywood, proving she is more than just a pretty girl from Joburg.
With a solid academic foundation that includes a Master of Fine Arts in Acting for Film, a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts and Psychology, and a Bachelor of Honors in Movement and Theatre and Performance, Kutloano’s journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to advocacy and social change.
Growing up in South Africa, Kutloano was acutely aware of the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. “Growing up in South Africa, where the president describes gender-based violence as the second pandemic after COVID, inspired my focus on themes around social justice in my work,” she shares. “As I grew older, the reality of the longstanding problem of gender-based violence in South Africa became increasingly prevalent.”
Driven by her passion for social justice, Kutloano created and produced “Lapeng,” a film that tackles the alarming prevalence of intrafamilial sexual assaults that often go unreported and evade justice. “Many survivors of sexual assault choose not to report their experiences to the authorities for various reasons, including the notoriously difficult justice system,” she explains.
“With ‘Lapeng,’ I aspire to encourage survivors not to lose hope in their pursuit of justice. I aim for the film to foster greater empathy and understanding towards sexual assault victims and cultivate a community more willing and committed to support them in their journey towards healing and justice.”
Kutloano’s dedication to using her work to inspire positive change is evident in her projects and performances, which often highlight themes of inclusivity and advocacy. “I firmly believe in the transformative power of art to effect positive change, and I have always strived to leverage my craft to contribute to the changes I wish to see in the world,” she says.
Her journey hasn’t been without its battles. “At the age of 12, I was diagnosed with dystonia, a condition that affects mobility. It significantly impacted my life until I underwent deep brain surgery (DBS) in 2018 to treat it.”
Kutloano reveals; “Before DBS, this condition presented numerous challenges in my work, particularly in an industry that often struggles with inclusivity. Despite these challenges, I focused on transforming them into a source of artistic exploration and expression. This experience inspired me to advocate for inclusivity through my art.”
“Lapeng” has recently embarked on its festival journey, a significant milestone for Kutloano and her team.
“I’m thrilled that my film ‘Lapeng’ began its festival journey. Alongside this, I’m actively involved in two exciting projects in pre-production,” she reveals.
“These opportunities represent a new chapter of growth and creativity as I continue to navigate and contribute to the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles.”
Kutloano’s path from Johannesburg to Hollywood has not been without its challenges. Moving to Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous obstacles, but she persevered. “I always dreamt of furthering my education abroad, and when the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down activities in my industry, I saw it as the opportune time to leap.
“Los Angeles, as the global hub of entertainment, was a natural choice for me, so after being awarded a scholarship at New York Film Academy’s Los Angeles campus, I could not pass the opportunity up.”
Since graduating, she has immersed herself in the industry, refining her craft, and growing as a performer. Her resilience and tenacity have been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic and industry strikes.
Kutloano looks up to fellow South African creatives like Tyla, who are making waves globally and proving that they are more than just pretty faces from Johannesburg. “Seeing individuals like Tyla and Thebe Magugu excel in their respective fields fills me with pride and reinforces the impact our country is making on the international stage,” she shares.
“It’s gratifying to witness the increasing recognition and understanding of South African culture and identity in the US and beyond.”
As “Lapeng” begins its festival journey, Kutloano’s impact on the global creative landscape continues to grow. Her work not only raises awareness about critical social issues but also inspires others to join the fight for justice and equality.
“Moving forward, I’m excited about continuing to contribute my unique perspective to the global creative landscape and further exploring the intersections of my heritage with new artistic opportunities here in the USA,” she says.
