The making of a storyteller: Rufus Gabriel on bringing Flats Rhythm to the screen

RUFUS Gabriel, the talented writer behind Flats Rhythm, is a Kimberley-born storyteller whose writing is rooted in the lived experiences of Roodepan Flats.

“I was born in 1994 in Kimberley, and I grew up in Roodepan Flats, a community that shaped a lot of who I am and the stories I tell today,” says Gabriel.

He attended Roodepan Primary School and later continued his high school education at Pescodia High School. After matric, he studied civil engineering, but knew that his true calling was elsewhere.

“Even while studying, I knew deep down that my true calling was elsewhere. I’ve always been a filmmaker at heart – a storyteller,” says Gabriel.

His passion for filmmaking was sparked by the stories he saw in the people and streets of Roodepan.

“I saw stories everywhere: in the streets, in the people, in the struggles and the beauty of everyday life,” he says.

He knew the struggles of feeling trapped, invisible, and without a way out. But it was this reality that inspired him to tell his story – to share the rhythm and hope that still exist in forgotten places.

"We wanted to prove that you don't need money to create something powerful – you just need purpose and love for what you do," says Gabriel.

With no budget but plenty of passion, the team behind Flats Rhythm brought the film to life through teamwork, borrowed gear, and the dedication of young people from the flats.

“Everyone gave their time, talent, and heart for free because we believed in what we were creating,” he adds.

Despite the struggles, the team persevered, sharing what little they had and working together to overcome the challenges. The result is a film that is more than just a story – it is a reflection of the community that inspired it.

Flats Rhythm, written by Gabriel and directed by Javas Moir, is currently in post-production and will be screened in December – a testament to the power of passion and community.