See How Skateboarding Is Changing Lives in Rural South Africa | Short Film Showcase

Within the Valley of a Thousand Hills in rural Durban, South Africa, there's a group of young skateboarders practicing on a half-pipe and a bowl. They're all part of the Indigo Skate Camp, a movement that looks to nurture sustainable skateboarding environments for rural and vulnerable youths, and Andile Msomi is one of them. The camp looks to empower local Zulu villagers to learn and grow through the language of skateboarding-and that they do. This short documentary by Jess Colquhoun follows Andile and his friends to their first competition, where the most important thing is not to win but to enjoy the ride.
➡ Subscribe: bit.ly/NatGeoSu...
➡ Get More Short Film Showcase: bit.ly/ShortFil...
#NationalGeographic #Skateboarding #SouthAfrica
About Short Film Showcase:
The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.
See more from National Geographic's Short Film Showcase at documentary.com
Get More National Geographic:
Official Site: bit.ly/NatGeoOf...
Facebook: bit.ly/FBNatGeo
Twitter: bit.ly/NatGeoTw...
Instagram: bit.ly/NatGeoInsta
About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.
Follow Jess Colquhoun
www.jesscolquho...
/ jessicacolquhoun
vimeo.com/jcco...
www.huckmagazin...
See How Skateboarding Is Changing Lives in Rural South Africa | Short Film Showcase
• See How Skateboarding ...
National Geographic
/ natgeo

[@wavydavy9816]

'We are skateboarders because we want to live a life that is good....and awesome!' Amen to that!

[@JoeyLevenson]

And they are living that life! Respect!

[@lala-ql4tl]

Just seeing them being happy reminds me how simple it can be to be happy and excited about life :)

[@alannajohnson5043]

la la amen

[@shakurallen2535]

la la

[@JaxBeach2NewportBch]

la la that's why you are seeing the first generation of skaters (in their 50's) still skate. they say grow up. Put away your toy. But it's not a toy. It's a simplistic happy mechanism at its root. And surfing and skateboarding are a blessing for me (37)

[@carlmarshall40]

Shakur Allen amazing guys keep it up

[@morisvega9988]

la la

[@FlyFlicks]

nothing beats Childhood. I hope a few of these guys go pro one day.

[@shahrzadketabollahi5496]

Fly Flicks Me too. They deserve to be pro with all the effort they are putting into skateboarding.

[@arnavraoo]

fax

[@umbra9705]

Alot of them will, if they're this into skating.

[@chipsticky4464]

They need a GoPro for that.

[@yungves189]

Yeah true and they’re also having fun and they’re also being in shape.

[@charliebampton8870]

Nothing but respect for those kids

[@bennyfinnigin9397]

this is the most positive youtube comment section i've ever seen. The skate community truly is a beautiful thing.

[@aneeshkb369]

You're right.

[@acroztictemperrz943]

benny finnigin most of the skate community is so toxic lol. But this comment section is an exception.

[@filfyfanny4533]

Acroztic Temperrz “you’re such a poser, look at how you hold your board

[@traxonn]

Brings such a tear to my eye, there is no other community that will uplift each other like this.

[@saranovak]

I agree. This documentary is beautiful

[@whereeveritgoes]

"What do you do for a living?" "Well bro... nothing." *Both chuckles* I love this! :D

[@clutchnixon1764]

Awang Budiman Bernie Sanders also loves it.

[@limuemu5307]

Cheeky Shitlord he's 15

[@1willful]

Michael Israel that is a troll lol online plenty of those..they appear like they have no life to live, but on the other hand these kids are..Living

[@Shacka69]

You could actually see that hes tearing up

[@saiyaniam]

As it should be, the human race has dominated this planet for a very long time, yet people still die of overworking.

[@michellepechie55]

This film was unexpectedly great. It somehow transported me to a simpler, happy time in my life.

you said it!

[@samgerland6087]

Im glad for you, i hope sometime i can smile:)

[@BanglaNana]

same, i absolutely feel you

[@sophial6258]

Michelle Pechie me too :-)

[@araba_wangkheimayum]

Michelle Pechie I'm

[@anddycalienten5041]

"We are skateboarders because we want to live a life which is cool and awesome" that was damn true

[@arimakishou4211]

@Anddy Calienten Good* but yeah, cool too ;-)

[@ridhowiranatakusumah6531]

Yeah and me privillaged city kid forgot about that i wanna lived in skate community

[@DU0ZA]

skateboarding is pure freedom...i havent been skating in last 10years..might as well buy a board tomorrow

[@ВеселЕтугов]

did u

[@Kidowastaken]

i wanna know as well

[@DU0ZA]

I actually did guys and it was the best decision Iv ever made!

[@pabloacevedo1151]

@@DU0ZA lmao and update 3 years later

[@hzmurdaa1810]

Townly hey bro did it help? Any improvement on ur mental health

[@eanalbe3525]

Someday this African skaters will be famous

[@rippedasf7374]

They’re not in Africa they’re in South Africa the live in Durban South Africa I know because I live in Cape Town South Africa

[@franciscastar334]

@@rippedasf7374 South Africa is in which continent?

[@Danielfelipe6]

@@franciscastar334 don't worry he's from USA It's common this type of ignorant comments

[@dreamrealmartstudios5237]

✊For the Love of 🛹

[@ridhowiranatakusumah6531]

He will compete at the olympics mark my words

[@RostislavHladik]

One love. No matter from where you came from, if you are skateboarder you are part of the family. I am really happy seeing this.

[@emolnoddan7636]

I am really happy seeing this comment

[@oof6184]

Rostislav Hladík this is very true I only know 1 skater who I don't like and it's cause he is a dick other than that respect for fellow skaters I'm even friends with a mall grabbing mongo pusher

[@radiospines]

This video put me in such a good mood. 9:49 Kid's ready to steal your girl ... What a legend

[@netocont4830]

hahaha indeed

[@VistaR0bot]

Retro radio Haha so true man. He's on the prowl watch out ladies

[@skit-nanigans2541]

Haha I'm DEAD!

[@arjayvsthewhat406]

Sliding into her dms like 9:49. Haha good one bro.

[@e4d5exd5Qxd5]

Arjay Saquilabon u goat

[@chrispage9033]

I've always said skating brings people together. it's amazing seeing this.

[@Copper.Cowboy]

9:49 is the best part

[@sharonsawyer8814]

That was sweet!

[@clarie91s]

The warm-up banana dance is so funny! Also the lambs laying on the ramps, haha.

[@frozeneternity93]

As a South African I gotta say this was a pretty awesome vid to watch.

[@TboneTenEighties]

FrozenEternity Yes it was excellent

[@JohnLaFosse]

Simply seeing youth out there skating and lovin' what they dew is great.

[@iqux7349]

same as a Asian dude I really didnt skip once at the vid.Was so worth it to watch the whole vid

[@jameschappe6422]

Artem Lobov Because as South Africans we experience this culture and hardship first hand, so seeing this underprivileged people happy has a powerful impact on us because it is an issue our country deals with

[@pinchpeak5203]

well im white and i experience hardship and am underprivileged so how the fuck does colour or nationality make a difference? and if any south africans are on the internet posting stuff then they aren't in the position of these people so how could they possibly relate to these people? not trying to be negative but seriously if you could explain how anyone in this world is different or has an actual advantage over anyone else that'd be great.

[@b.hagedash7973]

Kudos Nat. Geo. for producing a documentary that balances the challenges of rural South Africa with the warmth and joy inherent in the community.

[@tyharris3263]

Where can I get some contact info? I have plenty of decks/trucks/wheels/skate shoes that these kids could put to great use

[@ObesePuppies]

Ty Harris eat*

[@tyharris3263]

Fuentes go fuck yourself

[@ObesePuppies]

Ty Harris *GOood LUCK yourself*

[@safwanhashmi4267]

Try to email DC

[@MyBentReality]

Ty Harris find Indigo Project online, contact them

[@Dak3y]

"We'll become the best" - said the 7yo to the 6yo. Wow.

[@timsanpedro1219]

and the 6yo was crying as well. it's such a cinematic moment

[@kagani6202]

@@timsanpedro1219 Pure animé plot right there

[@lenny4039]

Can't remove the smile from my face while watching this

[@shawnryan2197]

I would love to see a skate company donate helmets and protective gear to these kids.

[@morgengabe1]

...

[@morgengabe1]

Most of the ones who would donate don't make that stuff. Perhaps Strobeck should get some of them in Blueberry.

[@andrewbuntine2871]

There is definitely work being done. I can spot several well-known American pro skaters in the background in the skate comp in Johannesburg.

[@ashmyblunt]

No, what they need are new shoes

[@woodstick6518]

actually that would be a bad idea since local skate shop would be closing because of this. it would be better if skate company sponsored them using funds so their economy and community can grow

[@soph9003]

I really enjoyed this. I think that something fun to see was the one kid interviewing the other, cool hearing them having a deep conversation about their passion.

[@raymondflower9133]

"We are skateboarders because we want to live a life that is good and awesome" fuck yeah.

[@ralphiemcdingus2075]

The african chant at 2:23 is so moving and powerful.

[@greg-gs4sp]

banana

[@19Marc79]

2:45 => "Out Banana" ;_)

[@kracker5342]

Ralphie McDingus we sing this in music class, lmao

[@deletedchannellol907]

pale banana, pale banana. peels banana, peels banana. OUT banana. OUT OUT banana.

[@daddylikeshisxannysandhisl3872]

Ralphie McDingus That’s not an African chant 😂😂 its a common thing that we sing as kids. It’s kinda weird, it’s abt eating a banana 🤣🤣

[@Nick-ge6ud]

Moments like these make me appreciate life even more. It’s definitely the smaller things money can’t buy

[@noahschenck6715]

That bowl looks so perfect... Stoked to see these kids shredding.

[@sgalley22]

I lived in South Africa for two years and this made me feel like I was back there for 11 minutes, thanks!

[@lindelwa7126]

It's so beautiful to see a positive, inspiring deed and positive message being sent to young South African kids in rural areas, not only about road safety but the sport itself. Well done to the people of Isithumba!!!

[@nakeiapam8060]

This really warms my heart and soul because it lets me know that their are good things for these kids in Africa to look forward too I wish we can get them into rollerskating too because they can take out that energy and channel it into power with rollerskates as well this is so great to me these kids are finally getting cared for over in Africa Thank God its about time!

[@Brian_Douglas]

Great video! I grew up in South Africa, skating was a gift to so many of us. An entire generation of teenagers lived for the weekends at the skatepark, kept us out of trouble!

[@katierose3262]

i am so happy for them. don't give up!. you guys can do it!. and have fun while doing it because it's not always about winning it's about enjoying your hobby. sending you good vibes!. ✌

[@Paracelsus23]

This fully embodies the true soul of skateboarding. I want to go skate right now!

[@Gamster420]

Makes me proud of my country. Thanks so much Dallas and the team for the indigo initiative.

[@jarrette970]

Haha, awê Gerrit. Ja, it's cool

its cool to see that in south africa they have skatepark...its really good for the people who live there to be able to do Xtreme sports.

[@NarutoFreakii]

This film made me so happy. You can see the burning passion in those kids

[@Skinnyxbox]

This is beautiful. Skateboarding has been a life lesson for many of my friends and myself while growing up. Perseverance is what it teaches most. These boys and girls are strong and skateboarding will help them channel their strength and build confidence. Thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors.

[@jakecaulfield2002]

That little kid at the end was so fucking cool

[@BadBoyV1]

Pure Swag

[@coralrm]

I'd like to see Braille Skateboarding visit these guys.

[@coralrm]

+braillearmy

[@masonzizovski449]

Hi good luck

[@Znnz-s2v]

Coral M same

[@youngzkuter1696]

Coral M yess same

[@heyitsmoriah7362]

Coral M idk if you know who kelly wakasa is, but he brought skateboards to an orphanage in Africa and made a video of it. It’s really inspirational, you should check it out.

[@kyrothefox1172]

all of these kids are gonna get so good at skating that they tour the world, remember their names and when you see them featured in thrasher skating in australia or japan or canada or somewhere else in the world, think back to this documentary and smile at how far they have come

[@MitoNBH]

8:29 That is what skating is all about and so wholesome to see.

[@kaiya2]

Innocence, Hope, Rhythm and Joy. Skate hard.

[@TyronDeakin]

So nice to see kids just loving being on a skateboard

[@bleizze]

this video makes me really happy, skateboarding saves lives!

[@kus88]

That kid Andile speaks really well. He seems very wise beyond his years. Great video, skateboarding is the best!

[@ContemporaryFaith]

One of the best things about skateboarding or BMX or anything that requires you to do something over and over and over again until it's perfect. The kind of intelligence that problem solving builds is a life changer, so happy to see these kids making a difference for themselves and their peers

[@whoischxse]

This shit is tight! Props to nat geo for this vid

[@fleshyspeakers]

heyma

[@whoischxse]

***** Death Grips i fw you

[@sweethartt]

5:10 RKO out of nowhere! lol

[@jayden6317]

Elevated

[@jayden6317]

Elevated

[@lucidstranger]

lol

[@becarefulwhatyoufish4764]

RKO's probly one of the most fun finishers. The FU/Attitude Adjusment is fun too if you're strong enough

[@geo7254]

randy orton slithering WATCH OUT WATCH OUT WATCH OUT

[@kyleswartz2736]

As a South African this makes me happy

[@TboneTenEighties]

Kyle Swartz It made me happy too.

[@kyleswartz2736]

***** but im coloured you dipshit

[@PoliTainmentSA]

+Kyle Swartz I don't understand why you're entertaining him with an answer.

[@PoliTainmentSA]

***** Inoba unxilile wena. Yintoni endidibanisa neEurope neresources ezibiweyo

[@dainodawg3160]

lol he said "im coloured you dipshit" as if jews arent white.

[@valleytv2285]

My only question is why would anyone dislike this video? It's amazing to see people in different areas learn to skate!

[@angy101rulz]

And this is the beauty of skateboarding. It can truly change lives.

[@Ntmoffi]

This is such a badass opportunity for these kids! Awesome video NatGeo!

[@luigimon921]

NGCs channel is better than Vice now. keep up on producing quality vids!

[@luigimon921]

even the background music's great!

[@poopslayer9000]

Luigi 21 Have you watched Vox? It's like the same thing as NGC.

[@Mark_GL]

I'm suscribed to the three of them like long time ago, they are great!

[@deliza53]

Luigi 21 vice only shows the bad parts

[@JazzholeSlim]

Haha vice Is so wack. They have the worst, Lamest reporters/writers. They're all a bunch of hipsters. And they way they interview people and report just seems very juvenile to me. Like they're all reporting things they don't care about.

[@exploreskateco2096]

Thank you for making this video.

[@ridingincircles]

7 years on, happy to be able to come back to this. Such a well done piece!

[@shinigamisk8434]

They're so lucky, no scooter kids.

[@laurentraney7291]

kNY But cows

[@ryan.515]

Lauren Foxers and goats laying on the mini ramps

[@fallinlovewithyourself5341]

Ha

[@masonzizovski449]

People who rides scooter are fine, its the kids that ride around aimlessly getting in your way thats annoying. And there is nothing wrong with bikes. Your the person that ruins the skatepark shaming you everyone for not riding skateboards.

[@slicky3677]

What's wrong with bike kids?

[@simping4tifa819]

9:47-9:59 never has a kid been more badass

[@BecauseImCheesy]

4:01 when your squad lit af 🔥🔥🔥

[@lcrowI]

BecauseImCheesy is there team call

[@evenstrand6173]

hahahahahahahahahahahha

[@TeejBando]

BecauseImCheesy lmaooo

[@erickalfaro3465]

frr

[@lewisyang8882]

Eric gomez hella late but yeah dude 🔥

[@renasc6611]

This is so beautiful and full of life

[@brownpunk1794]

Love skateboarding as it unites cultures..peace from.india..🤘

[@SheldyM]

I do a lot of NGO videos, and find this vid really refreshing and inspiring. Life is for sure tough for these Zulu boys, and it would have been easy to make a vid showing a poor kid in Africa, but this vid captures so well how resilient, cheeky, mischievous and optimistic these children are despite all the challenges.

[@far8]

9:49 meme worthy

[@btewb]

hmmm what board shall i shit post him on first : ^ )

[@adamr3813]

far8 😂😂😂

[@PursuingInfinity]

far8 slide in the dm like... 😂😂

[@frog4348]

far8 I'm about to meme that😂😂

[@daaniel5717]

didn't want to sleep anyway

[@ahhhhhhhhhbees8840]

who the hell dislikes something like this? for real

[@michaelsibilia7405]

this video is just amazing

[@chedarmentosbrown5922]

We'll become the best.... and the other little guy is crying. Skateboarding at its roots. Kids having fun. This video is awesome thanks for sharing.

[@FlorisStoicaMarcu]

I like this because I think it gives them a chance to be kids. Skateboarding gives all of us a chance to be kids again. Kudos to the Indigo skateboard camp.

[@The_Angry_BeEconomist]

big smile on face watching this

[@drewpitbull]

What a chill video... I really enjoyed it..

[@Bart-Did-it]

No helmets no fear just life “TIA” These kids are sick riders and very confident hats off

[@Nhojocsalev]

9:00 - " Whatever position you achieve, you must be happy" real talk right there...

[@brandonlawson4527]

This is a pure example of the importance of skateboarding, as it's brings so many people together, nicely done on the video

[@internetvide0]

9:46 haha wtf that kid doing

[@mightguy123456]

Tony Roberts giving you the stank eye haha.

[@nicoclatro]

Scary dude

[@petyajungle]

Just fooling around like any kid.. He seems to be the coolest guy in the whole video! :)

[@austritistan3337]

Tony Roberts He is ready to stole your wife

[@taylorhill4068]

5:09 best r k o ever

[@JOE324WILD]

Life is a simplicity, not a complexity :-) damn, I want to surround myself with that environment, but most of all, the people.

[@imhonored2bonher644]

Bruh skateboarding is life pure freedom frfr glad to see it helping other countries youth...one love

[@mariahrose5682]

Seeing children and teens be so carefree and happy makes me smile so fucking big.

[@LegacyHernandez]

Carve it up lil brahs! Love and peace

[@viajeIectrico]

I'm a skater & loved watching this

[@mescaliiiiine]

Oh that's Raven Tershy dropping in with the kid at 6:58

[@everybodyloveeverybody5881]

the lack of self judgement and ability to express yourself freely in south african culture is amazing, these kids are awesome

[@cluckerbite4148]

This video is great, these kids are amazing. Skating, much like many other communities, can bring so much joy

[@SOLOIIguru]

National Geographic, this is AWESOME. More of this. You guys should check out the skate scenes in Cuba/Latin America

[@whanowa]

2:49 best part where the one kid can´t stop laughing because of _"out banana"_ :D

[@vishavjeetchauhan492]

simple and inspiring video fun to watch

[@JoeyLevenson]

Bless these kids and their teachers. Skating is life!

[@Washedup_StayingLame]

Beautiful to see how much skateboarding is multicultural and has one unified language

[@Gumla_]

Clearly banana is important in this society

[@frozeneternity93]

you don't have any nonsense school warcrys then?

[@jayclizzy5090]

Gumla Triggered

[@n4sc3ntbrother]

the song and dance they did i remember doing in grade 6 like 6 years ago

[@jrdane912]

Society.gg

[@skater78945]

The skateboarding is life... is happiness.

[@davidalcala9922]

this video brought me so much joy holy shit

[@MegaRollin20s]

I love skateboarding. Unites and helps you find yourself.

[@ca9968]

Man...I remember when the Germiston Bowl opened...I practically lived there in the 90`s...nice to see that it`s still stateable and not been destroyed...

[@jackgonzales-thomas9629]

This vid is so positive im can see how skateboarding makes them happy even though i bmx

[@adslammer1359]

just proves you don't need technology to be happy

[@pratiharwarrior43]

how simple things make us happy once again this vid. show us,if you love this hit the like ..........

[@anonimiemegatrone5283]

That is the beauty of skateboarding make friends and be happy and enjoying the fun....Great video !

[@kacpertheghost9312]

its crazy how skateboarding can bring people together, even in South Africa!

[@stephencarmickle]

Pretty sure I saw Braydon Szafranski and Raven Tershy in there. Sick video.

[@ferguspitcher7911]

That's a place I grew up very near and is very close to me. It's amazing seeing skateboarding become so popular and so important there. I skate so I find this awesome

[@versace1634]

8:18 I feel so bad for that little dude hope he feels better!

[@bigbenVelazquez]

this documentary made me cry because skateboarding has reached places on this earth that no other sport has.

[@deyandimitrov840]

This kid is so wise. I can respect them from the bottom of my heart.