Actress, Director, and Writer are merely a few of the roles that come to mind when considering Pamela’s diverse talents and contributions. According to Pamela, her work speaks for itself. The significant investment of time, passion, and dedication she pours into her craft has propelled her to her current achievements.
Despite grappling with internal struggles and self-doubt, she expresses that an indescribable love for art motivates her to continue, even when the journey becomes exhausting.
When asked when she realized that she had this talent, Pamela had the following to say:
“Here’s the thing about art: You only realize at a later stage in your life that you possess a certain talent (at least that was my experience). Looking back as a child, I realize I was an outgoing child, full of energy and expression. I would always dress up like I was a stage performer or something. I would perform some stage performances imitating certain characters I have seen on plays or television. However, it never occurred that I was talented or something at least until I reached a certain stage in life”
Pamela stated that before 2018, during her initial year at Rhodes University, she encountered various individuals from various backgrounds. This exposure led her to recognize her innate talent for acting. Until that point, she had not fully acknowledged her ability to work or write in the manner she currently does.
Beyond mere performance, Pamela employs art as a means of intellectual engagement, innovation, and creativity to confront social issues by challenging the established norms of societal institutions. Navigating a predominantly patriarchal environment, Pamela expresses her desire not to be included in existing discussions but to forge a distinctive path that reflects her true self. This is the opportunity that art has provided her.
For an individual who prefers to oversee her production, she emphasizes the importance of conveying the narrative from her unique perspective as she envisions it. Pamela asserts that her creativity stems from her imagination and vision, which she values greatly. This aspect is crucial to her production efforts, as she cannot allow anyone else to direct her script.
“This is not an issue of arrogance; it is a reflection of my vision, which I regard with utmost seriousness,” Pamela stated. While she welcomes assistance, recognizing that everyone sometimes requires support, her writing is fundamental to her identity and expression. This is why she chooses to be actively involved from the very beginning of the production process. Pamela describes her art as her refuge: “My art serves as my saving grace; it is the source of my inspiration and the place where I continually seek healing, peace, love, and personal growth.”
In 2018, Pamela received an opportunity to audition at the New York Film Academy, with a strong possibility of securing a scholarship. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend due to financial constraints. Nevertheless, true to her resilient nature, she remains undeterred by obstacles and continues to strive forward. That same year, she was also honored with a certificate of recognition from Tyler Perry Studios.
In 2021, she took on multiple roles as the writer, director, producer, and actress for the short film Malkom no Meri, which made its debut at the National Arts Festival held in Makhanda/Grahamstown, South Africa.
Malkom no Meri
Pamela expresses that the film Malkom no Marie was a significant highlight for her, despite having numerous projects planned for her audience. She describes her experience with this film, in which she was engaged from the initial set to the final production, as an exhilarating experience.
“I wanted to explore the depths of provoked women in society,” originally a stage play, Malkom no Meri: The Night of Revelations is a short film centered around madness, changing human dynamics, and bruised masculinity and traditional gender roles,” she said.
Pamela asserts that her academic background has a significant impact on her professional endeavors; her studies in politics within the humanities have certainly influenced her perspective. This understanding of the society in which we exist allows her to profoundly translate her character(s) into tangible forms through creative innovations.
In contemplating her creative process, she expresses that she does not feel constrained by the conventional rules often associated with scriptwriting. Her primary focus is not on the technical aspects of writing, but rather on effectively conveying the intended message, which she considers to be of utmost importance. She asserts that these are the very limitations we often find ourselves bound by.
Each harbors their fears, and Pamela reflects on the years she has dedicated to personal development and overcoming her uncertainties regarding her current circumstances. She offers this counsel to young black women who wish to enter this field: you possess only one life! Why would you choose to spend this finite time on Earth in a state of fear, conforming to the expectations of others rather than pursuing your aspirations?