Vicki Fourie

Sacambaya Films

vickifourie.com/

What does your company do?

Sacambaya Films is my purpose-driven production company, inspired by the legend of the hidden treasure in Bolivia’s Sacambaya River. Just like that treasure, I believe there are powerful, overlooked stories waiting to be uncovered—especially stories rooted in disability, resilience, and hope. As the founder, I launched this company to amplify voices that are rarely heard and to offer authentic, nuanced portrayals of people with disabilities. My Vision & Mission: Authentic Disability Representation - As a Deaf filmmaker who uses cochlear implants, I bring my lived experience into every story I tell. I’m passionate about shifting how the film industry portrays disability—moving beyond stereotypes and tokenism to highlight fully realized, dynamic characters with depth. Inclusive, Empowering Storytelling - My academic thesis, A Forgotten Audience: Responses of d/Deaf Audiences to Films Depicting d/Deafness, examined how Deaf viewers respond to authentic versus inaccurate representations. That research now informs every script I write and every project I develop. My current short film, ThisAbility, reflects this: it’s a story that places disabled people at the center, not the margins. Community-Focused Filmmaking - I’m based in Jeffreys Bay, and it’s important to me that I uplift my hometown. I am actively assembling a local crew for ThisAbility, aiming to create sustainable jobs and a growing creative economy in the Kouga region. Early Successes: I was one of only four recipients in South Africa to receive a National Film & Video Foundation grant under the theme “Not What Society Expects.” My Honours film, Is’Thuthi, which featured a Deaf protagonist, was selected as the top script from my AFDA class and premiered in November 2024. I graduated with distinction from AFDA (Port Elizabeth), where my passion for film and disability advocacy came together. What I'm Working On: My current project, ThisAbility, is in development and funded by the NFVF. It’s a 5–10-minute short film that aims to challenge societal norms while celebrating difference. I’m proud to say that my team is being sourced from local talent pools, which is part of my bigger vision to build a vibrant, inclusive film hub in the Eastern Cape. Why Sacambaya Films Exists: The name "Sacambaya" captures my mission: to search for hidden treasures—in this case, the stories and talents society often overlooks. I want my films to educate, entertain, and most importantly, empower. With each project, I want to show that stories led by disabled characters and created by disabled filmmakers aren’t just important—they’re necessary. They belong in cinemas, on streaming platforms, and in the public consciousness. Why I’m a Rising Star: I officially registered Sacambaya Films in early 2025, so I’m still within my first 1,000 days as a business owner. I’ve already secured national funding and critical recognition for my work. I have a clear path ahead—completing ThisAbility, entering it into festivals, and scaling into larger productions and mentorship programs. Sacambaya Films isn’t just a company—it’s a calling. I created it to tell stories that matter, build something meaningful in my community, and ensure that future generations of disabled creatives have a seat at the table. With the support of this award, I believe I can take my vision even further—and continue to unearth the treasure of untold stories in South Africa and beyond.