"Every single time, I’m the first audience I have to think about." – Minentle Luthuli

Can you stay true to your story and still move others to act? Should you even try?

In this deep and dynamic episode of Trouble Makers, South African filmmaker Minentle Luthuli challenges the idea that artists—or activists—should start by considering their audience. Drawing from personal experience, she speaks about creating stories from the heart first, then trusting that the right people will find them.

And yet, she acknowledges a deeper truth: while authenticity gives a story its power, strategy gives it reach. Borrowing from the Beautiful Trouble toolbox, we reflect on this central tension in activism and art: “It doesn’t matter what you think about your poster, film, or protest. All that matters is what your audience thinks.”

This episode features Luthuli’s raw reflections on her debut film Heart Attack, how Sarafina! taught her about relatability in storytelling, and why platforms like Netflix often change their stories to target the largest audience possible, and end up not reaching audiences that actually care about the content of the film.

Anyone can use this podcast for free, with attribution to Trouble Makers (the podcast). It is held under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License and can be used for radio or any other media. Our podcast is inspired by the Beautiful Trouble toolbox.

Resources & Show Links

Heart Attack by Minentle Luthuli

Consider Your Audience by Beautiful Trouble

Credits

Host: Phil Wilmot

Producer: Rodgers George

Editor: Monica Kamandau

Guest: Minentle Luthuli

Recording: Samora Machel Studio

Music: Mwaduga Salum & Beautiful Trouble