Rolling Culture by Huemxn: Why Documenting the Scene Matters, According to Lebo Mashigo
The Culture Zine Workshop is making it clear that documenting culture doesn’t have to be complicated or out of reach. We often hear the word “documentation” and assume it’s something formal or academic – but really, it’s about storytelling. Whether through photography, writing, film, fashion, or conversation, we’re all telling stories in our own way. That’s the essence of the workshop: showing that we are all cultural contributors, and our everyday expressions are part of a living archive.
This instalment of The Culture Zine Workshop introduces Rolling Culture – A Culture in Motion, a short film that captures the vigorous pulse of South African street culture.
Taking place on 31 May 2025 at Breezeblock in Brixton, the workshop will feature protagonist creative, Day Marumo. The event includes the exclusive screening of Rolling Culture, a film co-produced and co-directed by creative agency Huemxn, with cinematography by Aziah Soul and post-production by Hloni Matjila.
I had a little chat with Lebo Mashigo founder of Huemxn to explore both the creative process and cultural significance of the film and why you should get your ticket to be part of culture.
What inspired the concept of Rolling Culture, and how did the idea evolve during the filmmaking process?
At Huemxn, many of our projects are rooted in a desire to bring people together; not just for entertainment, but to foster a deeper understanding of the world and creative spaces around us in curated and meaningful ways. Rolling Culture was born from that very spirit: a project that reflects street culture while spotlighting the people who shape it.
The idea truly came to life when I began learning more about Day Marumo’s journey. In exploring his story, I uncovered a thread that weaves together many elements of street culture, fashion, movement, storytelling, and identity. We’ve always wanted to create a film, and this felt like the perfect place to begin: something deeply personal, yet universally resonant.
In many ways, producing the film also echoed the goals of the Culture Zine Workshop – to educate our community on unique ways of archiving stories. Staying true to the essence of the event series, we wanted to explore a new approach to contributing to its evolving narrative. We recognised an opportunity to offer something fresh to the event property, one that complements and expands on its original vision which brought together our collaborators Alphabet Zoo and iQHAWE Magazine.
What lessons did you learn when making the film?
I learnt that storytelling is incredibly powerful but also that it’s a responsibility. It’s important that the people whose stories we are telling feel seen and reflected in a way that aligns with how they want to be represented. Collaboration and sensitivity were key. This project reminded me that the process is just as meaningful as the final product.
The film captures such a vibrant snapshot of South African street culture. How did you choose which voices and stories to feature?
I looked to the people around me, the ones I’ve worked with, the ones who inspire me daily. These are creatives who are constantly shaping and reshaping the culture in their own ways. They’re what I call “shape-shifters”: individuals who continue to contribute to the evolution of our street culture in thoughtful, authentic ways.
In telling a bit about Day’s story, it made sense to include voices that could reflect and amplify his journey, and in doing so, reflect our wider culture today. I wanted people who could bring honesty, energy, and nuance to the narrative.
What role do you think documentation, like this film, plays in preserving and evolving street culture?
Documentation like Rolling Culture is essential. It captures a specific moment in time – what our culture looks like, feels like, sounds like – and preserves it for future generations. It helps us learn about ourselves and gives future creatives a foundation to build upon. It’s not just about looking back, but also about inspiring what’s next; helping others find their place in the story and create their own narratives.
Were there any unexpected moments or discoveries during filming that shifted your perspective or approach? What lessons did you learn when making the film?
Absolutely. The biggest surprise was learning just how resilient and intentional many of the people in our community are. Speaking to the individuals who helped us contribute to Day’s story, I discovered stories of perseverance, creativity, and deep belief in their purpose.
One lesson that stuck with me is the importance of sustainability, in how we tell our stories. We need to contribute to culture in ways that leave it better than we found it. That means empowering others, creating opportunities, and making sure our impact has longevity.
What do you hope audiences take away from Rolling Culture after watching it at the event? And tell us what people can expect.
We want people to walk away feeling inspired. Rolling Culture is our first attempt at filmmaking, and while it’s just the beginning, we poured our hearts into it. Audiences can expect a dope film that tells a real, human story. Something they can relate to, learn from, and reflect on.
More than anything, we hope they feel moved to continue contributing to our culture in their own way. Day’s story shows how interconnected we all are, and how we each have a role in keeping our culture alive and pushing it forward.
GET YOUR TICKET HERE – Scroll down for the program
