From South African airwaves to the bright lights of New York, Zanele Potelwa continues to prove that when you keep saying yes to the right opportunities, the room gets bigger, and the conversations get even more exciting.

The award-winning television and radio personality recently found herself in one of those rooms, joining the Children of Blood and Bone New York press day for the highly anticipated trailer launch viewing, courtesy of Paramount Pictures South Africa. And, naturally, she had a conversation worth having.

Zanele sat down with fellow South African talent Thuso Mbedu, who stars as Zélie in the much-anticipated film adaptation. For Thuso, taking on the role is a moment filled with gratitude, excitement and a deep sense of honour, particularly given what the story represents.

Speaking about the film, Thuso shared her excitement for audiences to experience it and encouraged viewers to hold firmly to the things they believe in, a message that sits at the heart of the story itself.

The New York press day also brought together some serious Hollywood heavyweights, including the film’s director and co-writer Gina Prince-Bythewood, who gave Zanele an inside look at her working relationship with Thuso.

Prince-Bythewood spoke candidly about why she continues to trust Thuso’s work, praising the South African actress as a generational talent. And if the cast list is anything to go by, Children of Blood and Bone is shaping up to be quite the cinematic moment.

Among those in attendance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music were acclaimed names including Regina King, Lashana Lynch and Tosin Cole, alongside Thuso and the rest of the film’s talented cast.

Of course, Zanele understood the assignment, arriving in New York looking every bit the part in a stunning dress by Otiz Seflo, styled by Mr Suave, with her hair done by Sibahle Siyakhula. ws3e3But beyond the fashion and the star power, this was a moment of representation, possibility and seeing South African talent occupy global spaces.

For Zanele, interviewing Thuso on an international platform made the experience even more personal.

“I am so grateful to God for placing me in such spaces to get to work and dream even bigger in. Getting to speak to a fellow South African doing amazing things on a global scale was an honour. I am so excited for everyone to watch the film next year January.”

It is the kind of full-circle moment that deserves to be celebrated; two South African women, doing what they do best, meeting in New York while representing home on a global stage.

And if the energy around the trailer launch is anything to go by, audiences have plenty to look forward to.

Children of Blood and Bone is set to hit screens in January 2027, with viewers already counting down to what promises to be a major cinematic moment.

Watch Zanele Potelwa’s conversation with Thuso Mbedu: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbV0tF1O7Cb/?igsh=MjFhZm81bGs4YXli

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