Traces the story of 14 women who left apartheid in South Africa to attend Smith College in the United States.

Where I Became weaves the stories of 14 South African women who, though hailing from diverse backgrounds, all grew up under the oppressive system of Apartheid. When offered the opportunity to leave South Africa and study at Smith College under a full scholarship program, each woman summoned courage, faith, and determination in leaving home and family for the opportunity of a lifetime. 

Set against the backdrop of the complex history of apartheid in South Africa, we follow the journeys of these women, narrated in their own voices and depicted in personal photos, archival footage, and present-day interviews, as they grow up in South Africa and come into their own at Smith. The tapestry of these women's stories is made richer by the indelible bonds of long-lasting friendship and sisterhood, which were forged in their resolve to leave everything that was familiar, in pursuit of education, and a chance for a better life.

Where I Became shares deeply personal reflections on coming of age, the difficulties of facing great challenges with determination and resolve, and the power of embracing one's identity and journey. In a world that so often rejects those who dress differently, speak differently, or come from a far-away place, Where I Became offers a much-needed uplifting tale of hope and courage.

87 minutes
SDH captions


Directed by Kate Geis
Produced by Jane Dawson Shang, Tandiwe Njobe
Associate Producer: Council Brandon, Zoe Dong
Original Music: Jerome Michael Bezuidenhout
Cinematography: Bryn Francis, Daniel Madsen, Kate Geis, Nikki Bramley, Scott Sinkler
A Thinta Films Production

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"An engrossing and moving story....A portrait of young women, apprehensive in some cases about coming to a strange country, discovering new personal strengths and forging stronger identities."
Steve Pfarrer, Daily Hampshire Gazette
"What an important story! Where I Became provides an internal view of the impact of apartheid on the lives and education of South African women that has not often been a part of the conversation. Through their voices you'll come away with an informed perspective on the importance of education and of how relationships across socially created racial and ethnic boundaries can be a source of strength."
Valerie Adams-Bass, Assistant Professor of Childhood Studies, Rutgers University - Camden

"A powerful story. The narrative shows how Apartheid, developed by the White minority, intentionally limited the educational opportunities of indigenous Africans as a way to maintain power. This must-see movie reminds us that equal access to education elevates the lives of all regardless of race and socioeconomic status and withholding it to keep some in power and others in poverty is inhumane."
Dr. Vanessa Garry, Associate Professor of Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
"Where I Became lovingly traces these women's journeys while providing viewers with the historical context to make sense of the politics of the time. This film is both a celebration of a beloved alma matter, as well as an inspiring account of resilience, friendship, and the power of education. I highly recommend it."
Alicia Decker, Associate Professor of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, African Studies, and History, Pennsylvania State University

"With dramatic layering and unfolding, Where I Became interweaves stories about apartheid and the limits it placed on Black life, in this instance especially education and women's empowerment, as well as the construction of racial identities formulated in America. I will assign this film in my classes. I can foresee students being utterly captivated by these complex and compelling women."
Karin Shapiro, Associate Professor of the Practice, African and African American Studies, Duke University
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