Sixteen-year-old first-time director Willie Ebersol, whose brother Charlie co-produced this documentary with family friend Kip Kroeger, taps into the hopes, dreams, hurts and vulnerabilities of the young South Africans he features in "Ithuteng." While Ithuteng Trust itself is spotlighted in the film, the true power of the documentary lies in the stories that unfold from the individuals who choose to reveal themselves.

Dineo (age 14), Lebo (age 22) and Victor (age 26) offer three of the most powerful stories in their recounting of physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, HIV/AIDS and so much more than any of us can possibly imagine. The fact that they have found a home, a safe home, in the world of Mama Jackey is a powerful testimony to the woman who herself started out much like these young people.

As powerful as these stories are, Ebersol's film is significantly impacted by production issues that mute its effectiveness. While the work is undeniably powerful and Ebersol clearly has remarkable potential as a director, much of "Ithuteng" is plagued by poor lighting, shots into the bright South African sun, a muffled sound mix and, at times, uneven camerawork that distracts from the power of the story unfolding. These things said, "Ithuteng" is a solid first film made more remarkable by Ebersol's young age.

The Ebersol's, sons of actress Susan Saint James,  shot the film in 17 days in South Africa to film the stories of these young people, first, at Mama Jackey's school, then during a sort of "Scared Straight" stay in a Johannesburg prison and, finally, during a week-long stay at a residential camp.

Undoubtedly one of the most moving films screening during the Heartland Film Festival, "Ithuteng" nonetheless is a disappointing experience largely due to first-time filmmaker mistakes that hinder greatly the film's impact. While this film may disappoint, here's hoping that this promising young filmmaker takes his own advice and never stops learning.