Get to Know Mila Smith, Charting Untold Stories Through Music and Acting
Born in Cape Town and made for the silver screen, Mila Smith has always been a storyteller. Way before any feature film debut and long before SAMA nominations, the eventual singer-songwriter and actress had already defined herself as an artist, and at 22, the rising star’s career hasn’t just started; it’s on a promising ascent that has been trending upwards musically and in the world of scripts and portrayals.
A star at heart from her days of girlhood, Mila recounted her early childhood experiences as an aspiring artist. She spoke about forming an indie band called Skyscrapers and how the opportunities that came along the way became the foundation of her storytelling career, not only as a musician but as an actress.
“I’ve always had a passion for music from a very young age. I remember starting a band with two other boys from my school when I was only 11, and we had a lot of crazy cool opportunities like making a jingle for DStv, doing adverts and also opening for Freshlyground. Big things. Then we disbanded back in 2018. That development pushed me to start a career as a solo artist, with me releasing my debut single five years ago. With the music, I also did drama by studying it in school because I’ve always had a passion for the arts and expressing myself through music and acting. As time went on, I started starring in my own visuals, which also helped me get more comfortable on screen,” she said.
Mila Smith | SUPPLIED
Smith talked about meeting Sandulela Asanda, her eventual director in the 2026 film Black Burns Fast, and how seeds planted in jest during the interaction became something in the fullness of time.
“Because of the work I was already doing with my music, Asanda, the director of Black Burns Fast, reached out to me, and I jokingly told her that if she ever did a film, to call me in for auditions. I think that she took that to heart because, about a year later, she sent me the brief for Black Burns Fast, and it was a Queer coming-of-age story and the character I portrayed. It felt like everything was meant to be, just looking at how everything came together so easily. Two years later, look at us! The movie’s out now,” she said.
Mila shared her feelings about the set of Black Burns Fast and working alongside her co-stars.
“It was an amazing experience to be part of a production of a movie that I feel is necessary—this is a movie I believe everyone should watch. It’s a movie I wish I had growing up. Everybody on set brought their A-game every single day, and it was so refreshing to be among so many Black South African women. Everybody arrived with an openness to learn, and Asanda also made it so much easier for us because of how well she would point us towards playing our characters right. Everything about the movie and its making was rewarding,” she said.
Mila Smith playing Jodie in Black Burns Fast | Credit: Coco Van Oppens
From signing with Moonyeenn Lee’s MLA to recognising chances of career-defining pivots, Mila reflected on what growth meant to her and her desire to become a global actress and musician.
“I see my growth in the industry as a marathon and not a sprint. I take advantage of every opportunity because I know that it’s bringing me closer to my goal, which is to be a world-renowned actor and musician. So the film, Black Burns Fast, was an important launch pad for me in the acting industry since it was my first feature film. Through that, I got signed to MLA, and through that agency I found myself exposed to more opportunities such as Spotify and Pokémon adverts. That’s just on the acting side of things. It’s the same with my music—every single opportunity I’ve had has opened up more doors for me to get closer to my ultimate dream,” she said.
Smith shared two memories that she holds dearly.
“There was a screening of the movie in Bertha House in Khayelitsha, and we got to attend it not only to watch it but also to have discussions about it. Seeing people of various ages come out to show love to this movie was so rewarding, and everyone was excited to meet the cast. The whole thing made me realise just how much bigger the film is than us. That’s my greatest memory so far as an actress.
“With regard to my music, my core memory was getting nominated for a SAMA Award back in 2023. The nomination was very validating in terms of me wanting to pursue music,” she said.
Mila Smith | Credit: MLA
Mila talked about her feelings regarding the direction of storytelling in the Mzansi industry and what she felt is needed.
“I personally believe there should be more Queer stories being told that aren’t centred around pain and trauma. With Black Burns Fast, it’s beautiful because it’s a story of Queer joy, which is so rare in itself. While we’ve gotten the aspect of representation better over the years, I still do believe we have a long way to go. As South Africans, I’d like to see us making more female- and Queer-focused films. I’ve noticed that with our local productions, there’s a tendency to lean towards stories that are inspired by gangs, criminal activities and violence. I think we should redirect our energies and produce more stories that are futuristic and fantastic. Like, we got so many incredible folktales that we can retell in different ways. So I do think we need to diversify by dipping into other creative wells,” she said.
Smith shared some of her interests outside of her artistic endeavours.
“I love rock-climbing. It’s one of my favourite activities that I do with friends, as a way of hanging out, if I’m not already doing so with family. I also love reading fictional books, murder mysteries and thrillers. Just holing up with some tea and rusks while I read because I’m not much of a party person,” she said.