PALESA Rathebe has waited for almost 13 years to realise her dream of being a film-maker.

She has her grandmother to thank for reminding her that good things come to those who wait and that everything had its timing.

"I want to be proof that it is possible to achieve anything you set your mind to, no matter how long it takes," she says.

The 31-year-old graduate from AFDA was among the final 12 interns announced for the inaugural M-Net Magic in Motion Academy at The Venue in Sandton yesterday.

The Soweto-born aspiring filmmaker describes herself as an artistic, creative hardworker who is driven by success and enjoys being a team player.

"I'm excited about being exposed to what is out there and how to create great content for our country and beyond," says Rathebe.

The 12 interns will be thrown in the deep end when they travel to Cape Town next week as part of the production crew filming M-Net's new reality series, Power Couple. They will then move on to the set of the Miss SA pageant before getting involved with Idols.

Rathebe originally studied theatre production and soon became curious about who created the works she was learning about. "I started looking behind the lens and discovered that that's where my true artistic intelligence lay," she says.

"My dream is about being an influential TV and filmmaker in South Africa and I would like to broaden my horizons. I hope to positively mentor those like me who have a passion for TV and film.

"My advice to young learners is to work hard, focus, and sharpen your interests, so that when the opportunity arises you can go for it."