There is a handful of directors that our industry turns to when they have a really meaty narrative script, and Star Films’ Cindy Lee is undoubtedly among them. Her short film The Last Ranger is a heartbreaking masterpiece. It is compelling, gut-wrenching, and beautifully crafted, earning its well-deserved spot on the 2025 Oscar shortlist.
Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt, CEO and co-founder of Chocolate Tribe, shares 10 reflections from her journey leading a creative studio for the past decade. From embracing change to celebrating wins, her insights are a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders alike.
“We set out to send South Africa’s beloved Gusheshe into space,” says Steve Tyler, founder of DreamDrive.co.za. After months of planning and one high-stakes, 2-hour-50-minute flight, Steve and 7 Films overcame freezing temperatures and strict weight limits to pull off this ambitious mission. Here's how.
When it comes to comedy in advertising, few directors in South Africa understand the craft like Together Films’ Bevan Cullinan. His latest Christmas commercial for Spar, created with TBWA Durban, is packed with British humour, hilarious local insights, and viral appeal, the 3-minute spot is a comedic gem. Go Bevan!
For the second year running, Checkers, agency 99c, and production company 7 Films have crafted a Christmas campaign that doesn’t just pull at your heartstrings, it tugs with both hands. Following the success of their previous Christmas campaign, this year’s takes to the skies with a Checkers Sixty60 branded aeroplane delivering the gift of togetherness.
Carbon Films has announced the signing of rising director Koketso Matabane to their roster. With a sharp eye for clever, idea-driven work and a knack for storytelling shaped by five years in the Joburg creative and film scene, Koketso is already making her mark. She recently directed a campaign for MTN which among her other work caught the eye of Carbon Films, which she now calls home.
Production company They has signed Steezus, an emerging filmmaker with an undeniable passion for fashion, music, and narrative-rich, visually captivating work. Known for his self-described role as a “visual composer”, Steezus combines an editorial eye with rhythm and narrative.
In under a year, Fam Films, led by founders Aadil Dhalech and Mpho Twala, has delivered nine major campaigns, working nonstop between Jozi, Cape Town, and Nairobi, with a talented team that includes Jess Schipper, Hallie Haller, Gcobisa Yako, and newly-signed director Fhathuwani Mukheli.
Leon Visser, the editor behind GAIA, DONKERBOS, and more, is battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and needs a bone marrow transplant. If his work has touched you, please consider supporting him.
Bioscope Films officially welcomes director Jessie Zinn, fresh off her IDIDTHAT Best of Craft win for Sonnenglas. Her first job with Bioscope. The spot was shot exclusively at dusk and dawn over an eight-day journey across South Africa and Eswatini, capturing the beauty of light for the solar brand.
Senior editor and Syndicate founder Nic Goodwin’s latest work for Black Crown, in collaboration with Egg Films’ director Lebogang Rasethaba, highlights Nic’s talent for elevating storytelling through sharp, nuanced (and really cool) editing. This was a dream brief he took full advantage of.
Known for his comedy and performance chops and keen eye for the visual, director Peri is spreading his wings with Superkind. The latest Cape Town-based full-service production company is rooted in an affinity for collaboration and a vision to bring a fresh approach to every project.
Tessa Ford Post is synonymous with high-end post-production in South Africa. Beyond big-budget campaigns, they’re a creative-first, approachable team, taking on projects of all sizes.
At this year's Loeries, The Odd Number claimed the title of Independent Agency of the Year. This accolade highlights the agency's exceptional contributions to advertising and its commitment to innovation and excellence in the industry.
Egg Films has signed Canadian-based director Marc Sidelsky, bringing his cinematic style and subversive humor to South Africa. Known for his deadpan, bone-dry wit, Marc now has a creative home for his bold storytelling at Egg Films, where he’ll be available for local agency work.
Fell + Co is a creative agency that offers full-service production and post under one roof, delivering faster turnarounds, smarter budgets, and personalised service. Head of Relations Kirsten Gerber says, “We don’t sell products; we tell stories about people who do.
Joe Public proudly took to the stage at the 46th annual Loerie Awards in Cape Town as Agency of the Year. Joe Public Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and their clients bagged 35 of the sought-after birds, including five wins with production partners Romance Films, Darling Films and Post Modern.
Ogilvy enjoyed wins on both nights of the Loeries this year, with 19 Loeries in total for clients including Volkswagen SA, KFC, The City of Cape Town, Carling Black Label and Doom. Work was celebrated across a wide number of categories including; Direct, Film, Integrated, Radio, Activations and various industry craft categories.
During Loeries Creative Week, Open Chair, in partnership with Nedbank, hosted a speed dating afternoon with a difference. Aptly called, “Friends in High Places,” it was held at The Cape Wheel at the Waterfront. 65 mentees had face time with 31 mentors from across the industry. The pods on the wheel served as an ideal safe space for these women to share their stories and receive guidance.
This year, South Africa’s NETO+SHOOKAN, in collaboration with VML SA helped win 8 Cannes Lions for a global Coca-Cola campaign. We spoke with Executive Producer Paresh Shookan and photographer Kgomotso ‘Neto’ Tleane, who crafted the South African contribution.
