With a string of acclaimed projects and a cinematic approach to storytelling, director Imran Hamdulay has officially joined the roster at The Star Film Company. Imran brings a real sense of heart to everything he directs; his commercials feel deeply personal and undeniably South African. Hey Joburg, he lives in your hood now.

Imran’s commercials are anchored in one of the things that matters most to him in storytelling, heart (and they look really good too!) From Yoco’s beautifully intimate entrepreneurial portraits to a growing reel of performance-led pieces, his work lands with real emotional resonance. “There’s a consistent thread in Imran’s work,” says Star Films Executive Producer Saskia Rosenberg Haak. “It’s not about high gloss or veneer, it’s honest, beautifully shot, and it always feels like him.”

Yoco ‘Bravery Has a Home’ was awarded a Craft Mention in the IDIDTHAT Craft Awards. Guest judge, director at Egg Films, Imraan Christian said of the work, ‘‘Really beautiful storytelling, filmic textures and heartfelt voice over culminate to celebrate our everyday heroes in a way that feels timeless and honest. Great work to all involved.’’

Standout commercial craft aside, if you ask anyone at The Star Film Company how this new signing came to be, they’ll tell you it started with a bit of a love story. Imran and Executive Producer Adam Thal connected years ago, initially discussing a different project. That didn’t go ahead, but the creative spark was instant. “We just got each other,” says Imran. “Like brothers. I liked him immediately.” When the idea for Imran’s latest film ‘The Heart is a Muscle’ came up, Adam asked him to write it in two months. “If it’s good, we’ll make it,” he said. It was, and they did. 

Within a year, they’d made a film and forged a partnership rooted in a creative connection and a friendship rooted in a shared love for English football, besides supporting opposing teams….The feature film went on to win the Jury Prize at Berlinale and earning praise for its nuanced portrayal of masculinity and exceptional performance direction. We watched it and can absolutely second this! 

Stills from Imran’s film ‘The Heart is a Muscle’ set for nationwide release in August

The film is now set for a nationwide cinema release in August, a rare milestone for a South African indie feature. To mark the occasion, Star will also be hosting a dedicated screening for the creative industry in Johannesburg. If you’d like to attend, get in touch with EP Saskia for the deets.

The dashing Imran and Adam at the Berlin Film Fest

Now based in Joburg full time, commercial filmmaking is firmly where Imran’s focus lies. “I want to be in the room with creatives, collaborating on scripts that move people, that tell real stories, even in 30 seconds. That’s the kind of work I want to be known for.”

And with a reel that already reflects a clear tone – sensitive, personal, and proudly South African – Imran’s ready to plug into scripts that need heart and performances that land. Welcome to Star, Imran. The Joburg industry just got a little more heartfelt.

Wanna (s)talk some more? The Star Film Company on IDIDTHAT and company website.