Giant Films, a name synonymous with nurturing top talent, has signed director Kyla Philander to their roster. As a company with a 30-year legacy of supporting and growing passionate filmmakers, Giant has always sought out directors who bring something unique to the table, and Kyla is no exception. Kyla’s arrival marks not just the addition of a new director, but the continuation of a journey that aligns perfectly with Giant’s evolution and ethos.

Giant’s Emma Lundy, Executive Producer and Partner says, “At Giant, we represent very individual voices, but there’s a common thread that ties us all together — a like-mindedness rooted in a commitment for creating excellence. Kyla understands true performance, and their work is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling. Their filmmaking approach is rooted in sincerity and a deep understanding of the human experience.”

Kyla is a director with an undeniable presence, both on set and in the work they produce. With a background steeped in the arts, influenced by their father, performer Soli Philander, Kyla’s approach to filmmaking is personal and filled with emotional depth. Their work is a celebration of empathy and social consciousness, traits that have been shaped by their upbringing and their commitment to reflecting the world around them.

Kyla’s journey to joining Giant Films has been marked by their family’s legacy in the arts, their relationship to their community, their own background in acting and a strong mentorship from production company Bioscope, where they honed their craft and developed a distinctive narrative style. This journey has led Kyla to create work that resonates on a deep, human level, capturing natural performances and telling stories that are as real as they are compelling.

Here are some of our favourite commercials from Kyla’s reel

Kyla says, “I’ve always been hyper-attached to performance, it’s at the heart of everything I do.”

This passion is evident in Kyla’s recent commercial work, a standout piece for Coronation. A slight departure from the more documentary-based work they have become known for like the Corona ‘Free Surfer’ spots. “What I’m really grateful for when it comes to my commercial for Coronation is that I was able to take my approach to authenticity and translate that into a very narrative-driven commercial,” says Kyla.

Kyla’s decision to join Giant Films was influenced by their admiration for the company’s culture and the directors who are part of the Giant family. “I’ve always been drawn to Ian Gabriel’s (Giant Director and Founder) work. His ability to balance narrative and ad work is something I aspire to. The ethos and energy at Giant and being part of a roster that includes talents like Karien Cherry, Thina Zibi, and Ian Gabriel, are things I value deeply. They are like-minded individuals who I feel truly connected to in terms of the work we want to create.”

Cindy Gabriel, Giant Executive Producer and Managing Partner says, “Kyla’s narrative style is rooted in natural storytelling and they bring a realness and recognition of humanity across the board.”

“We are excited to harness Kyla’s immense energy and passion. They are a storyteller at heart, and we can’t wait to see what incredible narratives they will bring to life with us,” adds Emma.

Explore more about Giant Films and their talented roster on their website.