Film and Commercial Directors in South Africa
Find South Africa’s top Directors for your TV commercials, online content, short films, music videos or film production – Based in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
Alan Irvin | they
He has grown an impeccable name for himself in the industry where he has been recognised by his peers winning numerous creative industry awards and has produced some of South Africa’s most loved commercials. Alan has received accolades at Cannes Lions, D&AD’s, Midas Awards, and many Loeire awards.
Andrew Kirkby | Iconic Agency
Andrew Kirkby is a self-professed multipotentialite. He has directed award-winning commercials for both local and international brands, as well as documentaries for Red Bull TV. Andrew has a strong background in editing and narrative-driven storytelling. He is the creative director and co-founder of Iconic Agency.
Ari Kruger | Sketchbook Studios
Ari is the co-creator and director of the hugely popular web series SuzelleDIY and the sensational TV series Tali’s Wedding Diary, with a host of awards, nominations and broken viewership records between them. Both productions epitomise his impeccable comic timing and talent for creating memorable characters.
Bevan Cullinan | Together Films
Bevan Cullinan is an award-winning Director and funny guy known for his ability to shoot comedy and performance dialogue, but he can pretty much shoot any style because of his physically-based approach to characters. He understands the demands of shooting multi format content for all platforms and is totally woke.
Bruno Bossi | Carbon Films
For Bruno the idea is everything. He is a conceptual thinker who constantly pushes the execution boundaries to drive the idea further whether through fresh performances or his mastery of the technical. The focus is of his work is to always deliver a tight narrative through his captivating visuals.
Candice Wainwright | Masters & Savant
Candice studied graphic design and photography and she’s had a successful tenure in the film industry for the past nine-years. Her love for animation, graphic and motion design comes through in all the work she’s done for award-winning campaigns and leading brands in different categories.
Chris Saunders | Ola! Films
Chris Saunders lives in Paris but regularly shoots in SA on commercial film projects ranging beyond the fashion, beauty and music videos for which he was originally known. He started out in photography (fashion, editorial and commercial) before venturing into documentary projects that illuminate Africa’s sub cultures through his optimistic, vivid lens.
Christiaan Venter | Masters & Savant
A designer, illustrator, compositor & animation director whose playful work will delight you. Christiaan’s process usually starts on paper, resulting in work that has a wonderfully organic feel. He has a strong background in illustration and animation, having acted as Creative Director for illustration house “Am I Collective” and Masters & Savant.
Cindy Lee | The Star Film Company
Cindy loves to direct. Hailing from a genetic pool that gives her the advantage in both dealings with client and people in front of the camera, she also has a knack for copywriting and an exceptional skill set for directing humour, small children and untrained animals.
Dani Hynes | Made Films
Dani is a director, a writer and a mom, but not necessarily in that order. With her ability to extract nuanced performances and create visually impactful pieces, Dani’s as tricky to pigeon hole as she is to convince to walk near a lizard. She’s won Creative Circle Ad of the Year, among other accolades
Daniel Morcos | Carbon Films
Daniel has been honing his craft across continents since a student Oscar nomination at the beginning of his 15 year career. He is drawn to making the ordinary extraordinary, and his work is infused with a perspective that highlights the human experience in unexpected and visually spectacular ways. This has seen him work across multiple genres throughout Africa and the Middle East and has earned him a few industry nods along the way.
Dillon Buirski | we are_
With 14 years’ experience in the fashion photo and film industry, Dillon is based in Cape Town, and London. His considered style, creativity and attention to detail make him a favourite among fashion retail houses. He’s directed work for the likes of Primark, Tommy Hilfiger, Jack Wills, George ASDA, F&F, Superbalist and Boden.
Fausto Becatti | Bioscope Films
Passionate about film, music, travel and photography – Fausto puts everything into his work. His style and energy has given his recent work a distinct look. With his finger on the pulse of youth culture and edgy visuals, Fausto recently picked up 4 merits at The One Show Awards for his ground-breaking work on Indiefin.
Graeme Carr | Darling Films
A digital storyteller, a motion artist. A creator of bespoke digital & vfx-driven experiences that extend the narrative onto digital & mobile platforms though games, interactive films, VR, AR, branded & 2nd screen content. Graeme flies solo on briefs or as a collaborator on darling productions.
Greg Francois | The Joneses
Known for his epic, cinematic work, Greg has made a name for himself as a top visual and performance director. He thrives on solving complicated production issues, using a combination of highly evocative imagery and emotion, with cutting edge post-production, offering the viewer a reality they never knew existed.
Greg Gray | Romance Films
No one has mastered the delicate balancing act between building a brand and sharing a powerful narrative quite like Greg. His understanding of how to speak to people through performance has created not only some of the world’s most awarded ads, but some of its most loved and shared.
Greg Rom | Gentlemen Films
A talented storyteller, Greg’s forte lies in creating bold, unpredictable narratives across various genres. His short films have travelled to illustrious festivals across the world, while back home his award-winning commercial work spans from comedy to strong, dramatic visual executions.
Herman Du Toit | Iconic Agency
The fusion of Herman’s strategic and conceptual thinking gives him an advantage as a commercial and branded content director. His background in marketing has lead him to constantly question his work and how it contributes to the brand and it’s objectives, without compromising on creativity.
Hylton Tannenbaum | Bioscope Films
Hylton started directing at 10 years old, using his Dad’s Super 8mm film camera. Since then he has shot over 250 commercials, working with almost every South African agency and some international ones too. He has picked up numerous Loeries, Cannes and Clio awards along the way.
Ian Gabriel | Giant Films
A disrupter of the status quo, Ian’s affection for the craft of story and emotion has seen him work as an activist in theatre, direct some award winning feature films, develop a TV series and continue to make timeless, impeccably crafted commercials, that entertain and intrigue.
Jabu Nadia Newman | Romance Films
Jabu is a female director and photographer who captures uniquely diverse and honest narratives, predominantly centred around South African youth culture. She encourages her subjects to tell their own stories in their own way and champions equal representation both in front of and behind the camera.
Jeana Theron | Darling Films
Jeana is known for bringing unrivaled artistic expression and style to the art of filmmaking and is able to draw nuanced performance regardless of genre. A classically trained fine artist and learned film craft by rising through the ranks from pa, researcher and finally director
JH Beetge | Picture Tree
JH is a commercials and narrative filmmaker, writer and photographer. He is a visual storyteller, based in Australia, and only able to travel for jobs that can afford it. His cinematic strengths lie in creating distinctive visuals with sincere characters and setting it all in an emotionally compelling narrative.
Jono Hall | Gentlemen Films
Director Jono Hall is a visual stylist with a versatile approach to considered and engaging storytelling. His strong narrative skills have established him as a seasoned director who has achieved notable creative success. Jono’s first television series has recently been optioned for development by an international studio.
Justine Calverley | First Pencil
Justine’s work is inspired by narrative, love and making things better and beautiful. She has an understanding of concept and storytelling which is supported by her AFDA honours degree in Animation and Writing. She’s worked in research, film, TVCs and music video production/directing.
Karien Cherry | Giant Films
Karien is an eternal and nimble student of the craft of film making. Ever on the lookout for a strong and demanding conceptual challenge, this creative ninja loves nothing more than to push the envelope in her collaborative quest to bring the most effective film execution to the work she does.
Kyla Philander | Bioscope Films
Kyla is a filmmaker directing content, commercials and documentaries. Committed to telling the stories the world doesn’t know, doesn’t hear often enough, Kyla’s focus on representation within media and their eye informs a body of work that is at once compelling and critical.
Lauren Chengan | Your Girlfriend
Lauren has a fresh, young filmmaking voice that’s ready to be heard. Her bold visual style and passion for storytelling is coupled with a tireless energy and devotion to the work. You’ll love her in the board-room, you’ll be amazed by her on set and you’ll thank her in the edit suite.
Laurissa Vergottini | Carbon Films
Laurissa has an insatiable curiosity. With a widespread set of skills and eye for the unusual and unexpected, she has an instinctual approach to both storytelling and visual aesthetics. Her passion for emotively intelligent writing and clarity of vision allow her to create films that induce a real connection that speak to the truths of her subjects.
Lebogang Rasethaba | Egg Films & Arcade Content
“There is this intensely creative, unapologetically young and curious energy in South Africa that I sense and subscribe to; it’s really infectious and I point my camera in that direction.” This has led to Lebo winning Creative Circle Ad of the Year and screening at TED Global.
Lee Doig | Let It Rain Films
Lee has shot literally everything there is to shoot. From television ads to international long format TV shows and movies and everything imaginable in between. He doesn’t like to mention the fact that he’s had nine Emmy Nominations & won an Emmy for cinematography, and would prefer to talk about Liverpool.
Linda Notelovitz | LifeDesign
Director. Producer. Mentor. Filmmaker. Aesthete. Agilist. Creator. With 25 years of experience having worked in over 20 countries creating beautiful visual communication for top brands globally, Linda’s seamless move into directing was a natural progression. She describes her filmmaking style as “cinematic authenticity”.
Louis Minnaar | Darling Films
With a background in animation, design and illustration, Louis focuses on combining live action material with computer-generated imagery which has materialized in music videos, commercials & short films. Louis also has experience in production design, set design as well as visual effects.
Manu Lapiere | Ginger Pictures
Armed with his Belgian sense of humour, Manu has shot over 120 TVCs all across the world and 70 Pan African TVCs all across the African continent. Starting out as a DOP, he’s been in the industry for more than 25 years. Passionate about elevating every detail in a script, he remains cool-headed, fast-thinking and solutions-oriented.
Marc Moynihan | Masters & Savant
With a BA in Illustration and Animation from Cambridge School of Art, Marc has been working in animation production in the UK for the past five years. Marc’s all-round experience in short films and commercials has progressed his career from 2D animator to supporting director in visual and story development.
Matthys Boshoff | The Star Film Company
Matthys’ background is as diverse as the adventures he’s embarked on, but it was his eye for beauty that landed him an acclaimed career in film directing. His work is as assorted as his escapades, from food commercials to feature films, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Maxime Thaysen | we are_
Maxime is inspired by both the old- and new-school, mixing up the styles in an experimental way. With an affinity for storytelling, a sharp eye for aesthetics and a passion for human-centric narratives, she’s made her way through the filmmaking landscape and quietly creating anticipation for what she’s up to next…
Mfundo Mkhize | Ola! Films
Born storyteller, Mfundo Mkhize captivates audiences with his command of visual language and understanding of South African cultures…in 30 seconds or less. He has directed spots for Vodacom, MTN, Coca-Cola, KFC, and McDonald’s and has a number of short films and TV dramas to his name, such as SABC 1’s Dreamworld.
Michael Rodrigues | we are_
Having returned from London with a Masters Degree in Film, Michael has used the past few years since to passionately hone his artistic voice through the development of short films, music videos, documentaries and commercial content. Along the way, some of his highlights included being nominated and awarded for his tongue-in-cheek approach, as well as his experimental creative execution.
Morgan Dingle | Your Girlfriend
Morgan Dingle is a talented visual and often hilarious storyteller, as comfortable with the green-screen as he is with the actor in front of it. He has also completed folding 894 of his goal of 1000 origami cranes on which when completed he will be granted one wish. What he will wish for is none of your business.
Mzi Kumalo | Darling Films
Mzi’s passion for film is entwined with his devotion to the portrayal of authentic african stories. He’s travelled across the continent to create and document them for various brands. Which only makes sense seeing he’s the son of the late Alf Kumalo; documentarian and photojournalist.
Mzonke Maloney | Carbon Films
Mzonke Maloney is a writer and director. His work places a particular focus on strong character-centric storytelling and interrogates new South African narrative-making, in authentic and challenging ways. A prominent part of emerging new wave of South African filmmakers, Mzonke continues to develop a unique and distinct voice that reflects a genuine love for craft & the art cinema.
Nadezna Radcore | The Rudeboy Collective
Nadezna understands how brands operate, how trend patterns shift and form, and most importantly, how this industry has the power to make a positive difference. She’s a punk at heart and a diehard idealist with a couple of degrees in Film, Philosophy, Metaphysics and Psychology. She’s taken what she’s learnt over time and infused it into her work and she’s brilliant.
Nicole Maria Ackermann | Romance Films
With a background in theatre and creative research, Nicole is a commercial director who takes a meticulous approach to film making, thoughtfully balancing evocative visuals with narrative. Known for her bold visual style, Nicole creates commercials with both heart and beauty.
Paul Ward | Giant Films
Paul made a name for himself as a documentary photographer capturing niche subcultures in the South African youth landscape. Paul was soon making films for high profile global clients, including Nike, Puma, and Audi who sought out his honest view into youth culture and life narratives. Paul is based out of Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Peter Heaney | Spitfire
This multitalented, and awarded long form director translates the creative crux for stories being told in thirty seconds (or thereabouts) without losing any of the magic. He brings a big-league grasp on the full production process, sweating the small stuff – so that you don’t have to.
Porteus Xandau | Carbon Films
Half man and half lens, Porteus, is no stranger to the film industry. Actor-turned director, his sensitivity to performance, combined with his incredible visual eye has seen him create some striking campaigns for local and international clients. The method to his madness? Don’t be boring.
Reto Reolon | Masters & Savant
Reto is an award-winning, versatile & multi-skilled live action director who specialises in TV commercials, branded content & digital media. He is talented in many disciplines; from editing to flame compositing. Reto is at home with lifestyle, food, fashion and ‘reality’.
Rob van den Bragt | Masters & Savant and Chocolate Tribe
An illustrious VFX Supervisor & Animation Director whose work will astound you. Rob was trained in Classical Animation & Film in Belgium. His career spans over 20+ years at leading international VFX & animation companies. Nine of those 20 years, he spent working for The Mill in the UK as a VFX Supervisor and director.
Samantha Nell | Gentlemen Films
Samantha Nell is a filmmaker whose work has been filmed and showcased at festivals across four continents. Samantha is known for her discernible voice which oscillates between comedy and tragedy and sometimes both at the same time. She possesses a strong eye for performances and a distinct visual aesthetic.
Scott McCullough
Scott is a multi-award-winning director/DP who collaborated with Prince and directed commercials for Pepsi, Coors, Budwieser, GM, Ford, Jeep, Target and many more Fortune 500 companies. He has worked with top production companies like STORY, James Productions, Paisley Park, The Directors Networth, TATE/USA, Wilfred Park with some of the biggest agencies. Scott is a hands-on director who’s fast, creative and is a collaborator experienced in every possible situation.
Los Angeles, CA USA
Represented by Vision | Contact
Shamiel Soni | Black Coffee Films
Having worked in the film services industry for one of South Africa’s most prolific directors, Soni started his directorial journey in 2014. Represented in LA; Japan and Australia, Shamiel Soni is a Director who turns ordinary into extraordinary with an instinctual approach to narrative filmmaking and breath-taking visuals.
Simon Cracknell | Bioscope Films
Simon’s passion is to create beautiful moving images that focus on the brand as hero. His work stands out for its considered and skilled approach to lighting and attention to detail derived from many years working with top international brands as a food and beverage stills photographer.
Slim | Darling Films
With roots in graphic design and art direction, Slim’s work is distinctively visual. But, true to his conceptual agency beginnings, he believes that the concept should always dictate the execution. He’s one of Shots’ top five most featured South African directors, with 13 videos on their site.
Stephina Zwane | Bomb Commercials
With two successful feature films under her belt, Stephina Zwane is carving out a distinctive brand of local storytelling. She now extends her creative reach into the world of commercials, bringing to Bomb her unique artistic voice and talent. Her love for crafting authentic South African narratives through words and visuals has made her a force to be reckoned with.
Takezito | Ola! Films
Director/producer Batandwa Alperstein, aka TAKEZITO, is a strategic thinker who has worked across Africa and is a natural at representing popular culture in both commercial and music related platforms. Takezito has worked alongside artists like Cassper Nyovest and Damian Marley; and released work on global platforms including Hypebeast and TIDAL.
Tebogo Malebogo | Vanishing Elephant
Tebogo is a UK-born writer, director and producer based in South Africa. His most recent film, ‘Mthunzi’, premiered at Locarno Film Festival and The New York Film Festival in 2019, awarded the Special Jury Prize at AFI Fest, and the Bronze Tanit at Carthage Film Festival. ‘Mthunzi’ has played at more than 35 festivals around the world including SXSW, Palm Springs International ShortFest, and Chicago International Film Festival, before having its online premiere on Le Cinéma Club. ‘Heaven Reaches Down’ To Earth is his sophomore short film.
Teboho Mahlatsi | Bomb Commercials
Teboho, is an award-winning director, and is famed for his drama work on Yizo Yizo, and more recently iconic South African Commercials: Sasol ‘All Stars’; MTN ‘community tables’; MTN ‘Ayoba’; Vodacom ‘Jaiva’; Vodacom ‘Summer Loving’; DSTV ‘TIA’; SAB ‘Be The Mentor’; MTN ‘ Marvin’. Please see his showreel on our website.
Tebza Malope | The Star Film Company
Tebza’s substantial appetite for creating masterful pictures is rivaled only by the number of glasses of water he drinks during a presentation. Tebza has received every possible directing accolade available, he is always hungry for more. Tebza is a superlative filmmaker, and he’s killing it.
Terence Neale | Romance Films
Holding the title as first ever South African director to win a Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions, Terence is a director known for his surreal visual storytelling and strong conceptual approach. Whether creating music videos or commercials for heavyweight brands, his work shows a subversive originality that is compelling to watch.
Thabang Moleya | Seriti Films
It is Thabangs energetic and infectious personality that creatives have fallen in love with. His authentic and expressive take on the South African aesthetic has bolted his illustrious career, as a multi-faceted director in feature films, high-end commercials and award winning TV dramas.
Thea Small | Giant Films
From directing her first commercial featuring Sho Madjozi (which collected a Gold, 2 Silvers and a Bronze at Bookmarks), to crafting intimate character portraits in her music videos, Thea’s talents reveal a range of capabilities, grounded in a keen sense of storytelling and performance.
Timothy Weyer | Iconic Agency
Timothy Weyer is a filmmaker living in Cape Town. Being a skilled editor and photographer is what makes him a good director: he has the eye to plan, capture and piece together beautiful visuals in order to tell a story. Timothy is also an accomplished musician and sound designer.
Tristan Holmes | The Star Film Company
Tristan is fiercely hardworking that applies every part of himself to every image he creates. There is sweat, there is blood, there is [producer’s] tears, there is passion, there is ultimate craft. He also happens to be one of the only SA directors to have won a little gold Oscar.
Vanessa Mojapelo | Rumanya Films
She is a ball of creativity, ready to bounce, leaving its mark on the Art of video making, filmmaking and everything in between. A creative problem solver, who believes nothing is impossible and everything is worth trying, passionate about life and loves putting smiles on human faces.
Wandile Xaba | They
Wandile identifies herself as a Queer Intersectional Director. She describes intersectionality as a space of respect you can create… for the ideas, religious beliefs, experiences and expressions of the individual standing in front of you. She has a visually sensitive eye and is passionate about creating thought-provoking and exquisite work.
Xolelwa “Ollie” Nhlabatsi | Rumanya Films
Xolelwa was born in Mbabane, eSwatini. He grew up in Washington DC, Ottawa and Johannesburg. This has given him a world view and the skillset to be able to adapt to different cultures and people. “I find my job is to reflect reality through the lens of embellishment mixed with some whimsy and hope.”
Zandi Tisani | Robot
Zandi is a considered filmmaker creating edgy and adventurous work. With an emphasis on culture, humour and storytelling, there’s a refreshing combination of authenticity and a strong cinematic quality to her work. Zandi is also an accomplished writer, creative and collaborator.
Zwelethu Radebe | Egg Films
Still in his twenties, Zwelethu has directed commercials for both local and international agencies and clients, shooting in nine countries across Africa and Europe. In 2017, he won a Silver Apex Award for Strongbow, as well as over 10 awards for his short film, The Hangman.
