IDIDTHAT Presents ‘SHE DID THAT at Loeries 2022’
The 2022 Loeries Official Rankings were released last week and although we don’t think awards and accolades mean everything (they’re pretty cool though), they definitely get our attention when they reflect the high level of work being created by some of the talented women and non-binary people in our industry right now. Below we have showcased five of the top-ranked film directors in the country according to the Loeries. Congratulations and here’s to seeing a lot more representation in 2023 💪🏾
SHE DID THAT is IDIDTHAT’s monthly series where we shine a spotlight on the women in the South African production industry. SHE DID THAT makes it even easier to find local female filmmakers. Our hope is that this will become a talent showcase and a useful resource to access and discover the right people for your projects. Although we will only be featuring women and non-binary people, the goal is that it will encourage the inclusion of more underrepresented filmmakers across all production work created by South Africans.
Jeana Theron
Director at Darling Films
Jeana is known for bringing unrivalled 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.
Justine Calverley
Director at First Pencil
Justine has worked on projects ranging from subtle and warm performance pieces to complex 3D animation, realistic visual effects, outlandish stop frame, Big Data documentaries and even the collation of a Fashion Show. Her love for the craft shows in her attention to detail and scrupulous integrity to concept, regardless of the brief.
Kyla Philander
Director at 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.
Wandile Xaba
Director at 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.
Cindy Lee
Director at 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.
More resources to discover and access underrepresented filmmakers for your next shoot:
Free the Work South Africa. A global initiative that asks agencies to brief at least 1 woman on every 3-way commercial bid.
Girslfinfilm. A platform to grow and network filmmakers.
She Says Cape Town. SheSays is the only global network for women in advertising and other creative industries.
If you know of other platforms that can help our industry grow and be more representative of an inclusive diverse society, hit us up and email studio@ididthat.co
