Picture: Gallo Images/Tetiana Strichuk
From visionaries steering behind-the-scenes production to directors telling urgent local stories, these five female industry powerhouses are actively redefining contemporary South African film and television.
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Beyond simply creating captivating content, they are dismantling long-standing structural barriers in a historically male-dominated industry.
By championing authentic, nuanced narratives that reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity, opening doors for emerging talent, and claiming crucial creative and executive spaces, these women are reshaping Mzansi’s storytelling landscape and setting a bold new standard for the global stage.
Amy Jephta | Writer and director
Notable projects: Barakat (2020), Skemerdans (2021)
As an award-winning screenwriter and director, Jephta made history with Barakat, South Africa’s official submission for the 94th Academy Awards and the first Afrikaans feature film directed by a Coloured woman. Her work consistently captures rich, authentic South African cultural narratives.
Twiggy Matiwana | Director
Notable project: Family Portrait (Fathers Matter film series, 2022)
Known for her ability to translate complex emotional landscapes into compelling cinema, Matiwana has helmed award-winning short and long-form projects. Her film Family Portrait tackles family dynamics and fatherhood with raw nuance.
Ayanda Msomi | Producer
Notable project: Ubani Lore? (2025)
Marking her space as one of the country’s prominent young Black female producers, Msomi focuses on bringing fresh, innovative indie cinema to life. She produced the acclaimed short film Ubani Lore?, showcasing her skill in handling narrative-driven storytelling.
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Naledi Galane | Director
Notable project: Tlhaho Ya Mosadi (2026)
A bold storytelling voice in South African cinema, Galane uses her directorial platform to explore African heritage, identity, and the intersection of traditional dynamics with modern society, as demonstrated in her acclaimed film Tlhaho Ya Mosadi.
Deniz Sertkol | Film curator and critic
Notable project: The Long Take Film Club
Sertkol plays a crucial role in film preservation, critical analysis, and audience building. Through platform initiatives like The Long Take Film Club, she curates space for indie cinema, fosters deep film appreciation, and elevates South African film discourse.
Shaping the future of South African storytelling
Whether standing behind the camera, guiding pitch desks, or hosting film discussions, these five women demonstrate that the strength of South African cinema lies in its diversity of voices.
By championing nuanced narratives, opening doors for emerging talent, and creating spaces for critical dialogue, they are not just contributing to the local film industry; they are defining its future on the global stage.
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