Cinema in Africa dates back to the colonial era and while representation was not great, the industry has come a long way. Films pre the 1970’s were racially tone deaf and took a political nature by those native to the region in an effort to gain independence and reclaim the correct image of the nation. As things developed, the first African Film Festival, FESPACO, and filmmakers had a place to go and share their ideas and stories. There are areas where the distribution and availability to create and watch a film lack in African countries, companies like Changamoto Arts Fund provide resources for those looking to make their screening debut. With all this being said, today Africa offers some amazing films from awarded companies that we’d like to share below.
7 Films based in Capetown with Executive Producer Nina van Rensburg.
Above all else 7 Films puts storytelling first, with mentorship as a runner up throught their Masterclass. Their film, Joe Public United, won first place in the integrated category at the creative circle awards as well as a first place win in the film category at the same awards. Also on the awards roster for 2019 alone is Dir. SJ Myeza who won four awards in Gold at Nozizwe and two Pendering Craft Awards for direction and performance.
Arcade led by Alexa Wilson, Lebogang Rasethaba, and Will Nicholson.
The proud sister company of Egg Films, Arcade tackles cool projects like music videos, documentaries, new media, and some more. They take a direct approach with their work and dig cool, creative, out-of-the-box thinking. Their work speaks for itself with a number of awards under their belt, including the following: two Grand Prixs, an African Cristal Awards, a Creative Circle Ad of the Year for digital, a Grand Prix, Visible Spectrum SASC Awards, and nine Gold Midas Awards.
Bioscope led by Executive Producer Daniel Kaplan.
Ranked among the top 10 best production companies in 2016 by Loeries, Bioscope shoots projects for TV, new media, branded, and music videos. An award winning company, they have won 2 Silver Cannes Lions, a Silver Clio, as well as multiple Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Craft Certificates at the Loerie Awards. And that’s just naming a few. Dedicated to supporting their community, impressively the company donates a portion of their budget to a charity. Itching to get involved and learn from them? The company offers a trainee program and yes you get to go on set.
Bomb Commercials led by Oscar winning Executive Producer Gavin Joubert Director Teboho among others.
A boutique production company specializing in commercials, they have been operating for 15 years and have famed director Teboho in their midst. Known for his work on drama Yizo Yizo, his work also includes a few notable commercials including Sasol’s All Stars and MTN’s community tables, among others. In total, Teboho has earned awards including a Venice Silver Lion, more than 22 Loeries: including Gold, SAFTA, D&AD shortlist, a Cannes Shortlist, and Sundance recognition. Also on their team is successful feature film director Stephina whose work has been selected internationally at film festivals.
Butterfly Films led by directors Felix Seuffert, Jasyn Howes, Dewald Brand and producer Anna Telford.
Basically female-run this company prides itself on being a family business. Award-winning director Felix Seuffert is on the roster with experience working in more than 35 countries (jeez!). Their awards list includes 5 SAFTA awards, a Visible Spectrum Award, and a European Excellence Award. Their other director, Dewald Brand, has filmed for clients like Nike and has worked on all 5 continents.
Carbon Films led by Bruno Bossi Kirsten Clarence.
A creative company with a focus on the directors (they represent them) this award-winning company has gained local and international attention. Bruno Bossi is one of 6 directors at this company with awards such as a Bronze Loerie, and a Creative Circle Ad Award under his belt. The team pride themselves on not being boring, excelling behind the camera with their creative eye, telling a visual story that will make you weap happy tears.
Darling Films led by, well, many directors and then there’s producers Lorraine Smit / Melina McDonald.
Traditionally you would look at a production company as being run by directors, producers, etc, but with Darling they would like you to think about them as so much more. Serving you all kinds of creative from chefs to photographers, writers, nerds, and travellers, they have been named Most Awarded South African Film Production Company in 2018/2019 and Most Awarded Directors in 2018/2019. So what have they won? Best of Reel twice in 2018, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards, not to mention a Craft Certificate. And this is all in the last two years.
Egg Films with Executive Producers Sean Beukes and Colin Howard.
The sister from the...same mister...we’re talking about Arcade, people come to Egg if they want their commercial to win awards. Constantly inspired to stay up on trends in the industry and staying up late to work on their craft, Egg Films has established itself as a notable company in South Africa. Among their achievements, they are the first South African company to win a Cannes Lions Grand Prix for adidas Originals and they are the first South African company to win the Grand LI at the London International Awards. With listing out all their awards we’ll just say they have been featured on The Gunn Report’s Most Awarded Production company’s list.
Eyeforce led by Business Director Mascha Spaans and Creative Director Arthur Neumeier
Their saying goes,“ Imagination doesn’t have a price – it’s our state of mind,” and honestly it shows. Adding to the list of services this full service company also offers aerial and water cinematography which is just really cool. The awarded team has taken home prizes such as the
Golden Lion at Cannes 2018, 1st place at Outdoor Films 2018, and has taken home a prize from the Feel the Reel International Film Festival.
Figment led by Executive Producer Di du Toit and Directors Robin Goode, Gregg Bailey, Oliver Hermanus, and Norman Maake.
Created only 4 years ago by Robin Good and Di du Toit, their films have already made headlines. Short Film, “Commander”, won an Award of Merit at the Best Shorts Competition and was officially selected at festivals Lift-Off, Rhode Island, and shnit. The company’s goal is simple: focus on commercials, long-form development, and narrative, be creative - and they are brilliant.
Written by
