South African directors occupy a unique position within the creative economy, as storytellers, cultural leaders, innovators and custodians of our collective narratives. Yet the profession faces significant challenges, including the protection of intellectual property, equitable industry transformation, sustainable career development and the nurturing of emerging talent.
This panel, curated by the Directors Guild of South Africa (DGSA), brings together experienced directors and industry leaders to explore the future of directing in South Africa and its role within a rapidly evolving African and global screen industry.
The discussion will examine how directors can help shape an inclusive, innovative and sustainable film and television sector while advocating for stronger creators’ rights, improved professional standards and meaningful opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers.
Rather than focusing only on the challenges, the conversation will present practical solutions, highlight successful industry initiatives, and encourage collaboration among filmmakers, educators, policymakers, and industry organisations to strengthen South Africa’s creative ecosystem.
This session is aimed at filmmakers, students, producers, broadcasters, arts practitioners, academics and anyone interested in the future of African storytelling.
Discussion Topics:
1. The Future of South African Directing
- How is the role of the director evolving?
- Preparing directors for an increasingly global industry.
- New opportunities created by technology and international collaboration.
2. Industry Transformation Beyond Policy
- Creating meaningful access and inclusion.
- Leadership and representation behind the camera.
- Building sustainable careers for South African directors.
3. Intellectual Property and Creators’ Rights
- Ownership of creative work.
- Copyright and contractual protection.
- Ensuring directors benefit from the long-term value of their work.
4. Developing the Next Generation of Filmmakers
- Mentorship and professional development.
- Bridging education and industry.
- Building pathways for young directors to succeed.
5. Directors as Custodians of African Storytelling
- Preserving authentic African narratives.
- Telling stories that reflect diverse identities and lived experiences.
- Positioning African stories for global audiences.
Production Credits
Facilitator: Andile Sinqoto
Panellists: Siya Saanga Sityana, Nceba Mqolomba
Directors Guild Of South Africa
About the Artists
ANDILE SINQOTO
Andile Sinqoto is a South African film and television executive, director, cinematographer, and internationally recognised creative industry leader with nearly two decades of experience advancing Africa’s screen sector. He is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Directors Guild of South Africa (DGSA) and the Independent Directors Association Africa (IDAA), where he leads initiatives focused on industry transformation, creators’ rights, policy development, and professional advancement.
Beyond his work as a filmmaker, Sinqoto is a respected advocate for the creative economy, serving as Deputy Chairperson of the Western Cape Cultural Commission and contributed to national and international policy platforms, including the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the B20 Employment and Education Task Force, and the International Federation of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity (IFCCD). He is currently serving on the appeal committee for NFVF. He has also served as a juror, mentor, and speaker on leading industry platforms, including the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) and South Africa’s Academy Awards selection process.
Recognised among Creativepool’s Top 25 Television Commercial Directors Worldwide, Sinqoto is committed to positioning African storytelling on the global stage while championing a more equitable, sustainable, and globally competitive creative industry.
SIYAASANGA SITYANA
Siyaasanga Sityana is an internationally award-winning film and commercial director, producer, and creative entrepreneur. He is the Co-Founder of the Directors Guild of South Africa (DGSA) and the Independent Directors Association Africa (IDAA), where he champions the development and recognition of African filmmakers.
Born and raised in Peddie in the Eastern Cape, Sityana’s passion for storytelling is deeply rooted in his heritage. A graduate of the Cape Town International Film School and the grandson of acclaimed Xhosa novelist A.M.S. Sityana, he has built a distinguished directing career spanning television commercials, branded content, and documentary storytelling.
His directing portfolio includes campaigns for leading brands such as Sanlam, Castle Lager, PEP, DStv, Jet, and numerous other national and international clients. His career began after directing the landmark 46664 campaign infomercial for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, establishing a reputation for emotionally compelling and socially conscious storytelling.
Today, Sityana continues to shape the African screen industry through his creative work, mentorship, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.
NCEBA MQOLOMBA
Nceba Mqolomba is an accomplished South African producer, director, festival founder, and cultural leader whose work has played a pivotal role in developing the film industry in the Eastern Cape. With more than two decades of experience in film and television, he has produced and directed a range of acclaimed productions while dedicating his career to creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
He is the Founder and Festival Director of the Eastern Cape Film Festival and the Sarah Baartman Film Festival, initiatives that have become important platforms for showcasing local stories, nurturing new talent, and promoting the province as a vibrant filmmaking destination. Through these festivals, Mqolomba has championed skills development, industry collaboration, and creative entrepreneurship, helping position the Eastern Cape as one of South Africa’s emerging centres for film production.
Recognised with the Outstanding Provincial Contributor Award at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), Mqolomba continues to lead initiatives that strengthen the province’s creative economy through mentorship, training, festival programming, and the promotion of authentic African storytelling. His work remains driven by a passion for empowering filmmakers and building sustainable pathways for future generations of storytellers.
- Venue: Amazwi Workshop
- Location: Amazwi South African Museum of Literature
- Programme type: Curated Programme
- Genre: ArtTalk
- Duration: 60 minutes
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Ages:
ALL AGES
- Language: English
