Spotting a female director on a film set has always been seen as an anomaly. However, there is an interesting influx of women who are now turning the tide through a medium that has mostly been best suited for males – Directing.
It is a proven fact that women from across various spectrums of professional lines have to fight for their rightful seat at the table.
The film and television industry is not exempt from this frustrating phenomenon. There are numerous instance’s that plague female directors (and artists alike) including, sexual predators preying on unsuspecting and naïve women trying to break into this fascinating yet fickle industry.
Zalebs has therefore selected a batch of phenomenal female directors for our Top 5 countdown list in South Africa that have risen above and beyond scrutiny and intimidation in this line of work.
Mmabatho Montsho is no stranger to the world of television. She started carving out her career in the arts through acting, with memorable roles such as Lumka on Generations and Thembi on Rhythm City. The talented all-around artist has gone on to direct popular soapie, Scandal on etv, a short film called, The Grooms Price and quite recently, Lockdown on Mzansi Magic.
Mmabatho Montsho in her element, where all the stories come to life.
Nthabi Tau, much like fellow director, Mmabatho Montsho, started out as an actress, portraying the character of Meiki, on renowned soapie, Muvhango. Nthabi has since made her directorial cut on SABC 3’s, Isidingo.
Nthabi is doing her thing on Isidingo. Here she is pictured going about her usual duties as a director.
This multifaceted artist is best known around comedy and acting circles. However, the beauty has also made tremendous strides in the world of directing. Krijay has worked on etv’s flagship soapie, Rhythm City, SABC 3’s High Rollers and Thandeka’s Diary on SABC 1 (to mention a few).
Krijay on set with her colleagues. She stays slaying.
Brenda Mukwevho is best known for her role as the troublesome Lufuno on Muvhango.
Brenda has since moved up the ranks in the industry with directorial credits from ETV’s Rhythm City and a short film called, Moseto. This is after learning directing ropes during her term on Muvhango. There is still a lot more that we can look forward to from Brenda.
Kekelesto Mphuthi’s journey to directing is very similar to her fellow colleagues. She is previously known for her role on as Dinana on SABC 1’s drama series, Soul City. Keke has proven that she is here to stay, as her credits include directing Ashes to Ashes on etv and currently, viewers can marvel at her work on Isidingo.
Kekeletso is pictured here with her team at Isidingo. Collectively they make the show great.
Main image credit: Instagram/@montshotheblack