Women in Film – KwaZulu-Natal: Stories Told, Power Claimed

In KwaZulu-Natal, women are not waiting to be given the spotlight. They are taking it. From the surf of Durban’s Golden Mile to the stillness of the Midlands, the province’s women filmmakers are telling stories that speak across borders, generations and genres. They are reshaping how cinema is made, who makes it, and what it says about South African identity. Supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, these women are directing, producing, editing, mentoring and mobilising. Through their leadership, KwaZulu-Natal is no longer a backdrop. It is a film powerhouse in its own right.  

Revolution Through Representation

The work these women create is not simply artistic. It is economic, social and cultural. It builds careers. It retains talent. It centres indigenous languages. It preserves stories and opens futures. Most importantly, it reflects the richness and complexity of life in KwaZulu-Natal. Thanks to KZNTAFA’s investment in women-led production and skills development, more women are entering and excelling in the film sector. They are redefining what leadership looks like behind the scenes, while helping others rise beside them.  

Women to Watch in KwaZulu-Natal Film

Below is a look at the women who are changing the script in KwaZulu-Natal’s screen industry. Each is forging new paths, mentoring others and making films that matter.

Rethabile Ramaphakela

Rethabile is the director and producer behind Disaster Holiday, a Netflix comedy that captures the chaos and charm of South African family life. Nominated in four categories at the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards, the film treats KwaZulu-Natal not simply as a backdrop, but as a central character. “Disaster Holiday showcases KZN as more than a location — it’s a character in the film,” said Ramaphakela. “From the road trip into the province to the beachfront scenes in Durban and the quiet of Mtwalume, every setting added heart, humour and texture.” Shot at landmarks like uShaka Marine World, the North Coast and Suncoast Hotel and Towers, the production also created jobs for local crew, extras and service providers. “Making films is difficult, so getting nominated is always a great honour. This reflects the dedication of our team — and the power of telling stories from where we live.” She noted that being recognised as a Black female director carried particular weight in an industry still facing structural inequities. Through Disaster Holiday, Ramaphakela not only showcased KZN’s cinematic potential but prioritised inclusive hiring across cast, crew, logistics and hospitality, demonstrating what locally grounded storytelling can achieve.  

Lisa-Marie Pyanee

Lisa-Marie is the debut producer of Cotton Dreams, a poignant feature exploring fashion, family and cultural identity in Durban’s Indian community. The film, developed through KZNTAFA’s Made for TV programme, employed 37 crew, 30 cast members and 70 extras, while also spotlighting local designers and musicians. It was nominated for multiple categories at the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards and has since been made available for streaming on Prime Video in the United States and the United Kingdom. “As an emerging producer, having an institution believe in my vision gave me the push I needed,” said Pyanee. “It wasn’t only about financial support. It was also about the access to resources, mentorship and the credibility that comes with being part of a KZNTAFA-supported project.” While the global distribution marks a milestone for a first-time producer, Pyanee is most proud of the opportunities the production created for others. Her commitment is to continue opening doors for emerging filmmakers through mentorship and hands-on experience.  

Ayanda Halimana

Ayanda is a director, writer and executive producer whose short film Sent centres rural life in KwaZulu-Natal with warmth and intention. The film, nominated at the 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards, was shot entirely in the province using an all-KZN cast and crew. “I was intentional about showing that part of the world not through the poverty-stricken lens, but to reflect a beautiful life — an experience for the viewer that is honest and heartwarming,” she said. With support from KZNTAFA, she was able to preserve the story’s integrity. “Without that funding, I would have had to change parts of the story. It would not be the film I dreamed of making.” Now screening internationally, Sent is not the end of Halimana’s impact. She continues to run workshops and masterclasses across the province. “We must retain our talent. We can’t afford to lose our voices.”

Jacintha De Nobrega

A producer, writer and director rooted in KwaMashu, Jacintha is best known for Lottery Love, a romantic comedy filmed in isiZulu that opened the KwaMashu Film Festival. The film earned international acclaim, winning Best Director in London and Best Feature in Los Angeles, and is a 2025 Simon Mabhunu Sabela Award nominee. “It is an honour to be recognised in the province where I reside. It is rare that recognition comes from your own people and city — this is invaluable for a filmmaker,” she said. Her production company has also delivered Deep End, London Recruits, and Durban Beach Rescue, each highlighting different facets of KwaZulu-Natal’s cultural identity. Known for building consistent crews and mentoring emerging talent, Jacintha has created career opportunities for dozens of local professionals. Her work is defined by cultural relevance, accessible storytelling and a deep commitment to nurturing KZN’s creative economy.

Rani Sitaram

The producer behind Greytown Girl, Rani is also the founder of East Coast Media, which trains emerging filmmakers, including young people with disabilities. Her film, set in the KZN Midlands, has received recognition at Cannes and other global festivals. With structural support from KZNTAFA, she transformed a regional story into an internationally awarded success.

Nosipho Dumisa

Best known for directing Nommer 37 and Netflix’s Blood & Water, Nosipho was born in Margate. Her cinematic eye and commitment to launching local talent have made her a critical force in exporting KZN stories to global platforms.  

Nicole Schafer

Nicole’s work in documentary film includes Buddha in Africa, which won Best South African Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival and was submitted as South Africa’s entry for the Oscars. She continues to push the boundaries of observational storytelling.  

Xoliswa Sithole

A Peabody and BAFTA-winning filmmaker, Xoliswa has KZN roots and is one of the country’s most respected documentarians. Her film Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Children remains a benchmark in African non-fiction storytelling.  

Kajal Bagwandeen

An actress and presenter from Durban, Kajal has built a dynamic career across film and television. Her credits include Impunity, 3 Days to Go, 7de Laan and Isidingo, showcasing her versatility and influence.  

Dawn Thandeka King

From Eshowe, Dawn is an award-winning actress celebrated for her role as MaNgcobo in Uzalo. Her commanding presence and emotional depth continue to elevate KZN’s visibility in mainstream media.  

Bonie Sithebe

Bonie is one of KZN’s most prolific producers, with over 20 films including Valley of a Thousand Hills, Maskandi Queen and Perfect Match. She is a champion of isiZulu-language cinema and co-founder of Durban Motion Pictures.  

Pravina Parsotham

With experience in educational media and public broadcasting, Pravina has contributed to key national platforms and is a consistent advocate for gender equity in storytelling.  

Jerique Bernard

An emerging voice in visual storytelling, Jerique has already travelled through Europe as a cinematographer. Her film Cassine From 5 to 7 debuted in Italy and she has received honours at festivals in the UK and Bulgaria. Her ability to craft poetic, place-based narratives sets her apart.  

Kethiwe Ngcobo

A pioneer of Zulu-language drama, Kethiwe’s latest work And She Didn’t Die won two awards at the 2025 Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. Her leadership at the SABC and mentorship of new voices continue to shape the industry’s future. Her message to young creatives is simple: your heritage is your competitive edge.  

Anchored by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority 

The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority plays a vital role in enabling these women to lead. Through targeted funding, post-production support, training labs and mentorship opportunities, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film has turned policy into practice. As Interim CEO Sibusiso Gumbi states, “We are not only investing in stories. We are investing in people, in parity, and in long-term sustainability.” Gender equity in film is not treated as a trend. It is built into the structure of support.  

The Legacy in Motion

From the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards to international streaming platforms, the work of KwaZulu-Natal’s women in film is gaining visibility and influence. But this is not about headlines or trophies. It is about anchoring the province’s creative future in the talent and leadership of its own people. These women are not anomalies. They are the new industry standard. Through them, the province’s stories are being told more boldly, more widely and with more cultural integrity than ever before. KwaZulu-Natal is not following global trends. It is setting them. Some quotes and references in this article are drawn from the original reporting of Ayanda Sane and the Sunday Tribune. Full credit to the original writers for their contributions in documenting the achievements of KwaZulu-Natal’s filmmakers.

• https://dailynews.co.za/news/2025-07-13-women-filmmakers-in-kwazulu-natal-a-revolution-in-storytelling/

• https://iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/2025-07-18-kwazulu-natal-is-a-new-powerhouse-in-global-storytelling/