Speakers: JBX Talks

Thembalethu Mfebe

Welkom-born producer, writer and director Thembalethu Mfebe completed his Honors degree at UCt in Film and Television Drama in 2014 before graduating from the MultiChoice Talent Factory in 2015…

Jennifer Okafor-Iwuchukwu

Jennifer Okafor-Iwuchukwu is a trailblazer in the global entertainment industry, currently serving in a management role that champions TV and film writers, directors, producers…

Sylvester Chauke

Sylvester Chauke is obsessed with the vibrant buzz of high streets or the hustle of supermarket aisles. Always on the prowl, he observes consumers interacting with brands, dissecting their choices with a marketer’s precision and a disruptor’s flair.

Theo Dumont

Dumont is the co-founder and co-director of the Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, Hollywood Comedy Festival and co-founder of the Mammoth Film Festival. As a Managing Partner at Alta Global Media, Dumont spearheads media relations…

Zanele Mthembu

Zanele is the MD and Executive Producer at Brown Panther Films, a part-time lecturer at the Tshwane University of Technology, and currently serves as the Acting Head of Programmes at Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT)…

Marc Schwinges

Marc Schwinges is a seasoned COO, Executive Producer, and production deal architect specialising in film and television budgeting, finance structuring—including commissions, presales, rebates, equity, grants, and co-production…

Sari Ruda

Ruda has built a dynamic career at the intersection of storytelling, cross-cultural collaboration, and economic development in the creative industries. Her expertise spans business development, B2B marketing, communications…

Mmabatho Montsho

Mmabatho Montsho is a multidisciplinary fimlmmaker and an award-winning writer and director, and visual artist. Guided by a passion for social justice, she has curated and managed the Human Rights Film Festival…

Vusi Africa

Multi award winning director Vusi Africa paved his way as one of South Africa’s most influential contemporary filmmakers when he debuted with the award-winning feature film Letters of Hope(2019) at the 40th DIFF in competition…

Pia Marais

Pia Marais born in Johannesburg, South Africa to a Swedish mother and South African father. She initially studied Art in London, Amsterdam and finally the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf before going on to study film in Berlin at the DFFB…

Jordy Sank

Jordy Sank is a two-time South African Film and TV Award-winning Director, Screenwriter and Producer known for his feature documentary “I Am Here” (2021), which also won the Best South African Documentary Award at the Durban International…

Dr. Syleecia Thompson

Dr. Syleecia Thompson is a multifaceted leader in education, entertainment, and media. As an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship & Business at National University, she empowers future innovators with…

Gary Rathbone

Gary Rathbone is the founder and Director of Sportscape Media, focused on the business of sports media including media rights, broadcasting and sponsorships. The business advises broadcasters and sponsors on media content strategies and acquisitions…

Mosibudi Pheeha

Mosibudi Pheeha is a growing dynamic force in the Africa media landscape, currently serving as the Acting Channel Director for Multi Choice’s Eastern and Southern African Channels catering for 12 countries across the continent (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia…

Femi Odugbemi

Femi Odugbemi is a renowned filmmaker, TV Producer and creative leader with over three decades of experience in the African film and media industry. As the founder of Zuri24 Media, he has created groundbreaking projects such as Battleground, Brethren, Movement…

Naledi Bogacwi

Masters degree graduate Naledi Bogacwi is a multi-disciplinary producer whose work both on film and stage has earned the recognition of the most coveted organisations in both industries. Naledi paved her way as an award-winning film Producer and Writer…

Steven Adams

Peabody award winning Manager/Producer Steven Adams is a Founding Partner at Alta Global Media with a distinguished history of developing and producing film & TV with international talent and media companies….

Fabien Martorell

In the world of contemporary genre cinema, few directors command as much attention as Martorell. With 18 awards and 25 nominations spanning the United States, United Kingdom, and France, his work has left an indelible mark on …

Dr. Victor Okhai

Dr Victor Okhai is a celebrated figure in the world of film and television, renowned for his contributions to African and global entertainment. As the National President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and co-founder of …

Andy Mundy-Castle

Founder of Doc Hearts, Andy Mundy-Castle is known for producing high end content that authentically represents diverse communities with immediacy, sophistication and scale. With over 15 years of experience in the…

 Firdoze Bulbulia

(MA) African Studies; Ohio University, USA; BA (Dramatic Arts Honours, WITS University, South Africa); Teacher’s Diploma in English and Afrikaans and a Licentiate (ATCL-LTCL) in Drama from Trinity College, UK….

Wikus du Toit

WIKUS DU TOIT currently serves as the Senior Manager: Scripted Content at Multichoice, overseeing the production of films, dramas, and comedies, as well as international co-productions, including series such as Spinners…

Motheo Moleko

Motheo Moleko is the co-founder of Freshnow, and Culture Spec. Freshnow is a digital marketing business where culture is the X factor in delivering results for their clients. Culture Spec is a talent management business…

Moses Mmutlane

He has been part of a powerful Teams for more than 30years which ran the show at Herdboys, Saatchi & Saatchi, Nail, Caxtons, Penta Communications, Bop Broadcasting Radio and TV Producer, and some of the leading…

Penny Lebyane

Penny has become a multi-levelled media practitioner, with over 20 years’ experience in both Radio and Television.  She is a mother, advocate for change and a passionate speaker on all things’ mental wellness amongst other topics...

Alastair Orr

Alastair Orr’s journey has taken him from independent filmmaking to entrepreneurship, leading him to helm The Refinery. As the head of The Refinery in Cape Town and in Johannesburg, he brings together his background in storytelling…

Mmamitse Thibedi

Mmamitse Thibedi, founder and Executive Producer of ORIGINS PICTURES, is a visionary leader shaping the South African television landscape. Since graduating from AFDA, she’s consistently delivered groundbreaking work… 

Kabelo KB Ngakane

Kabelo is a 27-year entertainment industry and communications professional with over 10 years of corporate business facilitation and brokering entrepreneur, with experience across the African continent in Television & Radio…

Vuyani Sondlo

Vuyani is a film practitioner with over 25 years of experience having started out in the early 1990’s. Over these years he has been a practicing film editor and a visiting lecturer at various higher learning institutions in the country...

As the new Executive Head of Content Strategy for Showmax, Tracy-Ann is tasked with leading the SVOD programming strategy for Multichoice in Africa. With over 20 years of experience…

Phumi Morare

Phumi Morare is an NAACP Image Award-winning, Oscar-shortlisted writer and director from South Africa. Passionate about exploring the Black female gaze, she tells intimate stories of ordinary heroes, people of color, and women… 

Pearl Munonde

Pearl has a solid foundation in production, having built her career by rising through the ranks and gaining extensive knowledge at each level. She is an accomplished Producer and Line Producer who has produced hundreds of hours…

Magangwe Mahlase is a multifaceted creative force—a writer, director, and film lecturer—who holds a Master’s Degree from the Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa. His work delves deeply into the intricate tapestry of family relationships...

Nandisa nurtured her love for film and television at the University of Cape Town where she completed a Film and Television degree with honours with a specific focus on writing. Af-ter graduating cum laude, she joined the M-Net Magic in Motion programme…

Mpho Sekhoto

Mpho’s journey from Alexandra Township in Johannesburg to the international cricket stage is a remarkable story of talent, determination, and vision. Scouted by Dr. Ali Bacher, the then CEO of the United Cricket Board, Mpho’s potential was recognized early… 

Asanda Munyu

Asanda Munyu is a seasoned public relations professional with over a decade of experience in influencer marketing, communications, and brand strategy. Currently serving as the Head of Influencer Marketing, Asanda has collaborated with leading…

As a Game Developer at South Game studio, my focus lies in blending creative storytelling with technical expertise, a fusion I mastered while obtaining a Project Management certificate at the University of the Witwatersrand…

Lodi’s credits as a producer, demonstrate her ability to create award winning work, across genres, fact or fiction, with record breaking ratings. This puts her company, Puo Pha Productions, head and shoulders above other content producers in South Africa…

Romy Nomis

Romy Nomis is a dynamic force in South Africa’s Film and Entertainment industry, with a career spanning both creative production and financial risk management. She began her journey in freelance production, collaborating with leading… 

Tebogo Matlawa

Tebogo Matlawa – Head of Scripted Content: Middle & Mass: SA at MultiChoice Tebogo Matlawa is a highly accomplished film and television executive with over a decade of experience shaping the local media landscape. His expertise encompasses content…

Graduated from the International Theater School directed by Emmanuel Gallot Lavallée and from the Factory in Rome, she began her theatrical career at a very young age in the C.T.M….

Carlynn de Waal-Smit studied Dance and Musical Theatre at Pretoria Technikon receiving a diploma in Dance and Teaching, she went on to be a Company and Stage Manager for BOP dance company…

David Makubyane

David Makubyane is a dynamic and results-driven media executive with over two decades of experience shaping South Africa’s television and entertainment landscape. A strategic leader, content expert, and industry innovator, he has played… 

Darrell Roodt

South African film director Darrell Roodt made an international name for himself with the debut feature A Place of Weeping (1986), a passionate condemnation of apartheid that the New York Times hailed as “… remarkable and”…

Jackie Motsepe has an extensive career in the South African film and television industry. A founding member of the National Film and Video Foundation executive, Motsepe is credited for positioning the South African film and television industry…

Kagisho Bapela is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in business and finance, with particular focus on deal making and business turnaround. Kagisho is the Head of Services Business Unit at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa.

Raoul Peck

Raoul Peck’s complex oeuvre includes the films The Man by the Shore (Competition, Cannes Film Festival 1993); Lumumba (Directors’ Fortnight, Cannes Film Festival 2000); Sometimes in April (Competition, Berlinale 2005); Moloch Tropical (TIFF 2009, Berlinale 2010) and Murder …

Khanyi Magubane

Khanyi Magubane is a highly respected media practitioner with 25 years of experience across radio, television, film, and journalism. Armed with a BA in Communications and a BA Honours in Journalism from the University of Johannesburg…

With over 20 years of experience managing actors and voice artists, Lisa Modisane has mastered the art of relationship management. As the Operational Director of Legends Actors and Performers Management, Lisa, together with her team, played a pivotal role…

Luke Rous is a well-known and respected creative industry executive who has produced over 300 hours of prime-time scripted drama and comedy and 4 feature films over the span of a 20-year career. Career highlights so far include over 50 SAFTA…

Ramadan Suleman

Ramadan Suleman studied filmmaking in Paris and at the London International Film School. Suleman has written, directed and produced several features films and documentaries winning awards at prestigious festivals. He has over the years produced features… 

Sara Chitambo-Hatira

Sara Chitambo-Hatira is a filmmaker dedicated to telling impactful stories that address urgent social and environmental issues. As Co-Chair of the Documentary Filmmakers’ Association in South Africa, Sara champions the craft of…

With over 15 years of experience in the South African film and television industry, Sinini Nyathi-Mati is a force to be reckoned with in producing, storytelling, and executive leadership. A SAFTA Award-winning producer (2014), she has played a pivotal role in bringing to life some…

Projects Monitoring and Evaluation Manager. Responsible for monitoring and evaluation of funded NFVF projects, co-productions and film certification process at the National Film and Video Foundation, which includes both national films. He is also responsible all…

Unathi Malunga

A Fulbright scholar with an LLM from UCLA, Unathi’s work has been in the creative industries (she has worked as an Entertainment Lawyer then Creative Industries Consultant) and has spanned across a variety of platforms and territories leading to a full understanding of various… 

Thandi Davids

Thandi Davids has spent over 20 years working in various sectors of the media industry. She began her career in public relations and was head-hunted to join the Independent Broadcasting Authority at its inception. She has worked in the music industry producing… 

Nzinga Qunta is a seasoned broadcaster with over a decade of experience on radio, television, and podcasts, with a focus on business, innovation, health, education and tech internationally…

Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri is the CEO and founder of the Known Associates Group of Companies, which include a below the line agency; a design studio; a film production…

Eloïse King is a queer, London-born inter-disciplinary filmmaker of Caribbean heritage. Through a lens that amplifies marginalized perspectives, she interrogates the fractures and fictions of societal…

Simon Makwela is a pioneering South African media executive and tech innovator with over two decades of industry experience. His career began as an award-winning photographer…

Emmai Alaquiva, once homeless, is now a four-time Emmy Award-winning film director/photographer for Roc Nation, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, CBS Sports Network, Rihanna’s FENTY brand, AMAZON, BMW, The ROOTS and more…

Benjamin Rosman is a Professor in the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, where he runs the Robotics, Autonomous Intelligence and Learning (RAIL) Laboratory…

Helen Herimbi-Moremi is a South African journalist and author who has been an infl uential voice in the African arts and entertainment scenes for over 15 years She has worked with and/or appeared …

Ndanu Kilonzo traces the beginning of her love for film and TV back to when she used to organize neighborhood kids for improv plays at playtime. She is credited for producing many hours of the T.V through series and Film. Some …

Rehad Desai has directed and produced numerous feature length documentaries, many of which have seen international broadcast, theatrical release, festival prizes and critical acclaim. His 2014 film, Miners Shot Down garnered 28  …

Marc Baleiza has been a post-production professional for more than 17 years. His credits as a Post Supervisor include several successful films and Television series, including The Brave Ones, Justice Served, Silverton Siege …

Zoe Ramushu is a filmmaker with a legal background. In New York, one of her documentaries was nominated for the 48th Student Academy Awards, the other was shortlisted for a Student BAFTA and funded by the Pulitzer Center.…

She joined FWF in 2016 to become one of the three female executive producers, having produced content for Television for more than 30 years. Ms Judi Nwokedi is the Chairperson of Gauteng Tourism Authority and serves on the …

Guja Quaranta, is an experienced Producer of Film and Television She is Executive Producer on the feature film entitled “Last Days” directed by Justin Lin, that premiered at The Sundance Film Festival. She is the Associate Producer on the …

Clayton Townsend is a longtime Veteran Producer for Film and Executive Producer for Television. He was recently named as an Emmy Nominee for
Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series 2024 as Executive Producer …

As a seasoned private and public sector professional, Onke Dumeko is a multi-hyphenate Corporate Affairs executive, Operations executive and Keynote Speaker. As with extensive work experience spanning across diverse yet …

Thembisile Sehloho is a seasoned Marketing executive with over 20 years of experience in Strategic Brand & Marketing, Specialising in Brand and Marketing Strategy formulation and implementation driving market share and growth…

Layla Swart is one of South Africa’s most accomplished film and television producers and editors, celebrated for her ability to craft bold, globally resonant African stories. At 37, she has produced over 10 feature films including critically acclaimed works…

With 14 years of experience in content distribution, Simon TCHOKONTE is the founder and CEO of Dalino Media. This Paris-based company specialises in acquiring and distributing content of all genres from all continents. Movies, Series, Animation, Sports …

Papama Mtwisha is a South African fashion entrepreneur and creative visionary, renowned for founding the movement and brand “Africa Your Time Is Now” (AYTIN) in 2017. Born in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) and raised in Cape Town, Mtwisha’s passion for…

I was brought up in Natal in a sheltered middle class household during the years of high apartheid. In 1975 I went to Wits in Johannesburg to study Economics. I decided in my first year, after seeing Antonioni’s The Passenger, I wanted to make movies….

Dr Motlana is a specialist psychiatrist, mental health advocate and entrepreneur. She has extensive health industry knowledge as a dedicated clinician, health care administrator and academic. She is also a non executive director of the Clinix Health Group and…

Connie Ferguson is one of the most celebrated actresses from SA with over 30 years of experience in the profession. She is best known for her appearance in Generations, a popular South African soapie as Karabo Moroka. But has over the course of her career also become…

Dawn Thandeka King is one of the actresses responsible for keeping South Africans glued to their screens with her exemplary acting skills. She has become a celebrated and award-winning actress and the nominations just keep on coming. Before she …

The beautiful and very talented Gail Mabalane has risen to become a successful actress, singer and philanthropist. Her opportunity to shine came in 2010 when she auditioned for the Sixth Season of Idols South Africa, making it to the top 14 finalists …

Sydney Masina is a partner and the Head of Business Affairs at PambiliMedia, driving the company’s strategic growth. A seasoned production finance expert. Sydney has worked with major studios, including SONY, ITV STUDIOS AUSTRALIA, NETFLIX, and MNET…

I’m a content strategist and influencer marketing specialist with nearly a decade of experience in digital content creation, influencer relations, and brand storytelling. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, from Disney+…

My career as actress and screenwriter spans 48 years. Productions such as Egoli, Sewende Laan, Muvhango feature on my screenwriting CV.
I am currently working on the telenovela, Smoke & Mirrors for ETv. Feast of the Uninvited ….

Having started her career as an actress of stage and screen as well as a television presenter, Nina Swart went from playing leading, well-loved and formidable characters on screen, to becoming a celebrated director and one of the few accomplished…

Liezle Wilson is a Broadcaster at the SABC, currently part of the Morning Live team, which airs 6-9am. As an avid conversation starter, she has worked in TV, Radio and print for over 10 years, honing herself holistically in various roles and platforms as a senior news anchor…

Helen founded Indigenous Film Distribution in 2009, to create the first independent film distribution company targeted specifically at SA & African produced feature films in SA & Africa. She has more than 25 years experience with across all platforms, from publicity …

Melissa Parry, has worked in the film industry as a freelance editor since 2005. She works on feature films, documentaries, wildlife, artist’s films and series, such as Netflix’s first African Original Queen Sono (2020), Classified (2023) for Amazon USA ….

I am a vital asset to any production team, some have even dubbed me “The Production Beast”, but because I’m extremely humble, I say I’m just simply great at what I do. You’re probably thinking “That’s a bold statement to make”, well friend, I’m so dedicated …

Liezle Wilson is a Broadcaster at the SABC, currently part of the Morning Live team, which airs 6-9am. As an avid conversation starter, she has worked in TV, Radio and print for over 10 years, honing herself holistically in various roles and platforms as a…

Over the past decade, the Multichoice Talent Factory (MTF) has nurtured a generation of storytellers, and Esther Beukes is living proof of its lasting impact. She first stepped onto a set as a high schooler working on music videos, gradually finding her way into …

Karabo Denalane is the CEO of TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris, South Africa’s most globally recognized and awarded creative agency. He has held the position of CEO since 2017 and has overseen its growth in an industry that is rapidly changing. As the ….

Strini Naicker is a seasoned Media professional with more than 20 years experience in Media and Broadcasting. He specialises in media currencies across multiple media platforms and has served in many executive positions in media companies …

Gabriella Blumberg is a SAFTA-winning South African Producer with a drive to create compelling, impactful stories. Gabriella is the Producer of the Award Winning feature documentary “I Am Here” (2021) and Afrikaans short film “Leemtes…

NOBODY LEAVES ‘til Jesus Comes is Jean Barker’s first feature. It screens on the 13th and 15th March at JFF. Born and raised in South Africa – where she has unshakable roots and returns often to reconnect and work – Jean left a successful career as …

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