Mandla Dube
EVERYONE HAS A STORY TO TELL
Mandlakayise Walter Dube, a director, producer, and co-screenwriter, is an award-winning SA cinematographer and writer.
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
MANDLA'S MANTRAS
The Three Pillars of His Storytelling Craft
1
AUTHENTIC AFRICAN NARRATIVES
From Kalushi to Silverton Siege, Mandla foregrounds voices too often sidelined. Each project is rooted in rigorous research, lived experience and respect for South Africa’s complex history, ensuring the on-screen truth resonates long after the credits roll.
2
VISUAL POETRY & CRAFT
Armed with an AFI-honed eye and decades behind the lens, Mandla turns light, shadow and movement into pure emotion.
Whether orchestrating a high-stakes action sequence or an intimate character moment, his cinematography transforms scripts into unforgettable imagery.
3
GLOBAL IMPACT, LOCAL HEART
While his stories travel the world topping Netflix charts and filling international festivals, Mandla keeps community at the core. Each production uplifts local talent, honours African locations and proves that world-class cinema can thrive on home soil.
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ABOUT ME
I’m Driven to Craft Stories That Move the World
From a dusty backyard in Mabopane to the top of Netflix’s global charts, my journey has always been about one thing telling African stories with unflinching honesty and cinematic flair. This website pulls back the curtain on that journey. Explore the films, the photographs and the moments that have defined my career, track upcoming projects, and glimpse the creative principles that guide every frame I shoot.
I’m also thrilled to launch Directors’ Cut, a weekly podcast where I trade war stories with the visionaries behind the camera. Together we dissect the craft, the chaos and the quiet triumphs that turn an idea into a living, breathing film. New episodes drop every Thursday stream them here or on your favourite podcast app and join the conversation.
HEAR FROM THOSE WHO'VE WORKED WITH MANDLA
“On the Heart of the Hunter set we faced budget cuts, weather delays, you name it. Mandla turned each curve-ball into a creative flourish and still wrapped on schedule. That’s world-class leadership.”
CONNIE FERGUSON -
PRODUCER
“Whenever Mandla pitches a project, I know Netflix viewers will walk away talking about South Africa long after the credits roll. He brings global polish without losing a drop of local soul.”
Dorothy Ghettuba -
Director of Original Series, Netflix Africa
“Mandla doesn’t simply direct he excavates the truth in every performance and frames it with poetry. Kalushi changed my career because he demanded nothing less than total honesty from all of us.”
Thabo Rametsi –
Lead Actor, Kalushi
