Acclaimed Soweto-born television and film director, Dumisani Phakathi (Waiting for Valdez, An Old Wives Tale, Don’t fuck with me I have 51 brothers and sisters) has joined commercials production house Frieze Films.
To mark his venture into commercials, the 32-year old Phakathi has chosen a new name, Malo 8. “This foray into the world of advertising and marketing communication thrills me and challenges me. Embarking on the path, I see myself unreservedly opening my mind to new experiences and achievements and therefore a new name is appropriate,’ he says.
At Frieze Films Phakathi will work closely with producer Jo Barber, who is looking forward to the energy and new perspective he will bring to a shoot. “By joining Frieze Films Malo is giving the advertising community an opportunity to work with someone who is expressive about South Africa in a unique way and who is also experienced in film and extracting sensitive, real performances.’
Phakathi adds: “I know that one of my strengths as a director of films and documentaries is the ability to look at an event through the eyes of my subjects and then portray these events in a way that has the most impact on my audience. I’m certain that this skill will be put to good use in the advertising industry and I’m looking forward to the challenge of getting to know some of South Africa’s favourite brands a little better, and collaborating with agencies and creative directors to bring their visions and storyboards to life.’
During his film and television career, Phakathi has collaborated with, among others, BBC, Arte, and TV2 Denmark, and has brought home a special mention from the Toronto Film Festival, a Forum Selection from the Berlin Film Festival, as well as a Best Director title from the Montecatini Film Festival (Italy) and Best Documentary nod from the Ismaliia Film Festivalst.
