Xolelwa Nhlabatsi

Director of commercials, films & series

Hi, I'm Xolelwa, a Director and Writer

with international experience, dedicated to infusing hope and a touch of enchantment into my work,

inspiring audiences worldwide.

As a kid, my dreams took me to the helm of the Starship Enterprise, navigating the cosmos. From there, my aspirations led me to wield a lightsaber as a Jedi, master the suave sophistication of James Bond and embrace the shadows as the iconic Batman.

While reality may not always align with fantasies, the magic of filmmaking has become my portal to these worlds. It's the beauty of storytelling that allows me to embody these diverse roles and brings the cherished dreams of my younger self to life.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of

working with renowned international brands such as

the BBC, Brand South Africa, Woolworths, Rémy Martin,

E! Entertainment and Chicken Licken.

Notably, I recently directed the second season of

E! Entertainment's VIP, offering an in-depth exploration of

African celebrities. This season featured notable stars such as

Yemi Alade,Fireboy DML, Nasty C & paid tribute to the

late Riky Rick.

My debut short film, "Lost in the World," garnered international recognition by being nominated for Best Short Film at Film Africa in London. Additionally, it was selected to screen at prestigious festivals such as the Thessaloniki LGBTQ Festival in Greece, the Baltimore International Black Film Festival

and the London Short Film Festival.

My work has been featured in renowned publications including Rolling Stone, Elle, Okay Africa and ID-Vice. Notably, ID-Vice named my film "The Best of the Night" in the New Queer Visions segment at the London Short Film Festival, further validating my talent and storytelling approach.