Director of commercials, film & series
Xolelwa Nhlabatsi
“Hi, I'm Xolelwa, a filmmaker with over 15 years in the game and international experience, dedicated to infusing hope and a touch of enchantment into my work, inspiring audiences worldwide.”
Commercials
Client: Chicken Licken
Agency: Joe Public
Triple Story Production
Client: Brand South Africa
Olamuk Production
Client: Chicken Licken
Agency: Joe Public
Triple Story Production
Client: Edgars
Wicked Pixels Production
Branded content
Client: Brand South Africa
Triple Story Production
Client: Woolworths
Rumanya Films Production
Client: Brand South Africa
Triple Story Production
Client: We Are Bizarre
Blackweather Production
films & series
E! VIP season 2
Series 2023
nefarious creatures
Short film 2022
A deep dive that showcases
the lives of Africa’s celebrities.
What happens when a valuable
suitcase goes missing?
Braam
web series 2020
A man must come to terms with being dumped on the day of his girlfriend’s birthday.
lost in the world
short film 2015
A police officer is out to avenge
the death of her girlfriend.
I am Xolelwa, a filmmaker with a unique approach to storytelling which is my ability to reflect reality through the lens of embellishment mixed with some silliness and hope.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with renowned international brands such as the BBC, Brand South Africa 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.
