This year’s YDA brings together five African industry leaders across film, music, advertising and creative policy – each shaping the future of the industry and each passionate about discovering and encouraging new, young directors.
Nkanyezi Masango – Ogilvy / Blackboard (South Africa)
Nkanyezi Masango, Chief Creative Officer at Ogilvy and founder of Blackboard, is a leading voice for driving creative excellence in the region. A returning YDA juror, he has served on major global juries including Art Directors Club NY and Cannes Lions. Through the not-for-profit organisation Blackboard, he actively exposes students from South Africa’s underserved communities to creative careers, giving them opportunities and a platform to pursue their dreams.
Mpho Twala – FAM Films (South Africa)
Mpho Twala, Executive Producer and Co-Founder of FAM Films, brings over 20 years of experience across Africa and Europe. A producer on the Oscar-nominated District 9, he has built FAM Films into a collaborative, family-like company delivering high-quality work across 12+ African markets while empowering emerging talent.
Simon Ringrose – Say Thank You (South Africa)
Simon Ringrose of Say Thank You brings a multidisciplinary approach spanning music, sound design and film. Winning two Gold Loeries in his first year, he has worked with major artists like Die Antwoord and Riky Rick, and helped identify early talent such as Mr Eazi. He also contributed to Damon Albarn’s Africa Express, co-writing the single “Johannesburg.”
Tosh Gitonga – PRIMARY Picture (Kenya)
Tosh Gitonga, founder of Primary Picture, is one of Africa’s most celebrated filmmakers. His landmark film Nairobi Half Life was Kenya’s Academy Awards submission, and he continues to shape African cinema through major projects, including upcoming work for Netflix.
Ezekiel Onyango – Film Crew in Africa (Kenya)
Ezekiel Onyango, Executive Producer at Film Crew in Africa, has produced over 100 projects across Africa, Europe and Asia. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and founder of PAIPEC-CCI, he drives growth in Africa’s creative economy through policy, innovation and advocacy for creator ownership.
Together, these jurors champion the talent and stories that will define the future of filmmaking in Africa and beyond.
