Visionary Filmmaker | Scholar | Storyteller of Africa
In the global arena of independent cinema, few voices have been as distinct, daring, and enduring as that of South African filmmaker Dr. Gerhard Uys. A pioneer of African cinematic storytelling, Uys holds a Ph.D. in Motion Picture Production—making history as the first South African filmmaker to do so—and a total of seven academic qualifications. His career reflects an unyielding commitment to artistic excellence and intellectual depth.
At the heart of his legacy is A Fire in Africa—a landmark film hailed as a visual and philosophical triumph. More than a cinematic work, it is a cultural statement: rich in metaphor, bold in execution, and deeply human in scope. The film defied expectations, winning 37 international awards, including 11 Best Picture titles, and reaching over 200 million viewers across 133 countries via platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and TUBI. Watch the audio-visual podcast
The film’s critical acclaim was matched by its performances: newcomer Japan Mthembu rose to prominence, while Rod Alexander earned Best Actor in Zagreb. Written by Emil Kolbe, the screenplay earned distinction at the Lemur International Film Festival, and a surprise cameo by martial arts icon Billy Blanks added a distinctive touch to the film’s diverse emotional palette.
A former editor at SABC and later Head of the renowned Pretoria Technikon Film School, Dr. Uys has shaped not only his own filmography but the future of African cinema itself. His impact as a mentor is reflected in the success of countless young filmmakers whose careers were sparked under his guidance.
Uys is also a celebrated author. His novella, Frankie’s Flyer, has been traditionally published by Austin Macauley with global distribution. The story—an inspiring tale of personal growth and societal defiance—has been widely praised. Peter Holden of M-Net called it
“a captivating story with universal appeal, reminiscent of Dead Poets Society.”
Lift-Off Los Angeles praised it as
“a beautifully crafted tribute to learning… demonstrating a deep understanding of film and storytelling.” Watch the trailer
Dr. Uys’ passion for high-art cinema is echoed in his widely quoted declaration:
“HIGH-ART CINEMA IS BECOMING EXTINCT — with TV haemorrhaging popular art, movies like Gone with the Wind are truly gone forever.”
Through bold vision, scholarly insight, and a deep belief in the transformative power of storytelling, Gerhard Uys has earned his place in the cinematic Hall of Fame—as a master craftsman, a cultural force, and a guardian of Africa’s narrative soul.
