Gerhard Uys

South African film director Gerhard Uys stands as a maverick in the realm of cinema, defying the odds and challenging the status quo with his visionary film, “A Fire in Africa.” Armed with a Ph.D. in Motion Picture Production and seven academic qualifications, Uys embarked on a daring journey to breathe life into high-art cinema, a genre often overshadowed by mainstream superficiality.

With a career that began as an SABC film editor and later as the head of the Pretoria Technikon Film School, Uys brought a wealth of experience and expertise to his directorial ventures.

“A Fire in Africa” is more than a film; it’s an intellectual odyssey. Crafted with precision, it uses motifs and metaphors to challenge even the most analytical critics. Director Uys, despite skepticism at home, pushed forward with his vision, earning global recognition for his directorial skill. The movie has been lauded with numerous Best Picture Awards, amassing 37 accolades worldwide, including 11 Best Picture awards in countries from Germany to Australia. It reached over 200 million viewers in 133 countries through video-on-demand services like Amazon’s Prime Video and TUBI, thanks to distribution by Filmhub in Los Angeles. The casting was pivotal to its success, with Japan Mthembu’s debut in the film launching him into stardom and leading to roles in other acclaimed movies like “Invictus.” South African actor Rod Alexander also earned critical acclaim for his role, securing a Best Actor award at the Zagreb International Film Festival. This succinctly encapsulates the essence and impact of “A Fire in Africa.”

“With TV haemorrhaging popular-art, classical movies like “Gone with the Wind” are truly gone forever.”
-Gerhard Uys

Even martial arts icon Billy Blanks made a memorable cameo appearance, adding an unexpected dimension to the film. Behind the captivating visuals and stellar performances lay the work of screenplay writer Emil Kolbe. Kolbe’s exceptional script not only propelled the narrative forward but also earned recognition as the best screenplay at the Lemur International Film Festival in Portugal.

Today, Gerhard Uys stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers, proving that artistic integrity and cinematic excellence can transcend borders and captivate audiences worldwide. Through his visionary storytelling and unwavering dedication to the craft, Uys continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema.