Andrew Worsdale is a multifaceted South African artist, effortlessly transitioning between the realms of acting, directing, and journalism. Born in Johannesburg in 1962, Worsdale's early educational pursuits took him to St John's and Eden College, where he later went on to study Dramatic Art at the University of the Witwatersrand, honing his skills as an actor and filmmaker.
At the tender age of 21, Worsdale's remarkable talent and dedication earned him a Fulbright Scholarship, allowing him to pursue his MFA in Film and TV Production at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Upon his return to South Africa in 1986, Worsdale made his feature film directing debut with his MFA thesis film, Shot Down (1987),which would go on to become a cult classic and garner a Special Prize at the Mannheim Film Festival.
The Mail and Guardian aptly described Shot Down as "the definitive South African film of the 1980s," praising Worsdale's poignant portrayal of the drug-crazed, politically confused, and spy-versus-spy excesses that characterized the State of Emergency era. Prior to his return to South Africa, Worsdale produced two documentaries for BBC Television, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker.
Upon his return to South Africa, Worsdale took on the role of film critic for the Mail & Guardian, offering his expertise to readers for many years. He later transitioned to freelance writing, contributing to esteemed publications such as Sight and Sound, Cahiers du Cinema, and Screen International. Worsdale's acting prowess has been showcased in a range of feature films, including The Fourth Reich (1990) and Durban Poison (2013),a killer romance road movie based on a true story, which starred Brandon Auret and Cara Roberts.
After a 27-year hiatus, Durban Poison marked Worsdale's second feature film, which went on to win the 'Best South African Feature' award at the Durban International Film Festival in July 2013. The film subsequently played at the Busan International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, and in competition at the Africa International Film Festival, Calabar, Jozi Film Fest, 10th Dubai International Film Festival, and Luxor African Film Festival, solidifying Worsdale's reputation as a talented and accomplished filmmaker.
