Danie Bester is a renowned South African film producer who has made a significant impact on the country's film industry over the past fifteen years, having produced a staggering 35 feature films. He is widely regarded as a key figure in the industry's renewal.
In recent years, his film Toorbos was selected as South Africa's official entry in the foreign film category of the 2021 Academy Awards, while Fiela se Kind premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights film festival and won the best feature film award at the 2020 SAFTA'S (South African Film and Television Awards).
Danie's educational background includes a matric from Paarl Boys High in 1993, followed by a B.Com Marketing Management degree from the University of Pretoria, where he also worked as a DJ at the student radio station TuksFM. During his time at university, he spent a year abroad in London, Scotland, and India.
After completing his honours degree (cum laude) at AFDA, the Oscar-winning South African film school, in 2002, Danie's graduation film, Skitterwit, won several awards, including best picture, screenplay, and director.
Danie has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the local film industry, including an award from Mr Video in 2011 and a Maroela Media award in 2015. Several of his films have won awards, including Pad na jou Hart, Ballade vir 'n Enkeling, and Vir die Voëls.
He has also represented South Africa at the Rotterdam Lab and the Berlin Talent Campus, and is a graduate of the prestigious Trans Atlantic Partnership, a co-production initiative between Europe, Canada, and the USA.
In addition to his film work, Danie has produced over 100 commercials and music videos for various companies and musicians, including Nike, Sony, and Jessie Clegg.
Danie's filmography includes the successful Afrikaans trilogy, Bakgat!, as well as several other films, including Superhelde, Ek Joke Net 1 and 2, Night Drive, Roepman, Hoofmeisie, Wolwedans in die Skemer, Verraaiers, Musiek vir die Agtergrond, and many more.
The Film Factory, which Danie established in 2004, is one of the most acclaimed feature film production houses in South Africa, known for its innovative and excellent productions.
