John Trengove is a multifaceted creative force, boasting an impressive repertoire that spans the realms of film, television, commercials, and theatre.
His cinematic journey began with the debut feature film, The Wound, which premiered at the Sundance and Berlin film festivals and garnered widespread critical acclaim. The film was hailed as "the most important LGBT film you will see in 2018" by i-D magazine, and its controversial subject matter sparked a heated debate in his home country, South Africa. Despite the backlash, The Wound went on to collect an impressive 28 international awards, including the Best First Feature award at the BFI London Film Festival and the Best International Feature award at Outfest.
The film's success was further cemented when it was shortlisted for the International Feature Oscar in the same year. Trengove's sophomore effort, Manodrome, marked a significant departure from his previous work, boasting an all-star cast that includes Jesse Eisenberg, Adrien Brody, and Odessa Young. The film premiered at the Berlinale Competition and was released worldwide in 2023, with his third feature currently in production.
In addition to his work in film, Trengove has also made a lasting impact in the world of television. His critically acclaimed television miniseries, Hopeville, won the prestigious Rose d'Or award in 2010 and earned a nomination for an International Emmy. He has also received two Best Director SAFTA's and an honorary award from the South African Academy of Arts and Sciences for his work in television, particularly his drama series, Swartwater.
Trengove's theatrical credits are equally impressive, having directed the cult hit play, The Epicene Butcher, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His work in commercials has also been widely recognized, with his most recent project being the Cape Town crime drama, White Lies, starring Natalie Dormer, which was released in 2024.
Throughout his career, Trengove has been driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to pushing boundaries. His unique voice and perspective have earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting directors working today.
Born and raised in South Africa, Trengove trained as an actor and studied film at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. He currently resides between Cape Town and São Paulo with his husband, filmmaker Marco Dutra.
