Michael Matthews, a talented filmmaker, made his feature directorial debut with the highly acclaimed contemporary Western film "Five Fingers For Marseilles", which is set in the picturesque rural landscapes of South Africa. This cinematic masterpiece premiered at the esteemed 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received widespread critical acclaim and attention. Following its Toronto debut, the film went on to make waves at a string of prestigious international film festivals, including the BFI London Film Festival, which is one of the most prominent film festivals in the world. The film also screened at the Busan International Film Festival, a major festival in Asia, and Fantastic Fest, a popular genre film festival in the United States.
The cinematic masterpiece's extraordinary achievement was culminated by a truly remarkable and outstanding collection of prestigious accolades at the African Movie Academy Awards, boasting an impressive total of five highly coveted and esteemed awards, which included the most sought-after and highly revered Best Film award, as well as the Best Film in an African Language and Best First Feature Film by a Director honors.
Matthews' second feature film project, a collaborative effort with 21 Laps Entertainment and Paramount Pictures, resulted in the impressive production of "Love and Monsters", a cinematic masterpiece that received a prestigious Academy Award nomination in 2021, specifically for its exceptional Visual Effects, a testament to the team's dedication and skill.
Not only has Matthews made a significant impact in the world of feature filmmaking, but he has also demonstrated exceptional prowess as a director in the realm of commercials, music videos, and short films, with his notable short film "Apocalypse Now Now" garnering widespread critical acclaim and ultimately taking home the prestigious Best Short Film award at the esteemed 2018 South African Film & TV Awards.
