Zee Ntuli has mastered the art of uncovering beauty within imperfection, transforming it into powerful, soul-stirring narratives. His work embraces the raw edges of reality, finding poetry in the flaws, the unrefined moments, and the untold stories. It’s in these spaces where light shines brightest, revealing the delicate dance between darkness and grace. Renaé Mangena had the privilege of conversing with him, on what felt like a masterclass in crafting a lasting career.
Can you provide some background about yourself, what you do and who you are?
My name is Zee Ntuli, and I’m a filmmaker, writer, and director. I’ve been involved in film, television, and commercials for the past 11 years. My passion lies in telling South African stories. My primary focus is on exploring the difficult and uncomfortable aspects of life in a way that ideally promotes a sense of comfort in dealing with these challenges. I aim to find the light in the darkness.
Part of your bio on Darling TV reads as follows: “Zee’s passion and love for storytelling and cinema is revealed in his approach which is equal parts story and style; humane and aesthetic.” That’s a very beautiful sentence; what does that mean to you?
I think generally, particularly among directors, there’s a tendency to oversimplify roles into either performance-driven or stylistic-focused. Some directors prioritise creating visually stunning work, while others solely emphasise the emotional and human elements of filmmaking. For me, I’m equally drawn to both aspects—I value performance and story just as much as style. In my view, style should always serve to enhance the narrative and deepen character emotions. That’s why I believe that the emotional journey should inform the stylistic choices in filmmaking.
You’ve been able to build a very honourable career over the years and navigate both the commercial space and the film industry. What key practical things do you think have, that have helped you get to where you are currently?
I think there are a few important lessons I’ve learned so far. Probably the most crucial one for me has been the value of embracing what makes me unique instead of trying to imitate others. Particularly early in your career, it’s tempting to mimic successful work and fit into established norms. But I realised that my unique perspective as an artist is my greatest asset. So, I encourage people to tell stories in a way that is personal, honest, and true to themselves. My favourite artists are those who are vulnerable in their work, sharing uncomfortable truths that make their work relatable and accessible.
So, my first piece of advice would be to lean into your own style and preferences rather than trying to conform to existing standards.
Another thing I’d suggest is to create as much work as possible, even if it means doing it independently. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Instead, make your own opportunities. Everyone has access to the basic tools needed to create films in some form or another. It’s more important to learn and grow by doing rather than waiting for a single big break.
Now, when it comes to navigating a transition, such as moving from independent filmmaking to the commercial space, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. It can be a bit of luck combined with your own efforts. One common route into commercial filmmaking is through research and working as a creative researcher in a production house. Many successful directors have started as interns or researchers and worked their way up.
Alternatively, like in my case, building a career in long-form filmmaking first and then transitioning into commercials can also be a viable path. Once you have a solid body of work, such as a feature film like “Hard to Get,” it can serve as a strong portfolio to showcase your skills and attract commercial opportunities.
If you’re specifically interested in commercial work, you have to actively pursue it. Reach out to production houses, directors, and industry professionals, and start making connections. It’s not just about waiting for opportunities to come to you; you need to put yourself out there and make your intentions known.
What do you believe is our responsibility as filmmakers and artists? How can we contribute to this while still sustaining ourselves economically?
From my perspective, I believe filmmakers have a significant responsibility to society. Stories shape culture, and as storytellers, we have a duty to reflect truth to our audiences, allowing them to connect with the work on a deeper level. It’s our responsibility to ask questions, spark conversations, and provoke thought without necessarily providing answers. We should challenge viewers to question themselves, society, and their understanding of the world.
Certainly, there have been instances, especially in the commercial space, where pushing for progressive representation has met with resistance. Many find comfort in conservative approaches, but it’s essential to project a normality that accurately reflects our reality and offers fair and progressive representation. While some companies may shy away from these challenges, others embrace them, pushing boundaries and addressing significant issues. This work, though sometimes met with resistance, is ultimately the most fulfilling.
Please give a quotable or any line you live by.
“Life’s imperfections can hold the most unexpected beauty.”
