Jakes Jordaan is a South African film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his breakout film, Beyond the River, which became the highest grossing South African film of 2017 and earned him numerous awards.
Jordaan was born in Johannesburg and studied at the University of Johannesburg, where he earned a degree in film and television production. After graduation, he worked as an editor and assistant director in the South African film industry. He eventually wrote and directed his own short films, which earned him recognition in the local film community.
In 2016, Jordaan released his feature-length debut, Beyond the River, a drama about two men from different backgrounds who come together to compete in a canoe race. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning Jordaan numerous awards, including Best Director at the South African Film and Television Awards. It was also the highest-grossing South African film of 2017.
In 2018, Jordaan directed the romantic comedy film, Noem My Skollie, starring local actor Sello Maake ka-Ncube. The film was praised for its light-hearted approach to a serious subject, and was nominated for Best Picture at the 2018 South African Film and Television Awards.
In 2020, Jordaan released his latest film, The Long Walk to Freedom, a biographical drama about Nelson Mandela. The film was praised for its thoughtful and powerful portrayal of Mandela’s life and legacy.
Jordaan is an emerging talent in the South African film industry. His films are praised for their engaging stories and characters, as well as their ability to draw out powerful emotions from viewers. He is a director to watch, and his future projects are sure to be met with enthusiasm.
