Patriot Films sign directors Thati Pele and Ari Kruger
Two of South Africa’s brightest long-form stars find a commercial home at Patriot Films.
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Cape town's Patriot Films welcomes Thati Pele and Ari Kruger for commercial representation.
Director Thati Pele’s eye for character and story has seen her quickly establish a reputation as one of South Africa’s top up-and-coming filmmakers. The Ciclope New Talent winner already has hit Netflix series’ Blood and Water and Savage Beauty to her name, but it’s her work for brands like Volkswagen and Spotify that have brought her commercial chops to agencies’ attention.
Says Patriot EP Zayd Halim, “Thati’s a brilliant storyteller and we’re thrilled to partner with her. We were especially taken by her VW spots for Ogilvy Cape Town; there’s a strong comedic vision and intentionality in her work.”
Patriot was named South Africa’s top commercial production company for 2022 so for Pele the timing couldn’t be better. “I’ve always loved Patriot’s focus on concept and storytelling. That kind of work really appeals to me so I’m excited to be part of the family and looking forward to what the future holds.”
Patriot will also be home to long-form comedy ace Ari Kruger. The two-time SAFTA Best Comedy Director winner brings a heavyweight reputation to the shorter format, with his series Tali’s Wedding Diary and Tali’s Baby Diary ranking among the most awarded comedy productions in South African television history. Kruger’s turn to commercials brings with it a formidable ability to direct performance and conceive visual humour.
Says Halim, “We consider Ari a real hidden gem. His comedic timing and understanding of tone make him the consummate comedy allrounder. He both nails situational humour as well as more stylised comedy”.
Kruger and Pele will work from Patriot’s offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
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