Fresh off winning the Content Creators & Talent category at the Le Book 2026 Emerging Talent Awards in Paris, South African film director Raphadu Maphoto is stepping into a global spotlight while staying firmly rooted in where he comes from.
His work, which includes the “I Rise” documentary series in collaboration with VICE and the EU Commission, reflects a commitment to telling stories that feel lived-in, intentional, and culturally grounded. We caught up with him to speak about the journey, the win, and what’s next.
10and5: You’ve worked with VICE on the “I Rise” documentary series. How did that collaboration come about, and what did that experience teach you as a director?
Co-directing the “I Rise” series with my mentor, Arthur Neumeier, was a defining moment. Being brought onto that project felt like a real milestone, something I had been working towards for a long time. Telling African stories on that scale meant a lot, and I’m grateful to the Eyeforce team for making it happen.
It also taught me the responsibility that comes with storytelling. You’re not just creating visuals, you’re representing real people and lived experiences. It pushed me to listen more, stay present, and trust that real moments are enough.
10and5: You recently won at the Le Book Emerging Talent Awards. What do you think made your work stand out to an international jury?
I think what stood out is that the work comes from a genuine place. I’m not trying to imitate a global standard, I’m building from where I’m from and what I understand.
There’s a level of care in how I approach people and stories, and I think that translates. International audiences connect with work that feels lived in, not overly polished. The cultural specificity is what makes it travel.
10and5: Your work feels deeply rooted in culture and storytelling. How do you approach telling African stories in a way that feels both authentic and globally resonant?
For me, it always starts with listening. Spending time with people, understanding context, and not rushing the process.
I’m not trying to shape stories for a global audience. I focus on getting the details right. The language, the textures, the small nuances of everyday life. Those are the things that carry.
If you respect the story and the people in it, it will resonate far beyond where it comes from.
10and5: For young creatives trying to break into the industry right now, what is one piece of advice you wish you had earlier in your journey?
Don’t wait for permission to start.
I spent time thinking I needed the right opportunity or budget, but what matters is beginning with what you have and building from there.
And be patient. Growth takes time. Consistency matters more than quick validation.
10and5: Looking at your journey so far, what kind of stories or projects are you most interested in exploring next?
I’m interested in going deeper into character-driven stories that sit at the intersection of culture, emotion, and cinematic storytelling.
Work that feels intimate but carries something bigger. That could be a TV commercial, branded content, or long-form, as long as it’s rooted in real experiences and crafted with intention.
More than anything, I want to keep telling stories that feel layered, expansive, and true to their originating world.
