Raphadu Maphoto
New wave African storytelling, identity-driven filmmaking, cinematic authenticity
Age
27
Creative industry
Film & TV
CIty
Cape Town
Raphadu Maphoto is a South African film director whose work blends emotional honesty, cultural depth and cinematic poetry — shaping a modern wave of African storytelling rooted in truth, identity and collaboration.
Raphadu Maphoto is a South African film director whose work blends emotional honesty, cultural depth and cinematic poetry — shaping a modern wave of African storytelling rooted in truth, identity and collaboration.
Represented by Eyeforce, Raphadu’s practice focuses on telling stories that sit at the intersection of human vulnerability and visual craft. His films often explore African narratives that feel grounded and lived-in, using natural light, sound and movement to create cinematic worlds that remain deeply connected to everyday life.
His directing career spans campaigns for VICE, Adidas, the European Union, Sneaker Factory, and Extreme Energy, where he merges brand storytelling with raw, cultural authenticity. Raphadu’s lens elevates the nuances of African identity — crafting work that feels real, resonant, and globally relevant.
His latest docuseries, I’ll Rise, created with VICE and the European Union, celebrates the creativity of three renowned African storytellers shaping the continent’s cultural evolution. Each project reflects his commitment to bridging local truth with global visibility, ensuring African stories stand proudly in international spaces.
Raphadu represents a generation of filmmakers redefining how Africa is seen — by itself and by the world. Through a balance of cinematic precision and emotional honesty, his work showcases African creativity as innovative, expressive and unapologetically authentic.
His films are more than visuals; they are cultural documents, creative bridges, and narratives that open doors for new possibilities in African cinema. As both a director and model, he explores storytelling not just through film, but through movement, fashion and presence — expanding his voice across multiple creative realms.
Director of the docuseries I’ll Rise (VICE x European Union)
Collaborations with Adidas, EU Commission, Sneaker Factory, Extreme Energy
Represented by Eyeforce
International Emmy Awards – Young Creative Award
Recognition from IDIDTHAT for Threads of Love and Frames of Morocco
Featured in GQ’s Young & Gifted Series as a rising creative leader
Continues to collaborate across Africa with diverse creatives and communities
Raphadu Maphoto’s inclusion in the DC100 acknowledges his role as a cultural visionary shaping the future of African filmmaking. His ability to craft authentic, emotionally intelligent stories positions him as one of the leading creative voices steering the continent’s narrative forward.