HOEDSPRUIT – Siblings Louis and Eva du Preez’s work behind the camera was honoured at this year’s Saftas, highlighting both individual achievement and the power of collaboration in bringing stories to life.

Louis du Preez

Louis, with an academic background in humanities and journalism, and early experience in administration and event planning, says he initially followed a more structured path.

However, a chance opportunity to work as a unit manager on a local series changed everything.

“I’ve always been naturally drawn to structure, organisation, and logistics,” he said. “But during my honours in journalism, I realised I wanted something more hands-on and production-driven.”

Louis finds his footing

He went on to rise through the ranks, working as a second assistant director and production manager before establishing himself as a line producer.

From Gaia to Netflix global projects

His producing debut came with the feature film Gaia, which achieved international acclaim.

“The film tells the story of a virus taking over the world, and we were shooting during Covid-19,” he said. “That added a very real and surreal layer to the experience of bringing that story to life.”

More recently, his work has extended to global platforms, with producing credits on Netflix projects such as Blood Legacy and Love and Wine.

Blood Legacy received eight nominations at the Saftas, winning two awards, including best achievement in cinematography.

“I had the privilege of accepting the cinematography award on behalf of Sunel Haasbroek,” Louis said. “It’s incredibly meaningful to be recognised among my peers. A Safta win represents not just personal achievement, but the collective effort and passion behind the work.”

While Louis found his footing through production, Eva has built a celebrated career as a director, editor, and producer.

Eva du Preez

“My love for film started at a young age, growing up in a creative family,” she said. “It has just always been in my bones.”

She credits her upbringing, filled with photography, acting, cinema, and music videos, as the foundation of her creative voice. “That early exposure shaped my sense of rhythm, storytelling, and visual style,” she added.

Editing, directing and Safta success

The siblings’ mother is Christine du Preez, DA councillor in the Maruleng Local Municipality and director at Hlokomela.

Eva first gained recognition as an editor on Die Boland Moorde, earning a Safta nomination, and went on to produce the award-winning short film Toevlug.

Over the years, she has worked across numerous Afrikaans series and feature films, earning multiple accolades, including Safta awards for editing.

Expanding into directing, she co-directed the Showmax series Wyfie, which received both local and international recognition.

She is currently in post-production on her first series as sole director, marking another milestone in her career. Die Oord premieres on kykNET at 20:00, April 14.

This year, she won a Safta for best editor in a feature film for Death of a Whistleblower.

Small town roots, big screen dreams

“Coming from a small town like Hoedspruit didn’t limit me; it shaped my perspective,” she said. “Passion, persistence, and skill-building matter more than access.”