Soweto filmmaker Zoltar Miya turns township stories into global productions

Born and raised in Soweto, filmmaker, producer and entrepreneur Zoltar Miya has spent more than a decade using storytelling as a tool to highlight South African experiences and inspire social change.

Miya is the founder of Tyme Films Production, an independent South African film and television production company established in 2010 with the vision of creating a platform for authentic local stories.
The company specialises in film and television production, documentaries, commercials, music videos, digital content and AI-driven creative solutions.

After recognising the need for a dedicated media house within Soweto, Miya established Tyme Films Production to create opportunities for young creatives while telling stories that reflect the realities of South African communities.

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His creative journey began with initiatives focused on empowering young women through modelling programmes that addressed social challenges such as teenage pregnancy and youth development.

This later led to the establishment of Tyme Stills, a photography and media division that gained recognition for its innovative approach.

By 2012, Tyme Stills had grown into a successful creative brand, collaborating with fashion designers, creatives and international brands through events such as Soweto Ramp.

These achievements helped Miya build partnerships within the entertainment industry and establish himself as a creative force.

His work later expanded into sports media, where he contributed to the professional coverage of community sporting events, including projects linked to the Soweto Football League and Soweto Tavern League.

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Miya’s reputation for quality storytelling opened doors to major productions, including filming the acclaimed theatre production UmaBhudu The King at PACOF Theatre in Mpumalanga. His work also extended into commercial advertising, where he produced campaigns for brands such as Nutritha, Splash AI, Comfort Fabric Conditioner and Pick n Pay.

One of his most ambitious projects is Nine Yards Behind Bars, a crime drama series set in Soweto that explores issues such as corruption, crime, unemployment, gender-based violence, drug abuse and community safety.

The series follows a dedicated police officer whose search for justice places him in the middle of a world filled with corruption, organised crime and personal sacrifice. Through its characters and storyline, the production explores the difficult choices people make when faced with poverty, hardship and the desire for success.

Featuring actors such as Dumisani Dlamini, Tebogo Sefora, Nqobile Magwaza, Jackson Molefe and Rea Seema, Nine Yards Behind Bars aims to spark conversations about social challenges while showing the resilience and complexity of township communities.

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For Miya, storytelling is more than entertainment; it is a way to amplify voices, challenge perceptions and create meaningful change through South African stories that can reach audiences beyond the country’s borders.