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2025 COHORT
DC100
Film director

Raphadu Maphoto

+ Documentary, Videographer

Pushing Culture Forward

"He transforms African narratives into authentic, globally resonant cinematic experiences."

Cultural storytellingHuman emotionAfrican narrativesNatural aestheticsIntuitive approach

Biography

Film director Raphadu Maphoto creates emotionally raw narratives centered on African stories. Represented by Eyeforce, he's directed campaigns for VICE, Adidas, and the European Union. Winner of the International Emmy Award (2020) for "Dear Peace" and recipient of IDIDTHAT Craft Mentions (2025), his work includes the "I'll Rise" docuseries celebrating African creatives across Benin, Morocco, and South Africa. His approach focuses on listening, observing, and translating real moments into visual stories that feel natural rather than constructed. He drives culture forward by reshaping how African stories are told globally, creating films that reflect complexity and dignity without simplifying or performing culture for the camera, contributing to more inclusive visual language.

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