Gerhard Uys, boasting an impressive array of seven academic qualifications, is a shining star in South African cinema, holding a Ph.D. in Motion Picture Production. Throughout his illustrious career, which began as a film editor at SABC TV and led to him becoming the Head of the Pretoria Technikon Film School, Uys has consistently demonstrated his exceptional talent and dedication. He has been behind a diverse range of productions, spanning documentaries, commercials, and the prestigious production "The Inauguration of F'SATIE," graced by the presence of former French President Jacques Chirac.
Uys' debut feature film, "A Fire in Africa," stands as a monumental achievement in cinematic history, a testament to his exceptional directorial skills that captivate discerning film enthusiasts. This remarkable work has garnered a remarkable 37 awards, including 11 Best Picture Awards from a multitude of countries, such as Germany, England, France, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Mexico, and Australia. According to the Arctic Film Festival (AFF), the film's storytelling is both insightful and poetic. The historical re-enactments, including a riveting lion fight scene, masterfully convey the narrative. The abandoned town of Kolmanskop and Omusuverua's desert journey are meticulously detailed, and the martial arts sequences continue to impress. "A Fire in Africa" delivers a high-production learning experience deserving of broad distribution and acclaim.
This unprecedented recognition at international film festivals led to the film's acquisition by the esteemed Filmhub in Los Angeles, which distributed it globally across 14 VOD TV channels. Now, the film is accessible to a global audience of over 200 million subscribers in 133 countries through platforms like Amazon Prime Video and TUBI. It's more than just a film; it's a testament to the enchantment of storytelling, challenging even the most discerning film critics.
Dr. Uys has also made substantial contributions to scriptwriting, with his screenplay "Frankie's Flyer" published by Dizzy Emu in Hollywood, printed in Las Vegas, licensed to Grundy TV Australia, and distributed by Amazon Books in Washington DC.