Sibs Shongwe-La Mer (born 11 September 1991) is a South African screenwriter, film director, musician, TED talks alumni and visual artist. Born Sibusiso Shongwe, the creator was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. And his work is very inclusive of his background. Moreover, his work spans across the globe at only 31 years old.
A quick background of Sibusiso Shongwe-La Mer
Sibs Shongwe-La Mer (born Sibusiso Mandla Shongwe) was born in Sandton in the Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa. He was born on the 11th of September 1991. His visual art and cinema career began in his late teens. Following the untimely death of a high school girlfriend and other influential tragedies befell his social circle. And resulted in the creation of various bodies of art and film exploring themes of suburbia malaise, depression and the new South African experience.
How Shongwe began his career
Shongwe started working as an independent music video director and rock n roll photographer. Doing work for local acts. Shongwe-La Mer had his first notable international film festival exposure with self funded low-fi production “Territorial Pissings”.
Which was screened as a work-in-progresses at the 70th Venice International Film Festival (La Biennale di Venezia) in 2013. With a copy of the work added to the festivals historical archives. At this time, Shongwe-La Mer was additionally active as a visual artist & photographer, exhibiting works in his country of birth as well as various galleries around the world.
Filmography and notable works
Shongwe-La Mer’s critically acclaimed debut feature film, Necktie Youth. Premiered in the Panorama section of the 65th Berlin International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival and numerous top tier international film festivals. Moreover, the film went on to win “Best South African Feature Film” and “Best Direction” at the Durban International Film Festival in 2015.
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Furthermore, the film went on to garner a multitude of awards. Including “Best Achievement in Cinematography” and “Best Achievement in editing”. Both at the 2015 South African Film and Television Awards. Necktie Youth was theatrically released in South Africa (2015) at Ster-Kinekor and on the iTunes Store & DStv Box-office. Moreover, the film was later released in the Netherlands, Brazil & American VOD between 2016–2017. Mid 2016, Shongwe-La Mer signed representation contracts with top London film lit agency Casarotto Ramsey & Associates , Rick Yorn’s legendary LBI entertainment & Hollywood heavy weight CAA.
Early international recognition of Sibs Shongwe-La Mer
Sibs Shongwe-La Mer was selected as one of two global filmmakers. As part of the Film Coalition made up of EYEEYE Film Institute Netherlands. The Netherlands Film Academy, the Binger Filmlab and IDFA (film festival). Moreover, Halal, the Amsterdam producer.
Also entered into a creative alliance with the young talented Filmmaker. Furthermore, in the coming year, Sibs Shongwe-La Mer is expected to develop a second full-length film in collaboration with this producer. And, with the support of the Film Coalition. In addition, he will try to promote a closer cooperation between young Dutch and South African filmmakers.
Filmography
As writer/director
- Necktie Youth (2015) (Urucu media/Halal Films)
- Territorial Pissings (2013) (Whitman Pictures Independent)
- Death Of Tropics (2012) (Whitman Pictures Independent)
- The Sound Of Animals Fighting (In Development) (2018) (Fireworx Media)
- Color Of The Skull (In Development) (2018) (Mille Et Une Paris/Halal Film/Whitman Pictures Independent)
As an actor
- Necktie Youth (Supporting Lead- “September”) (2015) (SA)
- “The Cubs Won (And I Died) (Supporting role- “Brice”) (2017) (US)
As Producer/Executive Producer
- Territorial Pissings (2013)
- Death Of Tropics (2012)
