Jabu Nadia Newman

Jabu Nadia Newman’s work is as diverse as her constantly shifting pool of inspirations. This young filmmaker and photographer deftly explores a range of subject matter, with sensitivity and humor, from the provocative to the pop culture-esque. Through her bold and colorful visuals, Jabu captures “alternative” stories unique to South African youth culture, which are relevant to the here-and-now.

Inspired by the Rhodes and Fees Must Fall movements, Jabu independently wrote and directed “Foxy Five,” a web series that celebrates intersectional feminism through the antics of an empowered fictional girl gang. This creative hustle not only developed her career as a director, but also brought to light debates around sexism, feminism, racism, and inequality.

Her honest narratives are engaging and relatable, encouraging her subjects to tell their own stories in their own way. Each project – whether an exhibition, branded content, music video, or commercial – is an exciting opportunity for disruptive creative collaboration. Jabu is inspired to bring her conscious aesthetic to commercial filmmaking, championing equal representation both in front of and behind the camera.