Raised in Hillbrow’s urban melting pot Ian was a teacher, political organizer, writer and then theatre activist at downtown Joburg’s legendary Dorkay House before he settled on a career in film, opening Wave Two Motion Pictures in Johannesburg, before partnering with producer and wife Cindy Gabriel to form Giant Films. Inspired by the craft of performance, Ian creates a safe world in front of camera for actors and crew where community is the key driving force.

‘There’s no real disconnect between community work and working in film: Community and collaboration is at the heart of good film making – the more our industry pays homage to that idea the better and more creative we all become.’

This philosophy has led to Ian directing icons and personalities such as Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Charlize Theron, Alek Wek, Cristiano Ronaldo, Haile Gebrselassie and Chesley Sullenberger.

‘In every story, there’s the right emotion – find that and the concept will land with clarity and resonance. ‘

Testament to this are his award-winning commercials and critically acclaimed feature films, “Forgiveness” and “Four Corners”. The latter, the South African submissions for Best Foreign Film at the 86th Academy Awards, picked up multiple Best Film Awards on the international film festival circuit, and took home 6 Saftas including Best Picture at the South African Film and TV Awards.