MEET THE TEAM
.png)
Siyabonga Mbele
Founder & Executive Director
Siyabonga Mbele is a multi-award-winning director, writer, and producer whose work has earned recognition both locally and internationally. He holds an Honours degree in Film and Television Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand, and his films have received multiple awards and nominations in countries including Italy, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Nigeria.
His films have been screened at festivals around the world, reflecting his deep passion for cinematic storytelling and his commitment to creating impactful, visually compelling work.
Siyabonga works primarily as a film director and producer. He is the owner and Executive Director of Sacred Pictures, a Johannesburg-based film studio, as well as the owner of Lucent Studios, a visual effects studio dedicated to innovative post-production and visual storytelling.
Through Sacred Pictures, Siyabonga has expanded his focus to bringing the same premium cinematic quality and storytelling found in his films to the world of business. By applying a filmmaker’s eye to branded and commercial content, he helps businesses create powerful visual stories that connect with audiences and reach more clients.
Luyanda brings over 16 years of diverse professional experience to her work as a producer. She began her career in journalism, where her voice and insight earned her a weekly column in a national newspaper. Over the years, she has built an impressive background in Communications Management and Engagement, Public Relations, as well as Brand and Stakeholder Management.
With a strong foundation in storytelling, media, and audience engagement, Luyanda now channels her experience into producing creative projects that connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Her work reflects both her deep understanding of communication and her passion for bringing powerful stories to life.
Luyanda Tetyana
Producer
Naomi Malis
Production Admin
Naomi Malais is the organisational heartbeat behind the scenes at Sacred Pictures, ensuring that every production runs smoothly from the first email to the final delivery. Known for her sharp attention to detail and calm approach to fast-moving film environments, Naomi keeps schedules aligned, teams connected, and communication flowing across every stage of a project.
Having grown up in sunny Johannesburg, Naomi developed an early appreciation for storytelling and the creative industries that bring stories to life. That passion naturally drew her toward the world of film production, where organisation, coordination, and creative collaboration meet. At Sacred Pictures, she plays a central role in managing production administration, coordinating communication between departments, and keeping projects on track so the creative team can focus on crafting great work.
Colleagues often joke that Naomi seems to operate at the speed of thought — always one step ahead with the right document, the right schedule, or the right reminder at exactly the right time. Her ability to process information quickly and keep countless moving parts organised makes her an invaluable part of the Sacred Pictures team.
Who We Are
Sacred Pictures, founded in 2021, is where innovation meets imagination, and creativity knows no bounds. We are not just a production company, we are storytellers, filmmakers, and creative partners dedicated to crafting visual experiences that captivate audiences and elevate brands.
With a proven track record of award-winning filmmaking, our team brings together visionary storytellers, experienced directors, and cutting-edge technicians who understand the power of cinematic storytelling. From concept to final delivery, we transform ideas into compelling visual narratives that leave a lasting impression on brands audiences.
But what truly sets Sacred Pictures apart is our mission.
We believe that premium, cinematic-quality video should not be reserved only for companies with million-rand marketing budgets. Too often, businesses are forced to choose between affordability and quality, and we exist to eliminate that choice.
At Sacred Pictures, we are committed to producing premium-level video and content at a fraction of the traditional cost. By combining filmmaking expertise, streamlined production processes, and innovative technology, we are able to deliver high-end cinematic visuals without the high-end price tag.
Our goal is simple: to empower businesses with the power of video. We help brands reach more clients, attract more attention, and generate more engagement through visually striking content that stands out in today’s digital landscape.
We are passionate about making professional, cinematic storytelling accessible to businesses of all sizes. Because every brand deserves the opportunity to tell its story beautifully, without having to spend millions of rands to do it.
At Sacred Pictures, your vision becomes our mission. And together, we create content that doesn’t just look extraordinary, it drives real results.