South Africa

Ian Gabriel’s career began at Johannesburg’s famous multi-racial theatre venue, Dorkay House. It was in this intriguing setting that a fascination with performance drew Ian into film where he worked as a producer before launching himself as a commercials and music video director. His approach to film making and story telling has earned him the reputation for creating distinctive compelling narratives, turning many of his commercials into beautifully crafted short films in their own right. As well as the multiple awards Ian has won for his commercial and music video work, Ian was the recipient of the Human Rights Award at the 57th Locarno International Film Festival in 2004 for his debut feature film Forgiveness, a Golden Leopard Nominee and winner of the Locarno Youth Jury Best Film Award. Forgiveness received prestigious international Festival and Audience Choice Awards and has featured in programs focusing on conflict, drama and reconciliation at festivals around the world and at programs at Cambridge and Princeton Universities. His 2013 film Four Corners was selected as the South African entry for the Best Foreign Language 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.

Filmography

Forgiveness (2004)
Four Corners (2013)
Lifting Nick (2016)