In a nutshell,
Jack of all trades, Master of some.
Nakesa Ndou is a Johannesburg-based Social First Creative Director and storyteller. At the heart of her work is a curiosity about people, culture, and the ideas that shape the way we see the world. She is interested in understanding where culture is, where it’s moving, and what a brand or story can meaningfully add to the conversation.
For Nakesa, storytelling begins with emotion. Whether she is developing a campaign, shaping a brand narrative, or directing a film, she leads with the belief that everything needs to tell a story. Her approach is culture-first and narrative-led, looking beyond simply influencing an audience to consider what a piece of work can contribute to the culture around it.
“I’m inspired by genuine human interest, philosophy and culture. I’m fascinated by the way people live, what they care about, and how ideas move through culture. Being part of the generation that sits between millennial and Gen Z culture, I’m naturally curious about both worlds: their different perspectives, behaviours, and cultural languages. I’m particularly interested in emerging trends and the early signals that tell us where culture might be heading next.”
Beginnings
Her journey into storytelling began at Wits, where she studied Dramatic Arts with a focus on Arts Management and Design before making the decision to pursue filmmaking.
She went on to participate in the Free Women Films Producer Masterclass, where she developed the knowledge that would eventually lead to her producing her first short film, Mbokodo.
She later expanded her filmmaking practice through a BA in Film and Television Production at UCT, followed by an Honours in Motion Picture Medium at AFDA.
Mbokodo
Nakesa founded Nakesa Ndou Mediums early in her journey, building a creative practice alongside her work in film.
Mbokodo went on to have a festival run, becoming a quarterfinalist for Best Short Film at the Pan African de Cannes Film Festival and receiving a nomination for Best Short Film at the Durban International Film Festival.
She later took the film beyond the festival circuit, organizing a national school screening tour across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
Digital storytelling
Her interest in brand storytelling, advertising, and digital media grew from a desire to understand this shift and explore what it means for the way stories are created, distributed, and experienced. For her, moving into digital is not a departure from filmmaking, but an extension of her belief that every medium is an opportunity to tell a meaningful story.
Other artists and things that inspire my creative style
Andy Warhol (visual artist)
Andy Warhol’s attention to popular culture and the times he lived in. He turned ordinary things into striking images that complemented the culture around him.
Robert Wilson (scenographer)
Robert Wilson’s design elements that create immersive experiences, especially his use of light, lines and texture.
Music
It’s just innate. Music awakens my imagination and brings up imagery I wouldn’t otherwise see.
Akira Kurosawa (filmmaker)
His use of light, and the way he captures cinematography as images and paintings. I love the juxtaposition between harsh storylines and aesthetically pleasing imagery.
My Surroundings
Moments of observing people, buildings and nature.
Philosophy
It makes me question ideas, study human behaviour and challenge assumptions, until the work finds a deeper meaning.
Things I Luurv
Skincare / Beauty
Cars
design/Curated Experiences
Lifestyle
Sports, especially tennis
The Outdoors / Nature
