Dr Temara Prem is an academic and filmmaker based in Durban, South Africa, specialising in postcolonial film theory and filmmaking. She holds a PhD in Film and Television from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Her doctoral research examines identity representation in post-apartheid South African cinema, contributing to global discussions on cultural specificity and representation in film. She also earned an MFA in Film and Television from AFDA Cape Town, where her thesis explored Baroque aesthetics and their influence on post-war expressionist cinema. This combination of theoretical and technical expertise informs her teaching and creative work.

Dr Prem also has extensive experience in the film and media industries, having worked on productions in the capacities of cinematographer and director, including directing projects for BET Africa and SABC 1. In addition to her academic and professional roles, Dr Prem is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the film industry and educational institutions. She serves on the Standing Committee on Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion (SCEDI) for CILECT (The International Association of Film and Television Schools). She is also a member of SWIFT (Sisters Working in Film and Television).

Simon Pienaar is a filmmaker, educator, and creative leader born and raised in Gqeberha. With both parents having served as university lecturers, education and creativity were embedded in his upbringing. After graduating from Nelson Mandela University, Simon spent over a decade working as a freelance visual artist and educator — co-founding a design agency and a private photography school, while earning national and international awards for his work in photographic and digital arts.

Simon joined AFDA Gqeberha in 2015 and has since spent ten years lecturing across the disciplines of Cinematography, VFX, Editing, Data and Grading, Producing, and Writing. For the past four years, he has served as the Programme Coordinator for the School of Motion Picture, developing curricula, shaping student outcomes, and supporting cross-disciplinary integration. In 2024, he completed his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) through AFDA Johannesburg, focusing on engagement and immersion theory through gamification and ludology.

Simon brings to the role of Dean a grounded, holistic understanding of the AFDA curriculum and a deep belief in collaborative, student-centered learning. His leadership is guided by two core principles: kaizen, the philosophy of continuous improvement through small, daily efforts; and ikigai, the alignment of purpose, skill, and meaningful contribution.

In his new role as Dean, Simon is committed to fostering a campus culture that celebrates creativity, embraces innovation, and serves as a catalyst for the Eastern Cape’s growing creative economy.

“A great film is never made alone — it’s built frame by frame, cut by cut, through collaboration, clarity of vision, and a willingness to fail forward. That’s how I see this campus: not as a finished product, but as a living edit. Every student, every staff member, every idea contributes to the unfolding story of AFDA Gqeberha — and I’m here to help direct the next act.”

With more than three decades of experience spanning creative media, technology, business and higher education, Steve Drake brings a wealth of industry and academic experience to his role as Dean of AFDA Cape Town.

Drake has been part of AFDA for more than 20 years, holding a number of senior academic leadership roles, most recently as Head of School: Business Innovation and Technology. He has played a key role in developing AFDA’s approach to the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship and technology, including the implementation of the BCom in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Before moving into higher education, Drake worked across the creative media industry as a cinematographer, line producer, media marketer and distributor. He holds an MBA from the University of Cape Town and London Business School, as well as a Certificate in Film & Broadcasting from New York University.

Pauli van Dyk is the Dean of AFDA Hatfield, bringing more than three decades of experience in the South African television and creative industries to the leadership of AFDA’s newest campus.

An accomplished producer, director and editor, Pauli has worked across a diverse range of television and documentary productions. Her television credits include from reality shows Jam Sandwichand Fortuinsoekers, to entertainment show as in Walala Wasala, game shows, talk shows and a host educational shows including the iconic children shows Wielie Walie. Her documentary work includes Punk in Africa, Flowers of the Revolution, Mozart in Meadowlands, Who Killed Johannes Kerkorrel and My Big Fat Afrikaner Wedding. Her awards include 4 SAFTA Awards for Jam Sandwich ranging from best Music show, original script and Reality Show.

Pauli has also built a strong reputation as an educator, mentor and industry trainer. During her time at Kagiso Television and Communication, she was extensively involved in training and mentoring emerging practitioners, many of whom have gone on to establish successful careers in the creative industries. As an independent producer and member of Meerkat Media CC, she continues to combine industry practice with a passion for developing people and raising production standards.

Her relationship with AFDA has included teaching in post-production, editing and directing at the Johannesburg campus, where she has shared her extensive practical knowledge with the next generation of filmmakers and television professionals. She holds a BA Honours qualification and has specialised academically and professionally in television post-production.

As Dean of AFDA Hatfield, Pauli is helping shape the academic vision of AFDA’s fifth campus and its role in expanding access to creative education across Tshwane and the surrounding provinces. Her leadership is grounded in a clear understanding of how rapidly the creative industries are evolving and the need to equip graduates with the skills, adaptability and industry awareness required to thrive.

Pauli describes her vision as helping to “reimagine the skill set that newly graduated students will need to successfully flourish in the creative economy,” while contributing to AFDA’s mission of delivering innovative, high-quality creative education.