What began as a student collaboration at AFDA Johannesburg has evolved into a promising new production company. Founded by 2025 graduates Khaya Dube, Keano Mirando and Aphiwe Mdluli, Ellipsis Studios is already making its mark with multiple festival selections and award-winning work.
Their AFDA student films Deadline and On Edge have been selected for the Waterloo Film Festival and the Mpumalanga Film Festival respectively. Directed by Khaya Dube and Keano Mirando, the films were produced by Aphiwe Mdluli alongside Amokelani Makhubela (Deadline) and Karabo Hlatshwayo (On Edge).
Adding to their success, Ellipsis Studios’ first independent short film, Umxoxiso, won the Young Voices Competition at the 2026 Johannesburg Film Festival. The film was directed by Khaya Dube and produced by Aphiwe Mdluli and 2023 AFDA alumnus Angelo de Klerk.
Ellipsis Studios was founded with a vision to create intentional, culturally resonant stories while building and owning original intellectual property. The company focuses on developing visually compelling narratives that explore identity, agency and the South African experience.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Mdluli credits AFDA for providing both the skills and the relationships that made Ellipsis possible.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to thank AFDA for bringing us together and giving us the platform to learn how to tell meaningful stories,” she says. “We hope other #HumansofAFDA cherish the friendships and partnerships they build during their studies.”
The founders see their achievements as proof that creative collaborations formed at film school can grow into successful professional ventures. Their message to current students is simple: build alongside your peers, nurture creative partnerships and focus on creating opportunities together.
As Ellipsis Studios continues to develop new projects and expand its footprint in the industry, its story stands as an inspiring example of how AFDA alumni are shaping the future of South African storytelling, one collaboration at a time.