AFDA proudly celebrates alumnus Jozua Malherbe, whose latest directing achievement continues to showcase the calibre of South African filmmaking on the global stage. Malherbe directs the highly anticipated international television series Invisible, based on bestselling author Deon Meyer’s acclaimed novel Blood Safari. The pilot episode will receive an exclusive preview at the 2026 kykNET Silwerskerm Festival before the series premieres on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) on 14 October 2026.
The selection of Invisible as part of the Silwerskerm Festival programme highlights one of the year’s most exciting new television productions. Since introducing television and streaming previews to its programme, the festival has become an important platform for showcasing premium South African content, bringing together leading filmmakers, broadcasters and audiences to celebrate excellence in screen storytelling.
Produced through an international collaboration between MultiChoice, Canal+ and ITV Studios, Invisible promises an edge-of-your-seat thriller that combines political intrigue, wildlife crime, mystery and action. The story follows London-based public relations consultant Emma le Roux, who returns to South Africa after receiving a desperate call from the brother who disappeared decades earlier. Her search uncovers a dangerous conspiracy involving poaching syndicates, political corruption and long-buried secrets hidden deep within the Lowveld.
The production boasts an impressive international and South African cast led by Abbie Cornish and Dougray Scott, alongside celebrated local actors Tim Theron, Tumisho Masha, Kim Engelbrecht, Frank Rautenbach, AFDA alumna Chi Mende and Siv Ngesi. The screenplay has been developed by Deon Meyer, William Schneider and acclaimed South African writer Amy Jephta, creating a production that blends world-class storytelling with distinctly African perspectives.
For Jozua, Invisible represents another significant milestone in an already distinguished career. Widely recognised for his work as both a director and cinematographer, he has built a reputation for visually rich, emotionally engaging storytelling across film and television. His work has previously been showcased at the kykNET Silwerskerm Festival, where he has directed acclaimed productions including Engel, while his cinematography has also received industry recognition through multiple award nominations.
As an AFDA alumnus, Jozua exemplifies the creative leadership that continues to define the institution’s graduates. His ability to helm a large-scale international adaptation of one of South Africa’s most celebrated crime novels reflects both his artistic vision and his capacity to lead ambitious productions that resonate with audiences at home and abroad.
The success of Invisible also speaks to the continued growth of South Africa’s television industry. Increasingly, international broadcasters and streaming platforms are investing in locally produced stories that combine global production values with authentic African narratives. Productions like Invisible demonstrate that South African creatives are not simply participating in this global expansion, they are leading it.
AFDA congratulates Jozua on this remarkable achievement. His work on Invisible reinforces the impact of AFDA alumni across the international screen industry and serves as an inspiration to the next generation of filmmakers who aspire to create stories that captivate audiences around the world.
As AFDA continues to champion the future of the creative economy, alumni like Jozua embody the institution’s vision to Create. Build. Own. Lead.