Robert de Mézières

Robert Michael de Mézières is a South African filmmaker (writer-director-editor), blogger and activist.

He is most well known for the shock-doc, SHOOTING BOKKIE - the short (1998) and feature film (2001). The feature was awarded best South African film at DIFF 2003 and released by Videovision Entertainment in 2005. The film made a comeback at the Vision Du Reel festival in 2017 - where it got another great review - and continues to go cult throughout Europe.

From 2013-15 Rob co-wrote two episodes of the political-thriller TV series, ENDGAME for Fireworx Media, and two episodes of the drama TV series, UZALO for Stained Glass Productions. Both series were commissioned by local broadcaster, SABC.

In 2012 he co-edited a short film for Janet Van Eeden, writer of White Lion. In 2009 he edited the explorer doci, Chasing Spring, which won the award for best Documentary Feature at the Tenerife Film Festival in 2011.

Between 1999 and 2011 Rob freelanced as an offline editor on numerous broadcast programs and docis for various clients, including; SABC, M-NET, Fineline Productions, GT Productions, African Lotus Productions, Kingsley Holgate and Videovision Entertainment. Jobs included a cinema trailer for Darrell Roodt's Oscar-nominated local film, YESTERDAY, and several Behind-the-Scenes EPKs for Videovision films, including; SARAFINA, PREY, THE CUP, THE FIRST GRADER, ELITE SQUAD 2 and CHALET GIRL

In 2000, Rob co-directed and edited a children's short film for local story-teller/poet, Gcina Mhlophe and Videovision.

Since 2001 Rob has written and developed several screenplays - one of them with support from South Africa’s National Film Fund (NFVF). He is currently raising investment for that film, a supernatural thriller, and other projects in progress.

Rob was born and lives in Durban, South Africa. He graduated from Natal Technikon (DUT) in 1992 with a National Diploma in TV/Video Production & Technology.

He started working in television as a PA and camera assistant in 1990 and progressed to director-editor of corporate and broadcast programs in 1993.

When he’s not developing personal projects, Rob freelances in various roles and (occasionally) lectures. He also writes, blogs and posts under his activist pen name, De Mezier.