CINEMATOGRAPHER

Lance Gewer is an internationally recognized award winning filmmaker and cinematographer who has worked in the field for 28 years. He photographed TSOTSI (Directed by Gavin Hood – Oscar for Best Foreign Film 2006,Peoples and Critics Award Toronto Film Festival), BEAT THE DRUM (27 International Awards), MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS (with Freddy Highmore and VinghRheimes), OTELO BURNING(over 70 film festivals internationally),FLIGHT OF THE STORKS (Directed by Jan Kounen with Ruttgaer Hauer), SPUDand SPUD 2 (with Troy Sivan and John Cleese), ELELWANI, JOZI and others. Lance just completed production of KITE, with Samuel. L. Jackson. He has filmed international feature documentaries, docu-dramas and dramas. He also directed and produced several short fiction and non-fiction films, and has lectured extensively over the last 20 years.

The feature articles in American Cinematographer (March 2006) and Kodak’s “In Camera” (April 2006) were dedicated to his work.

He has a very classical eye, as well as a certain restraint that really allows the performances in the pieces he photographs to shine, and that’s very much what I needed for Tsotsi. I wanted to achieve a beautiful film that you only think about as beautiful after you’ve come out of the story. Gavin Hood – American Cinematographer – March 2006.

Widescreen lensing by Lance Gewer is ace, offering a dense panorama for the drama. Several flashy crane shots capture the teeming township streets, while dramatic quasi-noir lighting that renders the seamy atmosphere of Tsotsi's hovel contrasts with jewel-like tones of Miriam's house. Variety Magazine, 2006.

FEATURE FILMS

MANDELA’S GUN

In 1962 Nelson Mandela went to Ethiopia to receive training in military combat in preparation for the armed struggle against the apartheid in South Africa. While he was there, he gets a special present from the Emperor Haile Selassie, one that today remains a mystery. Genre: Drama/ Doc. Prod: Claire Evans. Co-Prod: Jeremy Nathan/ Moroba Nkawe. Dir: John Irvin. RED Epic for Cinema release. IN PRE-PRODUCTION 2014

KITE

Based on the cult classic anime, a young girl’s journey to discover who she is and who murdered her father. Starring Samuel. L. Jackson, India Eisley, Callan McAuliffe. Genre: Anime thriller. Prod: Anant Singh/ Brian Cox. Detalle Films/ Distant Horizons/ Compass Films/Videovision.RED Epic for Cinema. Dir: Ralph Ziman. POST-PRODUCTION 2013

ONE

Tells the story of…. well your just gonna have to find out, but it’s going to be good, trust me. Dir: Murali Thalluri. M2E. IN DEVELOPMENT.2014

THERE LIES HOPE

Based on Mark Mathabane’s bestseller Kaffir Boy. Dir: Scott Hillenbrand. 2014

SPUD 2 – THE MADNESS CONTINUES.

The sequel in the series of John Van De Ruit’s best-selling novel.Young Spud seeks revenge over Sparerib. Genre: Comedy. Starring John Cleeseand Troye Sivan. Exec Prod: Ross Garland/ Brad Logan. Dir: Donavan Marsh. Rogue Star Films. Red Epic for Cinema. 2013

BEYOND THE HORIZON (Working Title: New Family)

A young German family living in remote Africa tragically loses their son and in an attempt to heal them selves, they adopt a young German convict who is part of a rehabilitation program. The new life for the young convict brings change to all. Genre: Drama. Prod: Gizelher Venzke. Two Oceans Prod’s/ U5 Film Prod’s/ ARD(Germany). Dir: Stefanie Sycholt. Arri Alexa. 2012

ONE LAST LOOK

While on their dream overland trip through Africa, a young backpacker disappears at a steam punk party and her sister risks all to try to find and save her. Genre: Horror. Producer: Dan Jawitz. Fireworx Media/ NFVF/ DTI. Dir: Philip Roberts. RED Mysterium X for cinema release. 2012

FLIGHT OF THE STORKS

A two-part thriller for television based on Jean-Christophe Grange’s novel. Every year the storks set off on their 12 000 mile migration but one year, inexplicably numbers of them fail to return. Jonathan’s journey to uncover why leads him deeper into a bizzare mystery that uncovers shattering truths about his past. Genre: Thriller. Exec Prod: Thomas Anargyros. EuropaCorp/TF1 International/Canal+/Moonlighting. Dir: Jan Kounen (Doberman, Stravinsky and Channel, 99Francs, Renegade). S35mm 2012

ELELWANI

A young Venda woman is ambushed by her family, ancestors and royalty is forced to abandon her journey to freedom. Elelwani takes her fiancée home to meet her family and is informed thatfrom a young age she has been bequeathed to a King. Her fiancée must find a way to set her free. Genre: Love Story. Prod: FlorianSchattauer. Keramix CC.Dir:Ntshavheni WaLuruli (The Wooden Camera). Red Mysterium X for 2.35:1 cinema.

Opening Film Durban Film Festival 2012

ALGIERS MURDERS

Based on a true story,- a drug war between mafia and police erupts in a small town called Algiers. Genre: Thriller. Starring: John Savage. Dir: Faith Isiakphira. Moments Entert. Red Myst X for 2.35:1. 2010

OTELLO BURNING

3 Schoolboys living in a warzone in apartheid South Africa discover surfing as a means to escape the harsh realities of their lives. Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose. Genre: Political Drama. Prod: Kevin Fleisher. Cinga Films. Dir: Sara Bletcher. Red Mysterium X for 1.85:1 cinema. 2012

Winner Best Cinematography at Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2012
Winner One World Film Festival U.K. 2012
Winner Cape Winelands Film Festival 2012
Nominee: Golden Needle Award Seattle 2012
Opening Film Durban International Film Festival 2011
Winner: Adrienne Shelly Prize 2011
Official Selection: Moscow Film Festival 2012, BFI Film Festival London 2012, Chennai Film Festival 2012,
Cinerama BC Brazil 2012, Lille Film Festival France 2012, Seattle Film Festival 2012, Dubai Film Festival 2011

ALGIERS MURDERS

Based on a true story - a drug war between mafia and police erupts in a small town called Algiers. Genre: Thriller. Starring: John Savage. Moments Entertainment.Dir: Faith Isiakphira. Red Mysterium X for 2.35:1. 2011

SPUD

Based on John Van De Ruit’s best selling novel is a hilarious coming of age story about boarding school boys and their adventures. Genre: Comedy. Starring John Cleeseand Troye Sivan. Exec Prod: Ros Garland/ Brad Logan. Rogue Star Films.Dir: Donavan Marsh. S35mm for 1.85:1 cinema.2010

JOZI

A drug addict’s journey to “normality”. Genre: Comedy. Exec Prod:Anant Singh. Prod: Robbie Thorpe/ Akin Amotso. VIDEOVISION Entertainment/ TOM PICS.Dir: Craig Freimond.Arri D21 for 2.35:1 cinema. 2009

MASTER HAROLD & THE BOYS

Based on Athol Fugard’s award winning play set in the 1950s. Genre: Drama. Stars Freddie Highmore, Ving Rheimes. Spier Films Focus Films(UK) Foxboro Inc(USA) Reuben Cannon(USA). Producers: David Pupkowitz / Nellle Nugen / Zaheer ~Goodman-Bhyat. Director: Lonny Price. RED for 2.35:1. 2009
Winner Cape Winelands Film Festival 2010

TSOTSI

Based on Athol Fugard’s novel, a story of the events that lead to change in the life of a young criminal. Genre: Drama. Prod: Peter Fudokowski/ Paul Raleigh. Miramax Films/ Movieworld.Writer/Dir: Gavin Hood (Wolverine, Rendition).Kodak S35mm for 2.35:1 Cinema. 2005

Nominee Golden Globe – Films made in a foreign language 2006
Winner Michael Powell Jury Award & Standard Life Audience Award, Edinburgh Film Festival 2005
Winner Best Film, People’s Choice Award, Toronto Film Festival 2005
Winner Audience Award AFI, Los Angeles 2005
Nominee Best Cinematography, CamerImage, Lodz, Poland, 2006
Winner Best cinematography, Apollo Film Festival 2006
Winner Best Cinematography, SAFTA Award 2006

BEAT THE DRUM

The story of a young boy’s journey from a rural village to the big city to make a life for himself after his family all died of AIDS. Genre: Drama. Prod Co: Z Productions LLC & New Africa Media Films (NAM). Writer/ Producer: David McBrayer/ Amy Moore. Dir: D. Hickson. Kodak Super 35mm for cinema release. 2002

Over 30 awards, including:

Winner Best Cinematography - SAFTA Award –2007
Winner Best Feature Film – Montreal World Film Festival
Winner Best Feature Film – Monaco International Film Festival
Winner Best Feature Film – Urban World Film Festival, New York
Winner Best cinematography - Apollo Film Festival 2006
Winner Best Cinematography - Guerilla Film Festival, Washington 2005
Winner Best Cinematography - Newport Beach Film Festival 2004
Winner Silver Medal for Cinematography - Visible Spectrum Awards, South Africa, 2003
Special Jury Award – Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

DOCUMENTARY

HIDDEN GENDER

Feature Doc. 2 men jailed in Malawi for being married. Dir: Sara Bletcher. Cinga Films. 2010

DANCING WITH THE DEVIL IN THE CITY OF GOD

Feature Doc. Rio de Janeiro. Dir: Jon Blair. JBFC. 2009

TURN IT LOOSE

RED BULL B.C.2 Feature documentary about the Red Bull world break dance championships held in Soweto 2007. Red Bull/ Partizan/ Renegade Films. Prod: Tom Roberts. Dir: Alaister Siddons. 2007

OCHBERG’S ORPHANS

Feature Doc. 1920, business tycoon rescues 200 orphans from East Europe & takes them to South Africa. Rainmaker Films. Prod: Paul Goldin. Dir: Jon Blair (FINAL 8 OSACARS 2008)

MURDER MOST FOUL

Feature Doc. Authored by Sir Anthony Sher. Explores events surrounding high-profile murder actor Brett Goldin & designer Richard Bloom. Jon Blair Films. U.K. Prod/ Dir: Jon Blair. 2007

THE GLOW OF WHITE WOMAN

Feature Doc. An irreverent doc exploring one man’s obsession for white women while living under the Apartheid regime. Little Bird Prod’s. Ex Prod: James Mitchell. Dir: Yunus Valli. 2007

SOWETO BLUES

Feature Doc. Tells the story of1976and the musicians’fight against apartheid through music. SABC/ Moments Ent. Dir: FaithIsiakphira. 2006

WHITE FARMERS BLACK LAND

PRODUCER & DOP. Feature Doc. White farmers emigrate to Niassa in north Mozambique to escape a democratic South Africa. CANAL+Dir. Aldo Lee. Prod P. Brooks/ L. Gewer. 2002

MAPUNGUBWE, SECRETS OF THE SACRED HILL

PRODUCER/ DIRECTOR/ WRITER& DOP. South Africa’s first city of gold, true kingdom with ruling elite and inland international trading post was kept secret since its discovery. Icon Entertainment. 52min. 2001

SHARP EDGE OF THE KNIFE

Parallels of poverty: Scotland & South Africa. BBC.Dir Barbara Orton. 2000

DOCU-DRAMA (2005 – 2010)

SAS HEROES

A series that re-enacts heroic and memorable operations undertaken by Britain’s Special Air Forces. 3 EPISODES: “MIRBAT”, “FLIGHT181”, “OPERATION BARRAS”. Film Afrika/ Dangerous Films.BBC5. Dir. Nick Green.

KIDNAPPED ABROA

The series re-enact stories of major historical political kidnappings. 3 episodes: UGANDA Paul Berzellar. PHILLIPINES: James Bryce. MALAYSIA: Katinka Newman. Exec Prod: DimitriDoganis. NAT GEO/CH5-UK. Raw TV.

I SHOULDN’T BE ALIVE

“TERROR ON THE ZAMBEZI”. By the producers of “Touching the Void”. Stranded in the Zambezi River a group of friends miraculously survive. DISCOVERY US/ Ch4. Darlow Smithson.Dir: Jenny Ash.

OPERATION CERTAIN DEATH

Drama-doc about the recapture of British troops from the West Side Boys in Sierra Leone. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC. Darlow Smithson.Dir: Matt Catling.

OPERATION CERTAIN DEATH

“Zero Hour”High-end drama-doc about the recapture of British soldiers from the West Side Boys in Sierra Leone. Ex Prod: Simon Berthon. DISCOVERY US. 3BM TV.Dir: David Hickman.

SHORT FORM (1989 – 1998)

COME SEE THE BIOSCOPE

DOP/ DIRECTOR. Set 1927, Sol Plaatjes, co-founder of the ANC, writer, editor and Bioscope-man brings cinema to the people. Prod. Richard Green. 26min. S16mm. MNET (Nominated for Fespaco Film Festival).

SACRIFICE

DOP/ PROD/ CO-DIR/WRIT: Family suicide. Best Short & Best Fiction, Weekly Mail Film Festival 2000. 32 min.

ANGEL

Prod. Richard Green. MNET.Dir. Barry Berk. S16mm.

CHRISTMAS WITH GRANNY

Prod. Richard Green. MNET. Dir:Dumisani Phakati. 35mm.

BRAVE WORLD

DOP/ PRODUCER Best Short Film Weekly Mail Film Festival 1999. 12 min. 16mm

TELEVISION DRAMA

90 PLEIN STREET

26 part thriller based on real South African political scenario. Prod: Carolyn Carew. SABC/ Born Free Media.Canon 5D III.Dir: Khalomatabane. 2011

WILD AT HEART

Pilot for series. A New York vet who starts a new life in South Africa. CBS/ PARAMOUNT/Company Pictures/ Out of Africa. Ex Prod: Michael Rauch/ Charlie Pattinson Prod: Lance Samuels Dir: Bryan Gordon.

NOAH’S ARC

4 part TV drama. The arrival of an unknown child into a man’s life, exposes weaknesses in the family and throws their lives into disarray. SABC/ Born Free Media. Prod: Carolyn Carew. Dir: Teddy Mattera, Penny Flascas.

THE OTHER WOMAN

A television film, about a high-powered black advertising executive who rediscovers her compassion when she crosses paths with a childhood friend who is dying of Aids.SABC/ Curious Pictures. Dir: Cindy Lee.

CROSSING THE LINE

4 part TV series. A taut thriller which tells the story of a black political journalist who delves into the murky underworld of crime and corruption in the new South Africa.SABC. Big World Cinema. Dir: Brian Tilley.

COMMERCIALS, CORPORATE & MUSIC VIDEOS

Commercial Clients: MACDONALDS, TELE-2-EUROPE, FIRST NATIONAL BANK, NANDO’S, MTN, ABSA, NASHUA, TASTIC, LOVELIFE, S.A GOV’T, FIFA, ONE LAPTOP PER CHILD, ESKOM, NETCARE. NOVARTIS, RIO TINTHO, JET.

Over 30 music videos including artists: HUGH MASAKELA, ARTHUR, DON LARKA, SENYAKA, BROTHERS OF PEACE, ROBYN AULD.

LECTURER

Lance has lectured extensively at The Big Fish Films School, AFFDA, Monash University, Newtown Film & Television School, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Rand Afrikaans University. Lance is the current Disciplinary Chair of Cinematography at AFFDA.