Beyond the Lens: How OM Films Captured a New Era in South African Storytelling
Beyond the Lens: How OM Films Captured a New Era in South African Storytelling. When Ofentse and Nelisiwe Mwase co-founded OM Films, they set out to redefine South African cinema, one authentic, vibrant tale at a time. From shooting wedding videos in Rustenburg to winning coveted SAMA awards and landing projects on Netflix, their journey is a testament to creative courage, strategic growth, and vision rooted in culture. For any entrepreneur in media or beyond, their story offers tangible lessons in turning passion into purpose.
Humble Beginnings Grounded in Authentic Experience
OM Films began in 2009, capturing weddings in Tlhabane, near Rustenburg. Back then, Ofentse was behind the camera, pursuing a film degree at AFDA, while Nelisiwe, a natural storyteller, balanced creative arts and leadership roles since school days in Mpumalanga. By 2014, they formally registered OM Films as a production company in Johannesburg, launching a brand with roots in community and celebration.
Actionable insight: Start where you are. Use local opportunities and your own growth as building blocks for a bigger vision.
Winning Credibility Through Craft Mastery
Ofentse built his reputation in cinematography, earning an SAFTA award for Tjovitjo in 2018 and acclaim for his debut music video direction on Miss Pru’s Ameni, SAMA Music Video of the Year. Nelisiwe expanded OM Films’ offerings as writer, producer and on-screen talent, leading campaigns for brands like Samsung, FNB, Huggies and launching comedy content for Aromat’s YouTube Comedy Club. Together they bridged documentary, commercial, music video and scripted media, all grounded in quality.
Actionable insight: Become masters of your craft, recognition, awards and strong showreels fuel growth and attract clients.
Leveraging Storytelling to Build Brand Connection
Nelisiwe’s presence as “Mama Nells” on OM Films’ YouTube channel, helps humanise the brand. Her relatable comedy, candid interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights bring fans closer and fuel virality. She was even selected to represent South African creators at YouTube’s Black Summit in Atlanta, a powerful testament to intentional community building.
Actionable insight: Let your personality shine. Authentic content attracts an audience and builds trust before any sale is made.
Strategic Expansion into High-Scale Productions
OM Films moved from weddings to corporates to Netflix. Ofentse shot the feature film “Collision,” released globally on Netflix in June 2022. Their commercial portfolio includes campaigns for Vodafone Tanzania, Vodacom, JD Walker, Samsung and more. They also produce documentary series like “The People Stories” and music videos for big names such as Kwesta, Fifi Cooper and Big Zulu.
Actionable insight: Upgrade with every project. Use each success to enter larger markets, don’t shy away from big platforms.
Navigating Challenges Through Continuous Learning
Nelisiwe once faced rejection from film school, but she channelled it into resilience, later becoming a comedy content producer and creative lead. Ofentse’s path included earning awards and honing his technical skill. OM Films grew not by luck, but through iterative learning and craftsmanship.
Actionable insight: Treat rejection as redirection. Refine your craft relentlessly and keep advancing, failure is often a prelude to breakthrough.
Building a Legacy Through Creative Community
OM Films continues producing across formats, from commercials and documentaries to comedy and music videos. Their content reflects township narratives, Afro-centric identity, and global standards. Nelisiwe’s comedy and Ofentse’s cinematography together frame a creative ecosystem, one that empowers and inspires emerging Black creatives.
Actionable insight: Create a creative ecosystem, not just a company. Bring others into your journey and your success scales beyond you.
Essential Lessons for Content Entrepreneurs
- Start local and authentic- use your roots in your storytelling
- Perfect your craft- award-winning work opens bigger doors
- Let personality lead- content that connects fosters community
- Scale deliberately- leverage each project to move up a rung
- View challenges as fuel for growth
- Share every win- they attract attention and build legitimacy
- Reinforce your brand through consistent creative output
Final Reflection: Storytelling as the Ultimate Asset
Ofentse and Nelisiwe Mwase turned OM Films into more than a production company, it became a cultural voice. Through quality, personality, community, and creative progression, they built a brand that captures hearts and screens globally. For entrepreneurs everywhere, their journey shows that when artistry, strategy, and authenticity converge, a brand can transcend its beginnings and tell stories that matter.
