Rene van Rooyen

Rene is best known for her work on "Toorbos," South Africa's official entry to the 93rd Academy Awards and Golden Globes. Rene has also helmed several TV series, including the UK/SA co-production "CATCH ME A KILLER," featuring Charlotte Hope (of "Game of Thrones" fame), produced by Simon Howley and Brett Wilson and financed by Night Train Media.

Under her production company, Red Letter Day Pictures, Rene has co-produced some of South Africa's highest-grossing films, including "Vaselinetjie" (ranked #2 at the box office in 2017) and "Hollywood in my Huis" (ranked #5 at the box office in 2015). "Toorbos" achieved the #2 spot at the box office in 2020, while "Hans Steek die Rubicon Oor" claimed the #1 position in 2023.

Her television series "Alles Malan," which she produced, wrote, and directed alongside Corne van Rooyen, garnered record-breaking viewership on kykNET in 2019 and 2021. Additionally, her 52-part MNET family drama "Summertide," for which she serves as creator and producer, is currently airing on MNET, channel 101.

Rene's extensive resume also includes roles such as series director for kykNET's "Getroud met Rugby," episodic director on "Fluiters" (kykNET), and "Labour of Love" (MNET). Over the past decade, she has contributed as a screenwriter to numerous films and television series, notably co-writing the pilot for MNET/CINEMAX/HBO's “Trackers."

In 2012, Rene graduated Cum Laude in directing and screenwriting from AFDA Film Academy. Her directorial work on short films, including "Nantes," earned her the Best Picture and Director awards at the prestigious "kykNET Silwerskermfees," one of South Africa's premier talent incubator festivals.