Conceived in his father’s video store, Dean was never far from a film set, despite completing a Law and Marketing degree, practicing natural healing, being a sushi chef, running a nightclub or teaching writing, Dean has swept floors, swung booms and assisted top directors. Ignoring his overprotective mother’s advice, Dean then ventured to film school, graduating with honours and four award-winning short films.

These films began sweeping up awards across the international film festival circuit. He beat off the film schools of the world to win the World Schools Festival and slowly became one of South Africa’s most awarded filmmakers. Finally, his films landed him in Cannes where he was officially selected to showcase his work.

In his first year of directing Dean won the Cfp Shots Young Director’s award in the non European category at Cannes 2007 with First For Women which displays brilliant comic timing. First For Women also won a Silver Loerie whilst Ford Ubuntu won a Bronze Loerie.

Dean is a born storyteller, his eclecticism, love of his work, chameleon like ability to adapt and evolve with different scripts spurred on by the desire to prove his mother wrong results in his passion and energy. “Give me any excuse to roll some film, tell stories and make cinema.”