Koketso Matabane: “If They’ve Called Me, They’re Not After The Safe Option”

Koketso Matabane is a South African director focused on emotionally honest, character-driven storytelling. Her work prioritises performance and atmosphere, creating worlds that feel natural and lived-in. She’s drawn to thoughtful risk-taking and finding new ways to connect with audiences beyond familiar formulas.

Her interest in storytelling began early, shaped by time spent in art and drama classes and by growing up in a culture where stories carry memory and meaning. She went on to study directing and writing at AFDA Johannesburg, learning through long nights, trial and error, and a growing love for the craft.

Koketso sat down with LBB to discuss learning to trust her instincts and crafting stories that reflect real South African life.

LBB> What are some recent projects you’re excited about?

Koketso> I've recently completed a festive-season TVC for a retail pharmacy – quirky, playful, and the brand’s first dive into comedy. We created a fun character, ‘The Neighbour In The Know’ – that nosy neighbour who knows every deal. Finding the rhythm for those short 15-second spots was a challenge, but with a great team, it all clicked.

LBB> What excites you in the advertising industry right now?

Koketso> I’d say it’s less excitement and more growth. As a young director, being the ‘wild card’ means constant learning. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, stay patient through setbacks, and see every loss as redirection. It’s not always exciting, but it’s real – and that’s what keeps me going.

LBB> What kind of scripts excite you most?

Koketso> The ones with tension, emotion, and truth. I love stories that feel daring and unpredictable, that reflect real South African life – messy, layered, and honest. That’s where storytelling feels powerful.

LBB> How do you approach creating a treatment?

Koketso> Story first – always. Once that’s locked, everything else flows naturally: visuals, tone, music. I focus on character truth, often inspired by real people and moments. Treatments aren’t just mood boards – they’re about crafting a world that feels lived-in and emotionally real.

LBB> How important is brand research to you?

Koketso> Essential. I study the brand’s DNA – tone, mission, and past work – to see where I can push boundaries while staying authentic. If they’ve called me, they’re not after the 'safe’ option.

LBB> What’s the most important working relationship for a director?

Koketso> Your producer, hands down. They translate vision into reality and balance creativity with logistics. That trust lets me stay in the creative zone, knowing they’ve got everything else covered.

LBB> What kind of work are you most passionate about?

Koketso> Stories that blend performance, emotion, and music. If I don’t feel something, it doesn’t work. Music drives my storytelling – it shapes emotion and rhythm. When story, performance, and sound align, that’s magic.

LBB> What’s the craziest production problem you’ve faced?

Koketso> Our lead actor dropped out days before the shoot – chaos! We recast less than 24 hours before call time. It was madness, but we pulled it off. Those adrenaline-fueled moments remind you why you love production.

LBB> How do you balance collaboration and protecting the idea?

Koketso> You protect the idea by selling it with conviction. I invite collaboration but stay anchored in the core vision. When people feel part of it, they protect it too.

LBB> Thoughts on diversity and mentorship?

Koketso> Absolutely vital. Someone once gave me a shot when I was just a student running errands on set. Now it’s my turn to open those doors. Mentorship and access are how we keep this industry alive.

LBB> Which pieces best represent you?

Koketso> S.W.A.N.K: A fusion of fashion, music, and cinema; bold, stylish, and unapologetically South African.

Untitled Skates: A heartfelt doc exploring young Black female skaters in Johannesburg – raw, real, and full of spirit.

Both projects were independently made and embody who I am, always exploring the line between truth and style.