For Luyanda Mali, filmmaking has always been about more than creating beautiful visuals. It’s about telling stories that reflect the realities, cultures, and dreams of African people while proving that world-class cinema can emerge from anywhere.
As an award-winning filmmaker, actor, director, and editor from Eswatini, Luyanda has built a career driven by purpose and possibility. Through his creative platform, Perfomix Squad, he is not only producing films but also creating opportunities for young storytellers to develop their craft and believe in the value of their own voices.
“I wanted to become part of the generation that changes the narrative,” he says. “Our stories deserve to be heard.” That belief has shaped every stage of his journey. Working across multiple roles in filmmaking has given Luyanda a unique understanding of the creative process, from developing compelling characters as an actor to crafting stories through directing and bringing them to life in the editing room. Each role has strengthened his appreciation for collaboration and reinforced his belief that great storytelling is built through teamwork.
His commitment to authentic African storytelling has earned recognition beyond Eswatini’s borders. From award nominations across the continent to directing and producing his own films, Luyanda continues to demonstrate that local stories can resonate with international audiences without losing their cultural identity.
Alongside his own work, Luyanda founded Perfomix Squad, a youth creative collective dedicated to nurturing emerging filmmakers, actors, and storytellers. Created in response to the limited opportunities available to young creatives, the platform has become a space where talent is developed, collaborations are encouraged, and new voices are given room to grow.
For Luyanda, every achievement represents something bigger than personal success.
“The recognition shows young filmmakers that where you come from doesn’t determine where your work can go, with passion and consistency, our stories can reach the world.”
Like many independent filmmakers, his journey has not been without challenges. Limited funding and industry infrastructure have demanded resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to keep learning. Rather than allowing those obstacles to define him, Luyanda has used them as motivation to push his craft even further. A recent mentorship with filmmaker Michael Tides reinforced that vision, reminding him of the importance of remaining authentic while treating filmmaking as both an art form and a sustainable career.
Looking ahead, Luyanda hopes to leave behind more than an impressive filmography. His ambition is to help build an African creative industry where emerging filmmakers have greater access to mentorship, opportunities, and the confidence to tell their own stories without compromise. As he continues expanding the reach of Perfomix Squad and bringing new projects to life, Luyanda Mali is proving that powerful storytelling doesn’t depend on where you begin. It depends on having the courage to tell stories that matter.