Desireé Markgraaff

Birthplace: South Africa
Occupation: Producer, Writer, Director, Managing Director, Council Member (national Film And Video Foundation), Chairperson (nfvf Fiction Committee), Co-founder (filmmakers Against Racism)
Alma Mater: Africa Leadership Initiative-South Africa; Aspen Global Leadership Network

Career Stats

Stable

Movies: 0
Lead Roles: 0
Supporting: 0
Years Active: 0yrs
Awards Won: 0
Nominated: 0

Career Overview

Desireé Markgraaff is a SOUTH AFRICAN actress whose filmography is being cataloged. As African cinema continues to grow globally, Desireé's contributions to the industry represent an important part of the continent's rich storytelling tradition.

Biography

CAREER

Desiree Markgraaff is a shareholder and managing director at The Bomb Shelter Productions. She has been at the forefront of producing some of South Africa’s most successful television content, including Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, Jacobs Cross, Isibaya, Ayeye and many more. Her content has been celebrated around the world: Amandla-A Revolution in 4 Part Harmony won the coveted Sundance Audience award, Yizo Yizo garnering awards worldwide such as the Japan Prize, as well as an exclusive screening at the Venice Film Festival, Jacobs Cross for creative achievement at the Pan African Film Festival and 3 nominations at the Monte Carlo Festival. Isibaya has scooped up awards three years in a row at the SAFTA’s and achieves the TVR’s (viewership) on the Mzansi Magic platform. Desiree and her partners Angus Gibson and Teboho Mahlatsi are committed to producing world class African content, nurturing local talent and telling South African stories with authenticity and heart. Dating back to 1997 her commitment to social impact content has been seen in Yizo Yizo as well as her multi-award winning television campaign, I’m Addicted to Life, the only South African project invited to the United Nations media conference on drugs. Desiree is a co-founder of Filmmakers against Racism responding to the xenophobic violence with a moving tribute to Ernesto Nhamauve, known as The Burning Man. She has produced over 70 video exhibitions installed at the Apartheid Museum and Liliesleaf Museum, as well as many for the Hector Peterson Museum. She is a council member of the NFVF (National Film and Video Foundation) and Chairperson of the NFVF Fiction committee.