Roberta Durrant

Roberta Durrant (born 1951) is a South African sitcom creator, actress, director, producer and showrunner.

As the founder of Penguin Films, she has been involved in creating and producing numerous television series and films that reflect South Africa's diverse cultures and histories. She was described as 'Mama of Comedy' in a 2015 News24 article.

Early life and education Durrant graduated with a BA in Drama from Stellenbosch University in 1971. She majored in drama and English. During her university years, she was a member of the Gisela Taeger-Berger Modern Dance Group. Her early career included acting and directing in theatre, both in South Africa and London, where she collaborated with notable figures like Steven Berkoff and directed award-winning plays such as Paradise is Closing Down and Don Juan at the Edinburgh Festival.

Film Durrant's filmography includes directing and producing feature films that have garnered international acclaim. Her 2013 film Felix won several international awards and was showcased at various children's film festivals. In 2017, she directed Krotoa, a historical drama about a young Khoi woman who became an interpreter for Jan van Riebeeck. The film sparked discussions on colonialism and identity and won multiple international awards, including Best Film at the Harlem International Film Festival and the Montreal International Black Film Festival.

Mentorship and advocacy Beyond her creative endeavors, Durrant is committed to mentoring emerging talent in the industry. She has trained and upskilled numerous writers, directors, editors and producers, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in storytelling. Her mentorship has helped launch the careers of several notable South African creatives.