Recognized as “the Aristotle of our time” by SAFTA-winning filmmakers and students, Zunaid Mansoor stands out as South Africa’s Fulbright Scholar in Screenwriting, a prestigious honor he shares with 62 Nobel Laureates. Renowned as a Lecturer, Script Editor, and Advisor, he has contributed his expertise to institutions such as AFDA, the NFVF, and the KZNFC, while also independently mentoring over 8,000 individuals.
Zunaid’s insights into the evolution of digital storytelling and the significant role of Africa in mobile streaming earned him the position of Amy Biehl ambassador to the U.S. Under his guidance, his students have achieved notable success, receiving nominations and winning awards at the Student Oscars and SAFTAs. They have made significant contributions to the industry, creating content for platforms like Netflix, Showmax, SABC, and DSTV, and gaining global recognition.
Serving on juries for prestigious bodies such as the Oscar Selection Committee, SAFTA, WGSA Muse, Simon Sabela’s, and UFVA, Zunaid has left an indelible mark on the screenwriting world. His experience includes working on CBS’ The Bold and The Beautiful, the world’s most-watched half-hour drama, and guest lecturing at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
Zunaid believes strongly in the power of mentorship, emphasizing the pursuit of originality and the importance of nurturing a cause greater than oneself. He states, “I am equal to my mentee. My role is to illuminate their intellectual, emotional, cultural, spiritual, and experiential resources, guiding them to discover their own path in storytelling, particularly in the crucial final act of their stories.”
