17/06/2026
Nomfingo Mtotywa is a South African filmmaker, photographer, entrepreneur, and founder of Graine Immortelle Film Studio. Her passion for storytelling was born from her childhood experiences growing up in a strict household where she spent much of her time indoors. During those years, she developed a deep love for reading isiXhosa fiction stories, which inspired her imagination and creativity. As she grew older, she began writing her own poems and performing them during her high school years. Her interest in storytelling continued to evolve as she started writing short stories, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion for visual storytelling.
Determined to turn her passion into a profession, Nomfingo enrolled at Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking, where she studied for three years. The training and practical experience she gained gave her the confidence and skills to establish Graine Immortelle Film Studio, a creative production company dedicated to telling authentic African stories through film, photography, and digital media.
As a filmmaker, Nomfingo solely produced the film Upheza Nini, which was accepted and broadcast on Cape Town TV in 2020. This milestone marked the beginning of her journey as an independent storyteller committed to creating impactful content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Her excellence behind the camera has earned her national and continental recognition. In 2022, she was crowned Best Photographer of the Year at the National Mzansi Arts and Media Awards, where she competed against 29 male photographers from across South Africa. In 2024, she received the prestigious Best Mediapreneur of the Year Award at the SHE Awards in Kenya, competing against women entrepreneurs from three African countries.
Beyond her creative achievements, Nomfingo has continued to demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurial growth. In May 2025, she was selected as a Top 5 finalist in the Township Entrepreneur Alliance Pitch Competition held in Khayelitsha. Later that year, in September 2025, she advanced to the Top 20 of the Mr Price Foundation Provincial Competition, further affirming her commitment to business excellence and innovation.
Beyond her creative work, Nomfingo is a respected mentor, community leader, and advocate for women's empowerment. In 2025, she was selected as one of the judges for the prestigious Vathy M Academy Pageantry, a role that reflects her expertise, professionalism, and growing influence within the creative and pageantry industries.
She is also regularly invited to speak at church gatherings, women's conferences, and community organizations, where she empowers women through motivational speaking, mentorship, and personal development initiatives. Through these engagements, she shares her journey as an entrepreneur and creative professional, inspiring others to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges, and unlock their full potential.
Through Graine Immortelle Film Studio, Nomfingo has successfully secured photography and media projects across multiple provinces in South Africa, including the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape. Her ability to consistently deliver high-quality visual content has earned her the trust of clients from diverse industries and communities.
Today, Nomfingo continues to inspire, create, and lead, using media as a powerful tool for storytelling, transformation, and social impact. Her work reflects a commitment to excellence, community development, and the empowerment of future generations through creativity, entrepreneurship, and authentic African storytelling. Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of turning passion into purpose.
