Intro to the DOPZA concept

Marius van Straaten

South African DOPs are among the most respected, resourceful, and capable image makers in the world. Working across demanding formats, locations, budgets, and production conditions, they continue to produce work of remarkable quality, instinct, and visual intelligence. DOPZA is a place for them to share that craft, their stories, their frames, and the thinking behind the image.

DOPZA is the idea of Marius van Straaten, who spent 15 years in the camera department and lived through the transition from film to video. Having had the privilege of working on remarkable productions and sharing in the intensity, creativity, and camaraderie of life on set, he became increasingly aware that there are still very few places where DOPs can properly tell their stories in their own way. DOPZA was created to help fill that gap and to offer a home for those experiences, insights, and lessons to be shared.

It is also fitting that the first South African feature, De Voortrekkers, released in 1916, forms part of this wider story. First shown 110 years ago, it reminds us that visual storytelling in this country has deep roots. DOPZA builds on that legacy by creating a curated space for today's cinematographers to reflect on the work, the process, and the moments that shape South African production.

From reality and documentary to drama, commercial, and live production, DOPZA celebrates the people behind the picture and the craft that brings it to life.