We recently connected with Desmond Denton and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Desmond, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Crossing Continents: How Desmond Denton Rebuilt His Life and Voice in America
When South African filmmaker Desmond Denton and his wife packed up their lives and boarded a flight to the United States with their young children, Katelyn and Logan, they weren’t just chasing new opportunities—they were stepping into the unknown. It was a leap of faith that meant starting from scratch in a new country, far from familiar faces, rhythms, and creative ecosystems. It was also the beginning of a powerful chapter in Desmond’s story—one rooted in courage, reinvention, and purpose.
An award-winning filmmaker with a background in fine art and psychology, Desmond is known for his emotionally rich and visually poetic films. Projects like Anderkant die Stilte (The Other Side of Silence) and Between Ashes and Hope explore deeply human themes of memory, loss, identity, and transformation. These works have won acclaim at international festivals and resonated with audiences across continents.
Yet, none of that made the transition easy. “We came as a young family, with big dreams and very little certainty,” Desmond recalls. “There were moments when I didn’t know if I’d be able to tell stories again—at least not in the way I had before.”
But storytelling is in his DNA. In the midst of this life transition, Desmond created Letter to My Unborn Daughter, a poetic short film that expressed the hope and fear of fatherhood during a time of uncertainty. The project was named a finalist at the Crown Awards and went on to connect with viewers around the world. He followed this with Journey Home, a heartfelt documentary chronicling the experiences of South African families rebuilding their lives in the U.S., now streaming on Amazon Prime. Now based in the U.S., Desmond continues to create stories that bridge worlds—both personal and universal. His latest film, Spelonk: A World Undone, exemplifies this vision. Set in a dystopian Cape Town in 2044, the film portrays a world devastated by environmental collapse and water scarcity. The narrative follows Dante, a former military commander-turned-bounty hunter, as he navigates moral dilemmas and encounters Ophelia, a rebel leader with secrets that could ignite a revolution. The film’s steampunk-inspired visuals and handcrafted costumes create a rich, immersive experience.  
Spelonk has garnered international attention, premiering at the DC Independent Film Festival and screening at the Russian Film Festival in Cape Town.   The film addresses urgent global themes while showcasing the rich storytelling tradition of South African cinema.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Spotlight on “24” – A Journey Through Creativity, Faith, and Culture
I’m currently directing a documentary titled “24”, which explores the lives, rhythms, and faith of 24 artists across the world
Outside of “24,” I continue to direct films, teach masterclasses, and collaborate on faith-driven narratives that challenge the Hollywood norm. I’m passionate about building creative communities and mentoring the next generation of storytellers. My brand, in essence, is about restoring wonder and reclaiming narrative—because the stories we tell shape the world we live in. See info here https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ry56qgtvzepough3ib7so/desmond-denton-cv-2024.pdf?rlkey=anbb6dg1xae3mla6c0b3m2ypg&st=mpddyh41&dl=0
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Deep Listening & Cultural Curiosity
Why it mattered:
In filming across multiple countries and working with diverse voices—especially in “24”—the ability to truly listen without imposing my worldview made space for deeper stories to emerge. It allowed people to reveal their faith and creativity authentically, rather than through a filter of what I assumed their story should be.
Advice:
Slow down. Ask questions not just to document, but to understand. Spend time in communities before pointing a camera. Let people show you their rhythm of life. This not only strengthens your storytelling, it changes you.
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2. Faith as Compass, Not Decoration
Why it mattered:
There were many moments when I had no budget, doors closed, or the story wasn’t clear—but I learned to return to why I do what I do. Knowing that God had placed this calling in me helped me keep going with integrity, even when success seemed far off.
Advice:
Before you chase distribution deals or awards, ask God to refine your “why.” Develop spiritual disciplines that anchor your creativity—prayer, sabbath, community. Your work will have far more depth if your soul is not neglected.
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3. The Skill of Working Small While Thinking Big
Why it mattered:
When I didn’t have major studio backing, I learned to be resourceful—using natural light, a tiny crew, and raw environments. Many of my most powerful scenes in “24” came not from perfection, but from presence. Yet I never stopped aiming for beauty and narrative impact.
Advice:
Start where you are, with what you have. Master the tools within reach. Excellence is a mindset, not a budget. Dream big, but practice small—with discipline, grace, and craftsmanship.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
24” is more than a documentary—it’s a living, breathing journey to uncover and celebrate incredible Christian artists across the world who are using their gifts to reflect God’s glory in unique, culture-shaping ways. We are actively looking for painters, poets, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, and creative storytellers whose faith fuels their art—and who are willing to share their voice with the world.
We’re also inviting fellow filmmakers, cinematographers, editors, producers, and sound designers to collaborate as this project expands globally. If you feel called to create beauty with purpose and want to be part of a story that transcends borders, we would love to walk this road with you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.desmonddenton.com
- Instagram: Directordes
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
