DIANA
MILLS
SMITH

Born in the US, raised in Zambia, and now resident of South Africa, Diana has had the unique experience of learning to grow in diverse new worlds. She’s been curious from a young age, finding storytelling to be the best way of sharing her experiences and connecting with others. Her earliest memories are of a desire to make movies for a captivated audience. She strives to tell stories that are visually spectacular while beating with heart.

She completed her studies at AFDA Johannesburg, winning Best Film and Director in her graduation project, then directly entered the commercials industry as an Director’s Assistant and Storyboard Artist under some of South Africa’s leading directors and producers. She has been a part of the Egg Films family since 2017, where she has directed several award winning short films and PSAs. Her 2020 science fiction short Oasis released online after a successful festival run to over 1 million views and was acquired by the Warner Bros, sci-fi streamer DUST. In 2022 she was awarded Best Director at the Silwerskerm Festival for her film My Beskermer (My Protector). The film continued to be selected and awarded throughout international films including Fantasia and the British Short Film Festival. In 2023 she filmed her first feature film Dinner to Die For which has completed production and is currently being shopped for distribution.

Diana has been sought after for her pre-production skillsets as a treatment builder and storyboard artists. Now helming her own projects, her ability to self-prep before shoot has made her a crystal-clear communicator, efficient organiser and with an adaptable mindset for any unforeseen shoot challenges.