SA’s Davin Beiersdorf shines at Cannes Film Festival
From Langebaan to Cannes, Davin Beiersdorf is proving that SA’s future in film is bright, bold and already here!
At just 20-years-old, South African-born actor and model Davin Beiersdorf is quietly building a career that most young creatives only daydream about.
If you think attending the Cannes Film Festival once is impressive, imagine doing it twice, by your second decade on this planet.
Recently, Davin made his second appearance at the iconic festival, where the red carpet isn’t just a photo op but a meeting ground for producers, directors, and the actors shaping the next wave of cinema.
East Coast Radio caught up with the Langebaan native (currently based in Europe) for an exclusive chat about what it’s like navigating the international film space as a young South African actor.
We explore how his diverse roots shape his craft and why doubt is just part of the job.
Cannes: Round two
After arriving at Cannes on his birthday, on the night of the Mission Impossible premiere (no big deal, right?), Davin admits this year felt different.
“It felt different being there the second time. I felt more included as I got to network and introduce myself to lots of industry professionals,” he told East Coast Radio.
While he humbly still considers himself a newcomer, the conversations are changing. He’s no longer just observing. Davin is slowly finding himself part of the dialogue.
Cannes is one of the most prominent film festivals on the globe, and it’s filled with opportunities for chance encounters.
For Davin, this fest was a whirlwind of meetings with producers and directors discussing both current and future projects.
“There were many encounters and conversations. I had my manager with me, which helped as he knows a lot of people within the industry,” he added.
While he couldn’t exactly share what’s in store, we have a definite sense that Davin’s phone will be ringing for some exciting things very soon.
A proudly South African treasure
Davin carries a fascinating cultural mix into every audition room, having been raised by a Jordanian mother and German father in the Western Cape, “I’ve received many compliments on my ethnicity and appearance as it gives me the ability to play a wide range of characters, which is something that brings me immense pride and joy.” he shares.
When it comes to storytelling though, he isn’t bound by one specific genre or style. “I’m personally drawn to many different types of stories, no specific type.”
However, despite his charming personality and dreamy looks, doubts about his talent and future still linger in his mind. “I think doubt is normal,” Davin shared candidly.
“On bad days, I can still doubt myself. But what keeps me going is proving to myself I can do what I love. My close friends and family are also very supportive and that helps a lot.”
It’s a refreshing honesty in an industry that rarely admits to insecurities.
Davin's 8K dreams
When asked about his dream collaborators, Davin lit up. “Johnny Depp would be one of them,” he says.
“And since music played such a significant role in my childhood, I’d love to act in a film that Hans Zimmer composes for.”
Davin isn’t content with just acting though. He’s currently studying the fundamental aspects of filmmaking - namely directing, and producing – and is hoping to one day tell stories from behind the lens.
“I’d like to challenge my creative side and see what stories I could come up with or true stories I could tell,” he says.
No rush though. For now, he’s happy honing his craft, one script at a time.
As he works to grow his career, the legacy he leaves is immensely valuable to Davin.
However if you ask him about it, he’ll tell you he’s not rushing to write it just yet.
“It’s a very competitive industry, my main focus is staying consistent and working hard, and then hopefully, legacy comes naturally.”
It’s a level-headed approach in a profession that’s built on high highs, low lows, and lots of audition waiting rooms.
What’s next for Davin? Well, he’s not telling…
While Davin’s lips are sealed about upcoming projects, he promises “if things develop, you will be the first to know about it.”
You better believe we’re holding him to that.
For now though, Davin Beiersdorf stands out as one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents who is quietly making his mark on the international scene.
This young DiCaprio is proving that no matter how far you go, your roots and your people will always keep you grounded.
Follow Davin’s journey on Instagram: @_davin.b_
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