JO MUNNIK

Jo Munnik (she/her) is an internationally acclaimed documentary filmmaker, journalist and photographer from South Africa.

She has spent two decades navigating the African continent—from 33 degrees South to 33 North—to uncover the stories that define our era. As the founder of a woman-led production house in Cape Town, she brings a signature blend of journalistic rigor and cinematic craft to branded storytelling and documentary film, specialising in bridging the gap between African narratives and a global audience.

Her career was forged in the high-stakes furnace of breaking news and investigative journalism. Whether managing the 24-hour production of the Oscar Pistorius trial or spearheading coverage of Nelson Mandela’s passing for Carte Blanche, Jo developed an early instinct for moving fast without losing the human heart of a story—foundations she sharpened further during her years as the staff Africa features producer for CNN International.

Jo’s work is characterized by its immense versatility and creative breadth. Beyond the director’s chair, she operates as a high-level creative partner and executive producer, spearheading documentary and branded content for CNN and BBC, among others. 

Her portfolio spans the prestigious and the profound: from producing immersive 360° impact films for brands to directing SAFTA-nominated documentary series on youth culture, capturing wildlife from across Africa and filming and directing a BBC documentary exploring South Africa's illicit psychedelic therapies. 

Whether exploring fungal secrets for the Daily Maverick or producing podcasts, Jo focuses her lens on the intersection of identity, conservation, and social justice. As a guest lecturer and media trainer, she remains dedicated to the "deep dive," blending investigative rigor with high-end creative execution. Jo isn’t just filming history; she’s capturing the pulse of a continent—always exploring, always documenting, and always bringing the world closer to Africa.