Thembisa Cochrane

Thembisa is a creative producer and co-founder of Caspian Films, which was named one of the UK's top 50 independent film production companies by Screen International in 2025. 

Her films include Swiss co-production FRANK & LOUIS (Sundance 2026) about memory care in prison, written and directed by Petra Volpe (Late Shift) and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir (Bob Marley) and Rob Morgan (Mudbound); THE COLOUR ROOM (2021) for Sky Cinema about pioneering 1920s ceramics artist Clarice Cliff, starring Phoebe Dynevor (Bridgerton) and Matthew Goode (The Imitation Game), released by Universal internationally; and THE HARVESTERS (2018), which was selected for Cannes: Un Certain Regard.

Originally from South Africa, she previously worked for international production company Spier Films on projects including YOUNG ONES (Sundance 2014) starring Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning; THE SALVATION (Cannes Midnight 2014) starring Mads Mikkelsen and Eva Green; and OF GOOD REPORT (Toronto 2013) which won 7 South African Film & TV Awards. 

She is an alumni of the NFTS Inside Pictures programme and has taught courses at many film schools throughout her career, including the UK's prestigious National Film & Television School. She completed a BA Hons in Film from the University of Cape Town and is a great advocate of creativity and imagination wherever it flourishes!