South African director Jessie Zinn has officially joined the roster of creative production agency Avocados and Coconuts, marking her first-ever representation in the U.S.
Known for her poignant blend of documentary and fiction, Zinn has made a name for herself with visually poetic storytelling for brands like Ciel Properties, Belmond, Sonnenglas, and Ngwenya Glass. Her acclaimed documentaries have earned spots at prestigious festivals such as DOC NYC, AFI Docs, MoMA Doc Fortnight, and Visions du Réel, and have been recognized as Vimeo Staff Picks.
Notably, her 2022 short documentary Drummies—following the drum majorettes of Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Primary School—was acquired by The New Yorker.
“Jessie’s work is creatively poignant, smart, and artful,” says Dalia Burde, Founder and Executive Producer of Avocados and Coconuts. “She tells stories with a deeply genuine and stylized approach—a lyrical form of performance-driven storytelling grounded in human truth. From our very first conversation, it was clear her ethos aligned with ours. Jessie is a director to watch, and we’re thrilled to nurture her talent in the U.S. market.”
Zinn shares the enthusiasm for this partnership: “I’m drawn to women who have forged their way in this industry, and Dalia is a force of nature,” she says. “Avocados’ work resonates with me; there’s a softness and humanity in every piece. Their balance of creative commercials and meaningful stories is something I value deeply. Behind the camera, they are ethical, collaborative, and spirited—it’s not just a job for them; they genuinely care about the work and the stories they tell.”
A Unique Perspective on Storytelling
Growing up in Cape Town as the child of a theater journalist, Zinn’s childhood was steeped in the world of performance, accompanying her mother to plays and interviews with actors. This background has informed her ability to navigate multiple genres and mediums seamlessly. Her work often delves into themes of girlhood, boyhood, freedom, and coming-of-age, reflecting her unique ability to capture the nuances of human experiences.
Her accolades speak to her talent: Drummies earned acclaim through The New Yorker, Faces of Fortune won Best Documentary Short at the 2024 SAFTA Awards, and Wavelengths claimed a jury prize at the 2021 San Francisco International Film Festival along with a Vimeo Staff Pick. Zinn is currently working on her debut feature-length documentary, The Home, funded by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and co-produced by Picturescope Films.
A New Chapter in the Commercial World
In the commercial space, Zinn brings her thoughtful and visually rich storytelling to the U.S. market. Currently represented by Bioscope Films in South Africa, Zinn was previously repped by Giant Films. Her partnership with Avocados and Coconuts is poised to elevate her trajectory as she combines her artistic vision with their reputation for crafting meaningful content.
“Jessie approaches filmmaking in a way that feels organic and adaptive,” says Amani King, Executive Creative Director at Avocados and Coconuts. “Her thoroughness and big-picture thinking create a collaborative environment where clients feel heard and cared for. Jessie’s unique approach ensures that each project feels both authentic and beautifully crafted.”
With a BA from the University of Cape Town and an MFA in Documentary Film from Stanford University, Zinn’s educational foundation adds depth to her artistic and technical expertise. Her move into the U.S. market with Avocados and Coconuts signals an exciting new chapter for this rising director.
Reel 360 News wishes Jessie the best of luck at Avocados and Coconuts.
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