Chasing the Sun 2 earns an International Emmy nomination!

Two of Scholars’ directors, Greg Lomas and Colwyn Thomas, were commissioned by T+W to be series and episode directors the second season of Chasing the Sun 2, following the success of season one. The series has now earned an International Emmy nomination, highlighting the power of South African storytelling on the global stage.

Reflecting on the nomination, Greg shares, “I’m proud of the recognition of South African stories of triumph and success, and the recognition of the excellence, talent, and effort of filmmakers in South Africa.”

When asked about the most memorable moments of working on the series, he recalls the nail-biting quarter, semi, and final matches, and the challenge of packaging these stories in a way that captured their emotional depth. “The depth of emotion and meaning unearthed whilst interviewing the heroes behind the story of winning the World Cup was truly powerful,” he says.

Greg aimed to tell a story of triumph and determination, challenging any sense of inferiority South Africans might feel. “I wanted viewers to feel the pride, resilience, and determination that define these heroes,” he notes. A creative choice that shaped the series significantly was ending Episode 3 at halftime of the quarter-final — a moment that left viewers on the edge of their seats.

Two of our directors helped bring this powerful story to life!

Colwyn Thomas expressed his excitement at being part of such a landmark project. The experience has influenced the way he approaches his craft, and he has already begun applying the principles of this type of storytelling to the short-form content pieces he is working on — a formula he sees as both powerful and resonant.

This nomination is a testament to the collective vision and craft of the entire team. Led by Gareth Whittaker at T+W, Greg and Colwyn worked alongside fellow director Luthando Tshaya and a remarkable crew to bring Chasing the Sun 2 to life. Together, they’ve shown how South African filmmakers can tell stories that captivate the world.