Sophie Black
Directing
Biography
Based in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, Sophie Black is a Director and Creative with a passion for telling meaningful stories infused with imagination, empathy, and humour. With over 15 years of experience across the media industry in both New Zealand and the UK, she has held senior roles at some of Aotearoa’s leading media organisations, including TVNZ, NZME, and OMD. Her portfolio spans commercials, short films, music videos, and documentaries—each crafted with precision and purpose. Sophie has collaborated with a wide range of global and national brands, leading creative direction on major campaigns and building long-term partnerships. Her most cherished projects are those rooted in social causes—supporting blind and low vision communities, raising awareness around mental health, and empowering rangatahi to vote. Renowned for her strengths in communication and collaboration, she excels in working closely with colleagues, clients, and crews, and in translating complex ideas into emotionally resonant narratives. Her latest documentary, Believing is Seeing, delves into the intricate intersection of neuroscience and the digital realm. The film has enjoyed a successful festival circuit, including selection at Hot Docs Canada and winning “Best Documentary” at the VisionFeast Film Festival. Currently, Sophie leads a dynamic team of creatives at FUSE/OMD, specialising in social media content. She is also writing and directing a short film supported by the New Zealand Film Commission.
Known For
Ren is the tale of a young woman who, after a strange encounter in the woods, is marked by an ancient spirit. Cast out from her small village, she is forced to leave behind the family she has spent her whole life protecting and journey across the land to find the real meaning behind the mark she bears.
Ren: The Girl with the Mark
Reclusive art student Mia’s fledgling romance with Danny, a charming boy from her class, is threatened by the ghosts of her past.
Lacuna
A young scientist drives away from a lab with a large box in the back of her van. But what does it contain? What follows is a tense adventure story about man's relationship with nature, and the lengths we can go to to protect the things we love. The original cut of the film was shot and edited in two days as part of the Sci-Fi London 48hr Film Challenge, but it has since been re-edited and extended for festivals.
Lepidopterist
Set within the confines of her hotel room, forty-something Evelyn embarks on a journey of self-discovery with Cleo, a younger woman who exudes the kind of confidence Evelyn has only dreamed of. They share a drink, a smile, an instant connection, and an unforgettable night that Evelyn cannot ignore nor fully encompass.