Aadil Dhalech’s story is one of delightful detour. A half-Thai, half-Indian kid who grew up bouncing between Thailand, India, and 80s South Africa, he found escape in movies. Like any good Asian son, he first studied medical science (briefly), then psychology, before finally breaking his parents' hearts to become a copywriter. After a celebrated, award-winning decade as a Creative Director, he took the ultimate risk: right as he became a father, he left his stable career to pursue his dream of directing. Thankfully, it worked out. In 2023, he co-founded Fam Films with his work soulmate, Mpho Twala. His agency-honed knack for comedy and performance, paired with a strong cinematic eye, makes him a dream collaborator. (His parents’ hearts are still technically broken, but they complain a lot less these days.)