Jenna Bass Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Husband, Children, Movies, Awards

Jenna Cato Bass is a prominent South African film director, screenwriter, and author renowned for her impactful cinematic work.

She gained recognition for films such as Love the One You Love (2014), High Fantasy (2017), and Good Madam (2021).

In addition to her filmmaking career, Bass is also an accomplished writer. She writes short stories under the pseudonym Constance Myburgh. One of her stories was shortlisted for the prestigious 2012 Caine Prize.

Profile

• Full Name: Jenna Cato Bass
• Stage Name: Jenna Bass
• Born: 1986
• Age: 39 years old
• Birthplace: Camden, London, England, United Kingdom
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: South African film director, screenwriter, and author
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Mr. and Mrs. Bass
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: David Kayser
• Children: Unknown
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Jenna Cato Bass was born in 1986 in Camden, London, England, United Kingdom. She was raised by her parents, whose names are unknown and can be referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Bass. While she may have grown up with siblings, their names are not publicly known.

Bass later moved to South Africa, where she graduated from AFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) in Cape Town, earning a degree in film. She is of South African descent, though her religious beliefs have not been publicly disclosed.

Career

Jenna Cato Bass is a talented South African filmmaker and writer whose career began with short films such as The Tunnel (2010), which garnered recognition at international festivals. Her debut feature film, Love the One You Love (2014), was made on a minimal budget with handheld consumer cameras and a partly improvised script.

The film, which explores the life of a sex phone operator who navigates her relationship and contemplates a move to Korea, won multiple awards, including Best South African Feature Film at the Durban International Film Festival.

Following her debut, Bass continued to push the boundaries of filmmaking with High Fantasy (2017). This body-swap comedy tackled contemporary South African themes of race and identity and was filmed entirely on iPhones. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to storytelling.

In 2019, Bass directed Flatland, a feminist Western shot with a larger budget, presented at the Berlinale Panorama. The film’s unique blend of South African cultural elements with the Western genre showcased her ability to mix genres and explore complex social themes.

Her diverse work reflects her commitment to exploring race, gender, and identity in South African society. In addition to her directing career, Bass has been involved in writing and producing. She co-wrote the critically acclaimed film Rafiki (2018), which received international attention despite being banned in Kenya.

Bass’s exploration of race and identity continued with Good Madam (2021). This psychological horror film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was praised for its nuanced portrayal of South African societal issues.

Outside of film, Bass is also a writer and the founder of Jungle Jim, a genre fiction magazine she established in 2011. The magazine’s sixth issue featured her noir detective short story “Hunter Emmanuel,” which investigates the case of a dismembered prostitute.

The story was shortlisted for the prestigious Caine Prize for African Writing 2012. Through her diverse contributions to the film and literary world, Jenna Cato Bass has established herself as a creative force known for her bold and thought-provoking exploration of contemporary South African culture and global issues.

Awards and Nominations

Jenna Bass has received several awards and nominations throughout her career. Key highlights include:

• Best Feature Film at the Jozi Film Festival for Love the One You Love (2015).
• Artistic Bravery Prize at the Durban International Film Festival for High Fantasy (2018).
• Best Achievement in Directing a Feature Film nomination at the SAFTAs for Flatland (2021)

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @jennalbass
• Facebook handle: Jenna Bass
• Twitter handle: @BassJenna

Personal Life

Jenna Bass, the South African film director and screenwriter, is married to David Kayser, a writer and producer. They recently celebrated their wedding, with Bass sharing highlights from their honeymoon in the Swiss Alps on social media.

Filmography

• The Tunnel (2010)
• Love the One You Love (2014)
• High Fantasy (2017)
• Rafiki (2018, co-writer)
• Flatland (2019)
• Sizohlala (2019)
• Neighbors (2019)
• Good Madam (2021)

Net Worth

Jenna Bass’s net worth and financial status are not publicly disclosed. As a successful South African film director and screenwriter known for award-winning films like Love the One You Love and High Fantasy, her financial standing is likely significant, though specific figures remain unknown.