Burgert A. Senekal

The gods must be connected: An investigation of Jamie Uys’ connections in the Afrikaans film industry using social network analysis

Abstract Jamie Uys is considered one of the most renowned South African filmmakers. His films not only set box-office records – both nationally and internationally – but also garnered numerous awards. This article looks at Uys’ contribution to the Afrikaans film industry network, discussing his role in bringing together some of the most important role players in the industry. Social network analysis (SNA) has become an essential scientific approach to the study of complex systems, and, as such, it provides a new theoretical paradigm and analytical tool with which to study the Afrikaans film industry, as this article illustrates. By discussing Uys’ immediate partnerships as well as his further connections in the network, and in using overall network centrality, betweenness centrality and hub value, Jamie Uys is shown to be a central figure in this industry.