Marc Sidelsky was born in Toronto to South African parents. One of his earliest memories is being banished from the living room while his older cousins watched TJ Hooker—deemed 'too violent' by his parents. In the basement, he discovered Terry Gilliam’s 'Time Bandits' on TV and watched it on repeat until returning to South Africa at age seven.
He studied at the AFDA Institute in Johannesburg, where his experimental student film was acquired by national broadcaster SABC. Shortly after graduating with honors, he directed his first commercial for Volkswagen, earning a Silver Loerie. A subsequent spot for a church became a Cannes finalist and secured him a place at the Saatchi & Saatchi New Director’s Showcase, launching an international career that has included collaborations with Pilobolus and Chuck Norris.
Marc’s work is defined by strong visual world-building, precise composition, and a subtly subversive sense of humor. His music video for Dearly Beloved’s 'Close Encounters' was nominated at Kinsale Sharks and won Best Music Video at Ciclope Africa. His KFC Nuggets campaign became a local phenomenon, while his film for Shelflife’s Stüssy x Nike collaboration—an aesthetically striking, darkly playful fashion narrative—earned a Vimeo Staff Pick and major international recognition, including awards from D&AD, One Show, Ciclope, Clio, and Kinsale.
