Leonora de Souza-Zilwa is a distinguished leader in the public sector, renowned for her ability to transform the City of Cape Town into a premier global destination for events and film. As the Director of Events and Film for the City of Cape Town, Leonora oversees a complex portfolio that includes strategic event planning, international film promotions, and the seamless coordination of the city’s diverse tourism infrastructure. With a career that spans pivotal moments in South African history—including her early work with the Constitutional Assembly—she brings a unique blend of heritage, media expertise, and operational mastery to her role.

A collaborative strategist who thrives on creating an enabling environment for innovation, Leonora is instrumental in driving the city’s vision of becoming a “film-friendly” and events-driven hub. She oversees the three-year event plan that balances seasonality and inclusivity, ensuring that Cape Town’s tourism arrivals continue to break new ground. Her work reflects a deep-seated commitment to economic growth and job creation, combining her passion for storytelling with a relentless drive to simplify processes for global creators and event organizers. Under her leadership, the city continues to thrive as a world-class stage for both the silver screen and iconic live experiences.