Briefly practiced law before quiting to pursue acting

First gained attention in the South African TV drama, "The Game"

Had a small role in the straight to video, "Curse 3: Blood Sacrifice"

Moved to Los Angeles to study screenwriting

Wrote the script for "A Reasonable Man"

Returned to South Africa after a failed attempt to get "A Reasonable Man" made into a film

Had a supporting role in the HBO movie, "Armed and Deadly"

Began writing and directing educational television dramas for the newly-formed Department of Health

Received first Academy Award nomination for directing the 22-minute short, "The Storekeeper"

Directed first feature film "A Reasonable Man" from his previous script; also played the lead role as the defense attorney

Directed second film, "In Desert and Wilderness"

Directed and penned the screenplay adaptation of Athol Fugard’s popular novel, "Tsotsi"

Helmed first Hollywood film, "Rendition" starring Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal

Directed Hugh Jackman in the title role of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"