A bright and rising South African star to watch is named Bella Alexandras! She’s already acted in movies (one with Guy Pearce), done high fashion campaigns, walked in Paris and London Fashion Weeks and recently attended the Cannes Film Festival.
Global (30 May 2025) — A young actress, singer and producer named Bella Alexandras is carving out a presence in the global entertainment landscape, earning her place as a rising South African star to watch.
Along with fellow South African and ‘I Hate Pirates’ co-star Davin Beiersdorf, Bella recently attended and waved the South African flag high at the Cannes Film Festival!
Bella has already made a name for herself in different spheres of arts and culture. In high fashion, she has been a part of campaigns including the likes of Karl Lagerfeld and DKNY. Not to mention, she has graced the runways of Paris and London Fashion Weeks, and has enjoyed her fair share of red carpet moments at just 19 years old.
A designer herself, she even helped create an entire capsule collection dubbed ‘BONTON by Bella’ alongside the Parisian brand (which is said to have sold out worldwide).
Then there’s music, a space the young South African is also making strides in with her debut EP set to come out soon!
A true South African all-rounder, Bella also includes advocacy on her busy to-do list and is a keen supporter empowering youth in the arts through the Princess Grace Foundation.
Naturally, the Cannes Film Festival was a watershed moment for the multi-talented Bella.
“It honestly didn’t feel real at first,” she shares. “Just being in Cannes and being surrounded by people I’ve looked up to, walking past posters of films that shaped me was overwhelming in the best way. I felt like a little girl from South Africa who somehow stepped into her own dream.”
“I wouldn’t be where I am and, on the trajectory I’m on, if it were not for my team. For every person who’s supported me, every acting coach, vocal coach, every casting director, mentor, my manager & agents, and everyone who’s believed in me, including my parents and my amazing grandmother. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if it were not for them.”
As for screenings that stood out, Bella sang Kristen Stewart’s praises for the director’s ‘The Chronology of Water’.
“It reminded me that cinema is universal. I left Cannes with a much clearer sense of who I want to be as an artist. I want to tell bold stories but keep my soul in the process.”
Beyond rubbing elbows with acclaimed talents, Bella notes the gratitude of the experience with humility.
“More than anything, I just feel grateful that people took time to speak with me and made me feel like I belonged in those rooms.”
As for the future, Bella has excitingly landed a lead role in a new American film production in West Virginia (though details are under wraps).
Commenting on South Africa’s place in her journey, Bella shares:
“South Africa is full of creativity, resilience, and brilliance—and I carry that with me…I’m so proud to be part of a generation that’s redefining what South African talent looks like on a global stage. I never forget where I come from. I carry it everywhere.”
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