David Hickson grew up in Cape Town, South Africa.

David Hickson

He began his professional career as an architect, working for several years in London, before returning to South Africa to study film.

He chose to remain in South Africa because he wanted to play a part in the development of a South African style of filmmaking, using the strong story-telling culture of the country.

Beat The Drum is Hickson's first feature film.

He also directed two short films, Angel In A Cage - winner of the Avanti Craft Award for direction - and Skeletons At The Feast, winner of the Kodak Award for best dramatic short film.