Martez Saporta-Rothuysen

Born to Frances Landman, an Afrikaans farmer's daughter, and Ralph Saporta, an English speaking South African of Spanish decent, Martéz-Frances Saporta grew up in Port Elizabeth (PE). The family relocated to Hankey in the Gamtoos Valley for three years, to experience farm life with her "Ouma" (Grandmother). Following Hankey, Martéz continued her schooling at Collegiate School for Girls in Port Elizabeth and went on to matriculate at the age of 16, by completing Standerd 9 and 10 (Grade 11 and 12) in a single year at Rosebank House College in Cape Town. Martéz took a gap year, followed by a year of BA Law at The University of Cape Town (UCT), majoring in English and Psychology, before modelling assignments catapulted her into the world of travel. Martéz's modelling career began as a teenager in PE, winning several modelling, charity and beauty titles. At the tender age of 15, Martéz was crowned Red Cross Debutant Queen for raising the largest amount for the charity. During her reign she organised many fund raisers and was spokesperson for the charity. The "big city" life of Cape Town beckoned, and she joined a Cape Town modelling agency whilst completing Matric. During her year at The University of Cape Town, she was crowned Miss Port Elizabeth and went on to become one of the 12 Miss South Africa finalists that same year. As she was living in Cape Town, commuting to Port Elizabeth was frequent to fulfill her duties. Martéz's involvement with charity continued and she became the sole chosen model to showcase the designs of Peter Soldatos, who worked for the House of Dior in Paris for many years. The posh Ascot Tea party was held in honour of The National Cancer Society in Port Elizabeth. Through her modelling, Martéz had the opportunity to travel to many wonderful destinations internationally, including Namibia, London, Glasgow, Canary Islands, Madrid, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and several cities in the United States. Her desire to always strive to give back to the industry, prompted Martéz to pursue coaching in both the modelling and film fields. Because of her life-skills training, Martéz has had the opportunity to coach not only adults, but children as well. She is passionate about advancing personal growth in others in order for them to reach their potential. This desire to give back resulted in the founding of SAMDB, The South African Movie Database, along with business partner, Andrew Germishuys. Acting has always been Martéz' passion. At the age of 14, being the youngest actor, she starred in a two man play for Gilbert and Sullivan at The Ford Little Theatre, which received rave reviews in the Port Elizabeth newspapers. Martéz holds a gold medal, with merit, from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA). One of the LAMDA theatre pieces was performed as part of ACT's showcase at On Broadway, Cape Town. Martéz was selected to attend an Advanced Acting for Film course at ACT Cape Town, which was by invite only and auditions were held to qualify for the workshop. Having taken to the stage as lead in a ballet production when in junior school, Martéz realised the importance of movement and stillness in a performance at a young age. Martéz' ever growing skill-set includes social horse riding, basic martial arts, swimming and cycling. With continued support of her career from her husband and daughter, Martéz continues to broaden her skill-set and diversify into other aspects of the industry, while striving to further local development of the arts.