Active in the anti-apartheid movement, Lewis completed a PhD while under banning orders (1976-81). He co-founded Idol Pictures (1993), and the Out In Africa South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (1994). He has directed and produced numerous documentaries and co-directed his first feature, Proteus, with Canadian John Greyson (2002). He produced Casa de la Musica, winner of the 2003 Encounters Jameson Audience Award. He produced and directed the HIV/AIDS tv talk show Siyayinqoba Beat It! (!999-2006)