Neil Blomkamp

Neil Blomkamp is capable of some amazing things. As a director, he can put out a film that looks like it cost three times as much. When he uses special effects, he does something very few know how to do. He ignores them. Just as the hazy ship in District 9 is barely noticed, we accept it as being there. It also furthers the believably factor when our noses aren't being pushed into it, meaning we're not spending half the film wondering whether or not the effects are good enough. His student film Alive in Joburg is a good demonstration of his film making tactics.
Photo from this guy who likely took it from the District 9 movie site.