The 6th Annual uMgungundlovu Film Festival Announces 2024 Edition: Exploring Spiritual Awakening through Cinema.

The uMgungundlovu Film Festival (UFF) is proud to announce its 2024 edition, taking place from 15th to 17th November 2024. This year's theme, "Spiritual Awakening: Films and Storytelling that Facilitate or Inspire Spiritual Awakenings in Audiences," promises to ignite thought-provoking discussions and introspection.

Over the past few years, the festival has played a pivotal role in connecting and nurturing filmmaking talent across the KZN province through various initiatives, making new collaborations with arts schools and the local municipalities in order to have a broader reach. UFF has also had an economic impact on the local community through job creation and skills transfer. It further plays a key role in promoting tourism and cultural exchange, in addition contributes immensely to film education and training. This year's festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, with a rich tapestry of screenings, industry workshops, and masterclasses that will inspire, educate, and entertain.

The festival will kickstart with the screening of Intandokazi, a film that aims to spark dialogue around forgiveness, resilience, and empowerment, particularly relevant to audiences in rural communities. The film follows Sanelisiwe Zulu as she navigates grief and betrayal after her husband's death reveals his infidelity, and the arrival of Pretty, the other woman. This narrative aligns with the festival’s theme of Spiritual Awakening, as it explores how personal struggles can lead to self- discovery and transformation.

Other films to screen at the festival comprise; Isiphiwo written and directed by Thobani Silwayiphi, Spellbound written and directed by Sabelo Mehlo Khomo, Le Prix De La Gloire written and directed by Corentin Gáteau-Reuźe, Amahle written by Jerome Jurry and directed by Lihle Namba, Ihlathi Legazi written by Ayanda Zungu and directed by Mondli Shange, Izulu Nomhlaba written by Thabani Gwala and directed by Motlalepule Tloome and Diana Maseko, Is'tshwebhu directed by Thembinkosi Magubane and Ngaze Ngazisola directed by Menzi Khwezwa. The comprehensive list of films and screening times is available on the festival’s social media pages.

“Our festival seeks to explore the powerful role of cinema in raising awareness, educating, sparking dialogue, and empowering action on the key issues facing South Africa today. Therefore, it was critical for us to screen Sanelisiwe's story on the opening night as it sets the tone for the festival and further encourages audiences to reflect on their own experiences and the importance of finding meaning amidst adversity”, says Portia Ndudane, UFF Founder.

The festival further aims to provide a rich menu of workshops and masterclasses, led by industry professionals comprising; Bonginkosi Twala (Uzalo) who will conduct the art of Acting, and Lesibana Legare – Filmmaking. Furthermore, festival participants can expect to engage with industry professionals on Scriptwriting, Makeup for film, Location Scouting, and Filmmakers roundtable Dialogue. “We have meticulously crafted a screening and engagement programme that will ensure that our participants and aspiring filmmakers are motivated to tell stories that resonate with the public and their daily lives, and are entertained. We're excited to showcase films that inspire, educate, and challenge our perceptions,” adds Ndudane.

The festival programme will take place at the following venues:

·       Msunduzi - Voortrekker Museum – Main venue : 9AM – 5 PM

·       Manaye Hall Imbali unit 1 : 9AM – 5PM

·       Ashdown Hall  : 9AM – 5PM

·       Mafakatini Ngcedemhlophe Hall : 9AM – 5PM

Do not miss out of the festival offerings as it promises to cultivate the diversity of audiences engaging with local films, as well as develop audiences from a young age to increase the appetite for local content consumption.

The public and festival followers can connect and share their thoughts on the following social media pages:

Facebook – Umgungundlovufilmfestival

Instagram – Umgungundlovufilmfestival

The festival is made possible through the support of Amadeyi Productions, KwaZulu Natal Tourism and Film Authority and the National Film and Video Foundation.