The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) will be showcasing some of KZN’s emerging film talent when it participates in the MIP Africa/FAME Week 2025 in Cape Town from 1-3 September.
The event sees a convergence of Africa’s leading storytellers and international content buyers who have the opportunity to network with filmmakers and industry stakeholders around Africa.
“KZNTAFA will showcase the province’s film talent, tourism offerings, and heritage-rich storytelling to global buyers, distributors, and media platforms.
“MIP Africa offers a rare opportunity to meet, network, and engage with the continent’s leading storytellers and global content buyers. As part of its commitment to industry growth, KZNTAFA is supporting the participation of three emerging filmmakers,” said a KZNTAFA statement.
KwaZulu-Natal’s film accolades and talent to be highlighted
KZNTAFA’s plans for the duration of the event include screening of the award-winning documentary it funded, titled: And She Didn’t Die.
The documentary chronicles the journey of writer and activist Lauretta Ngcobo. The movie, narrated by her daughter Kethiwe Ncgobo, a filmmaker, portrays the suffering of women and the silencing of their voices during the apartheid years.
“Without memory, there is vacant space,” reads the opening quote by Lauretta Ngcobo herself, perfectly capturing the documentary’s mission to preserve both personal and political history through a non-linear narrative structure that mirrors memory’s fragmented nature,” stated one review appearing on the Gauteng Film Commission website.
The acclaimed documentary scooped the Ronelle Loots Awards for Best Editing in a South African Documentary at the 27th Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. And She Didn’t Die was runner-up for the Encounters Al Jazeera Awards in the category, Best African Feature.
Three filmmakers from KwaZulu-Natal feature in the KZNTAFA programme. Lungisani Gwadiso is an up-and-coming filmmaker who founded the Harry Gwala Film Festival.
Charlie Samson is another filmmaker to be featured by KZNTAFA. He was bestowed with the coveted Standard Bank Ovation Award for his play Kaffirs. This gained him impetus to explore filmmaking, where he directed Outlaw S2 and uChef Nosi.
Zama kaMafikeni Msibi is a creative with over 15 years’ experience in film, theatre, and community arts. Award-winning offerings include: Makati – The Silent Pockets of a Township Boy (2025) and the upcoming documentary The King, the Land and the Chiefs.
What support do you feel up-and-coming filmmaker should receive?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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