25-February 2024-Following a series of school tours, film screenings and a series of workshops and information-sharing sessions by leading actors and filmmakers, the inaugural Khuma Film Festival concluded on a high note with scores of young people turning up in their numbers at the Khuma City Hall.
The last day began with the screening of Magadi, a film about the love finding its own way even in unusual circumstances.
To cap things off, the last day which saw more than 400 children attend the four-day film festival closed off with the screening of the festival’s closing film, The Honeymoon, a film starring the likes of Minnie Dlamini as Lu, Kajal Bagwandeen as Kat, and comedienne, Tumi Morake as Noks.
‘The Honeymoon’ unpacks and details the story of friendship among three young ladies as they journey through their personal and professional lives which collide in twists and turns while trying to lead balanced yet adventurous lives.
The well-attended information sharing sessions and workshops led by actors such as Thembile Botman and Robert Mpisi tackled a range of issues including how to produce your own short or feature film, promote and create their own employment opportunities through the art of filmmaking.
During the interactive session former Scandal actor Robert Mpisi also shared various aspects of the industry including the importance of having an agent, auditioning and how to ensure professionalism in the industry.
Besides stage moving performances from local acting groups, the film festival also hosted a mini film trailer showcased by local film producers who have produced their own films.
The last day of the festival was preceded by a successful school tour to 12 local schools which were led by film starts such Israel Matseke–Zulu, Didintle Khunou, Robert Mpisi,Thembile Botman and Vincent Moloi who encouraged learners to consider various career options in the film industry.
Other films which made the festival favorite among young people who responded well to the festival included, ‘My Business’ and ‘Thorn’ which were screened ahead of the closing film.
On Wednesday, the film festival kicked things off with a gala opening event attended by the Executive Mayor, James Ntsulela, former CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and founder of Hatang Mmoho, Sello Hatang.
On Thursday, the festival film festival was dominated by various information sharing sessions, workshops and discussion as well as the screening of the film festival’s second film, ‘My Business’.
However, the highlight of the festival came on Friday following an intense acting workshop led by TV and film stars Israel, Robert, Thembile, Vincent and Didintle who took young aspiring through their paces in a session that culminated in a group of young actors responding with a well-staged performance.
The founder of the Festival and Sebabatso Media, Ms Naomi Mokhele thanked members of the community, teachers, principals, the National Film and Video Foundation and the executive mayor of Matlosana, for contributing to the success of the film festival.
“We appreciate all the support we have received from various stakeholders, including the executive mayor of Matlosana Local Municipality, Mr James Ntsulela, the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Ms Kenetswe Mosenogi as well as the district education department for allowing their learners to be part of the film festival. We are humbled by the support and dedication shown towards the successful staging of the inaugural Khuma Film Festival. We can’t wait to see you once again next year,” the founder of Sebabatso Media said.
Khuma festival was made possible through the support by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.
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