Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal: The countdown to the Hluma Film Festival 2026 has officially begun. Taking place on 14 and 15 November in Pietermaritzburg, the eighth edition will bring together filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, emerging creatives and film enthusiasts for two days of African storytelling, film screenings and industry conversations.
Formerly known as the uMgungundlovu Film Festival, Hluma Film Festival continues to showcase African stories, recognise creative excellence and create opportunities for filmmakers to connect with audiences and industry stakeholders.
With the award nominations now announced, attention turns to the filmmakers, actors and productions recognised in six categories: Best Short Film, Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. The 2026 nominees reflect the diversity of stories, performances and filmmaking approaches shaping South African and African cinema.
BEST SHORT FILM
· Echoes of the Cursed Son : Directed by Sbongikuhle Kunene
· Tomasi : Directed by Portia Ncwane
· Mayfair : Directed by Neo Leonardo Mokoena
· Letter to Society : Produced by O’lorato Masalesa
BEST FEATURE FILM
· Ikhaya Lami : Directed by Ayanda Makhanya
· Umalusi 2 : Directed by Mli Dube
· 6 Queens and 6 Kings : Directed by Molatelo Bossman
· The Spring : Directed by Teodoro Francesco Liberto
BEST DOCUMENTARY
· The Spring : Directed by Teodoro Francesco Liberto
· Polyamorous US : Directed by Mantile Malehu M
· Beyond Memory : Directed by Nhlanhla Sphilele Thusini
· 6 Queens and 6 Kings : Directed by Molatelo Bossman
BEST DIRECTOR
· Mli Dube
· Neo Leonardo Mokoena
· Sbongokuhle Kunene
· Ayanda Makhanya
BEST ACTOR
· Sibusiso Sithole as Gcina
· Mnqobi Kunene as Andile
· Ziwe Mabuza as Musa
· Zasizwe Mathenjwa as Tomasi
BEST ACTRESS
· Thandeka Ndeza as Zinhle
· Mitchelle Keletso Ntlaleng as Jessica Killings
· Zamuntu Khoza as Sindi
· Seipelo Marumo as Kedibone
Festival Director Portia Ndudane says the festival is an opportunity to recognise filmmakers whose stories reflect society, preserve culture and inspire audiences. “The nominees represent the remarkable talent, hard work and commitment that exists within our film industry. Hluma Film Festival is more than a film festival; it is a space for exchange, learning, networking and building a stronger, more inclusive film industry. We look forward to celebrating our nominees and recognising the excellence that continues to emerge from our creative sector,” says Ndudane.
Beyond the awards, the programme will feature 16 film screenings and seven panel discussions and information sessions exploring filmmaking, storytelling and the future of African cinema. Events will take place at the Voortrekker Museum and Bessie Head Library in Pietermaritzburg, bringing established and emerging creatives together for film screenings, knowledge sharing and discussion.
As the countdown gathers momentum, Hluma Film Festival invites film lovers, aspiring filmmakers, industry stakeholders and the public to join this celebration of African cinema.
On 14 and 15 November, Pietermaritzburg will become a meeting point for stories, talent and creative expression as the industry celebrates the nominees and the power of film. The festival is made possible through the support of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).
