An initiative of the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the third Eastern Cape Film Expo, took place from July 2 to July 4, in Makhanda at the National Arts Festival.
The three-day extravaganza aimed to position the Eastern Cape as an attractive destination for filmmaking.
The expo commenced with a talk by renowned independent producer and Eastern Cape film pioneer, Nceba Mqolomba, from Kariega.
Speaking at the Joza Township’s Youth Centre in Makhanda, Mqolomba shared his journey to success as a filmmaker, showcasing lessons learned, projects undertaken, and insights into producing high-quality content. His film, Zania, also recently screened at the event.
“Eastern Cape filmmakers are creating incredible work, but there are few platforms for screening their projects. This is why events like the Eastern Cape Film Expo are vital for the industry’s growth in the province. Institutions such as the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council (ECPACC), National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), and platforms like the National Arts Festival (NAF), must continue to provide opportunities, including funding and non-financial support programmes, to stimulate the film industry,” said Mqolomba.
Mqolomba’s career highlights
Mqolomba’s stellar career includes working on critically acclaimed and successful film and music ventures.
He has stage-managed iconic events such as Joy of Jazz, Arts Alive, Jazz on the Lake,and Africa Day.
He also produced hugely popular shows from the early 2000s, including All You Need is Love and Khumbulekhaya on SABC, as well as The Toasty Show and Total Soccer, a 13-episode series on eTV leading up to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
His portfolio extends to producing music videos for legendary South African artists, including Ringo Madlingozi, Watershed, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Kabelo Mabalane (whose video won a SAFTA), Zonke Dikana and the late TK, among others.
His work with international production companies includes films such as The Last King of Scotland, The Amazing Race, and Dr Lucille Teasdale with French and Canadian producers.
Mqolomba’s recent project, EC Skills 10, features 10 short films, including Zania. Funded by the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package through NFVF and ECDC, EC Skills 10 employed 320 people, with 250 up-and-coming filmmakers trained and upskilled.
The film expo’s vision
The Eastern Cape Film Expo, supported by partners like ECPACC, NFVF and NAF, is designed to position the province as a filmmaking hub.
It offers hands-on experience, skills transfer, and training while providing local filmmakers with market access opportunities by screening their creations.
Vuyokazi Gwabeni, Senior Manager for ECDC Investment Promotion, noted that the expo involves film screenings, panel discussions, presentations, masterclasses and testimonials. It caters for diverse audiences, including filmmakers, aspiring filmmakers, policymakers and funders.
Screenings and documentaries
Mdantsane-based writer, actor, producer, and director, Sithembile Xaso, screened his documentary, Pound for Pound, which chronicles the Knuckle Day boxing tournament. This tournament has produced rising stars like Asemahle Sotwili, who became an African champion at the age of 12 — the same year she began her boxing career.
“The tournament has nurtured young talent, such as Asemahle, who remains an undefeated South African and African champion. Now a law student at the University of Fort Hare, she has never lost a match since the age of 12. Pound for Pound tells the important story of the working-class founders of Knuckle Day, whose efforts have had a massive impact on young participants’ lives,” said Xaso.
Another standout screening was the documentary, Ilifa Lomboko, a riveting narrative about Sganeko Njokweni, a pioneer Xhosa radio broadcaster. Told through the lens of his son, Gqabi Njokweni, the film retraces Sganeko’s journey as a son, mentor, musician, fashion icon and broadcaster. The documentary explores Njokweni’s use of language and the microphone as tools of resistance during oppression while unravelling untold stories about his impactful legacy.
The Eastern Cape Film Expo continues to provide platforms for storytelling, upskilling filmmakers, and showcasing the province’s potential as a global filmmaking destination.
