DURBAN – The upcoming Mzansi Reel Film Festival, taking place from Sunday 14 to Tuesday 16 December in the vibrant communities of Clermont K.K Library, Clermont K.K Community Hall, and Clairwood Sports Ground, Durban.
This innovative event aims to bridge the gap between aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals, with a special focus on empowering youth residing in hostel communities and across the country.
Thando Shozi, a renowned television and film industry expert, will host the festival over three days under the theme “Embracing the Future of Television”. The event promises to be a vibrant celebration of film and digital content creation, highlighting exceptional local talent, driving industry growth, and facilitating creative collaboration.
The festival will explore the future of made-for-TV film models, with particular emphasis on digital online monetisation, offering valuable insights into the latest industry trends and opportunities.
Community-focused approach
“As the world’s content viewing patterns continue evolving, our goal is to create a platform where young aspiring filmmakers, women, and persons with disabilities can showcase their work, learn from industry experts, and connect with potential collaborators,” said Andile Buwa, Founder of eThekwini Filmmakers Association.
“By taking the festival to communities in Clermont and Clairwood, we’re ensuring that talented youth have access to resources, networking opportunities, and exposure, regardless of their background.”
The festival aims to promote mobile television podcasting and digital content creation among rural youth and women; provide industry insights and development opportunities for emerging filmmakers and content creators and showcase locally produced films and digital content reflecting the experiences and stories of rural communities.
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Three-day programme
Day 1 (Clermont K.K Library): Mobile Television Podcasting themed “The Evolution of TV: From Traditional to Digital,” featuring workshops on “Creating Content for Mobile and TV” and panel discussions on “The Future of Television: Mobile TV and Beyond”
Day 2 (Clermont K.K Community Hall): Digital Online Monetisation featuring workshops on “Monetising Your Digital Content” and industry sessions on “Digital Distribution and Marketing”
Day 3 (Clairwood Sports Ground): Film screenings in outdoor cinema format
Curated film selection
The festival will showcase films selected from the 12th edition of African Emerging Filmmakers Awards 2024:
- Thulebona by Lwazi Duma
- Ukhumbizile by Simanga Cibane
- Amalootist by Silindile Dlamini of Umqhele Films
- My Father’s Shadow by Brain Khawula
- Embizeni by Sicelo Linda Mamle of Madifa Films
These films will be presented in an outdoor cinema setup on 16 December, the festival’s final day.
Social impact vision
“We believe that filmmaking is a powerful tool for social change,” added Buwa. “By empowering women and young creatives, we’re investing in the future of South African cinema and contributing to the growth of our local film industry. Additionally, by showcasing films from our African Emerging Filmmakers Awards, we aim to uplift emerging filmmakers and create a platform for their work to be seen.”
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Made possible through the support of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority and the Durban Film Office, the Mzansi Reel Film Festival represents a celebration of film and storytelling that promotes local filmmaking talent whilst providing platforms for emerging filmmakers.
The festival is committed to promoting entrepreneurship in the film industry and democratising access to film education and opportunities.
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