THE Media Workshop, in association with MICT Seta and the NFVF, will be hosting the first ever Lavuth’ iBhayi Film Festival at the NuMetro cinema at the Boardwalk tomorrow, May 30.
The collection of short films will be shown in two sessions, from 12:00 to 13:30 and again from 14:30 to 16:00.
Each session will include a chance to ask the producers and directors questions about the creative process that went into making the films.
The theme of the festival is “all is not what it seems” and each screening consists of five short films, a mix of comedy, suspense and drama. The films are White Lies, directed by Che Keet and written by Andile Mncube, Son of a Gun, directed by Aviwe Makapela and written by Gcinashe Baruza, Explosive Lies, directed by Olwethu Manzi and written by Suliwe Sihlwayi, Happy Hour, directed by Mncube and written by Keet, and Sketchy, directed by Jason Forsdick and Bertus Mellet and written by Mbulelo Somyali.
Internationally renowned South African director, David Lister, was a mentor during the making of the short film collection.
He is best known for his work with Leon Schuster on Oh Shucks! Here Comes UNTAG and Panic Mechanic.
Local acting talent featured in the films includes celebrated thespian Xabiso Zweni, who has just returned from directing a stage production in Germany.
Generations: The Legacy actress, Asanda Hanabe, also stars in one of the short films.
Makapela, the director of Son of a Gun, explains that the name Lavuth’ iBhayi translates to “Port Elizabeth is on fire”.
The name of the festival was chosen to represent the creative spark that this festival intends to ignite in the city, as it is the first festival of its kind.
Sihlwayi, who wrote Explosive Lies and produced Sketchy, said, “It’s a transforming and uplifting experience to see the film, which is like a baby to me, actually coming to life.”
Tickets are available at R50 and R30 for students (with a valid student card). For ticket inquiries contact The Media Workshop at 041 582 2830 or 079 516 8623.
Tickets will also be sold at the door. Follow The Lavuth’ iBhayi Film Festival on Facebook: Lavuth’Ibhayi Film Festival 2019.
