PIETERMARITZBURG – The seventh uMgungundlovu Film Festival (UFF) has announced its opening film, The Unseen Voice, a powerful and thought-provoking film that centres around the life of a deaf woman.
The festival, themed “Imagine the World in My Image,” takes place in Pietermaritzburg from 14 to 16 November, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and representation in the film industry.
Opening night showcase
Beginning on 14 November at Voortrekker Museum from 17:00 with the screening of The Unseen Voice, the festival marks a significant milestone, reflecting a remarkable journey of growth and impact.
Over the past six years, the festival has evolved into one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading community-based film platforms, dedicated to celebrating authentic African stories and amplifying marginalised voices. This year, UFF aims to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers and promote disability representation in the film industry.
Award-winning opening film
Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Jerome Moremi, The Unseen Voice tells the story of a young deaf woman navigating the complexities of her world, challenging societal norms and expectations. It showcases the talent and resilience of deaf actors and highlights the need for greater representation and opportunities in the film industry.
The film tells the emotional story of a deaf woman who is denied medical care due to language barriers, as hospital staff are unable to communicate with her and no sign language interpreter is available to assist. This heartbreaking incident becomes a turning point, inspiring members of the deaf community to rise up, advocate for their rights, and call on government and society to recognise their needs and humanity.
Festival founder’s vision
“We are thrilled to open our festival with a film that resonates so deeply with our theme, in addition to Disability Rights Awareness Month,” said Portia Ndudane, UFF Founder and Amadeyi Productions Director.
“Through The Unseen Voice, writer and director Moremi not only raises awareness about the everyday struggles faced by the deaf community but also challenges audiences to reflect on inclusion, equality, and the importance of accessible communication in all public spaces.”
Comprehensive programme
Day two of the festival continues at Bessie Head Library from 09:00 to 17:00, featuring a full day of film screenings and a series of skills development workshops designed to empower aspiring filmmakers, actors, and creatives with practical industry knowledge.
The programme features a dynamic and diverse selection of 33 films from 13 countries, showcasing the richness and depth of global storytelling. Films to be screened include Still Here written and directed by Joy Maseko, My Winter Tears by Lindani Msibi, Slow Fruit written and directed by Kwazikwenkosi Ntombela-Langa, and You are not Alone, an animation film written and directed by James Whitelaw for young audiences.
Industry development focus
The industry development programme will feature insightful workshops on scriptwriting, film production, marketing, and distribution, as well as engaging dialogues on disability inclusion and LGBTQ+ representation in film.
Closing film and awards
The festival will conclude on 16 November with the screening of another powerful story, BOBO, written by Bruno Tanya and directed by Maurice Muendo. Set in the slums of Mathare, Nairobi, the film follows Bobo, an 18-year-old girl who enters a local modelling competition in a desperate attempt to save her family from a ruthless gangster threatening to seize their home.
Through determination, courage, and self-belief, Bobo overcomes poverty, prejudice, and personal doubt to transform her life and secure her family’s future.
The day will conclude with the festival’s prestigious Awards Ceremony, where outstanding filmmakers will be recognised and celebrated for their exceptional creativity, storytelling, and contribution to the film industry.
Provincial support
Made possible through the support of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the uMgungundlovu Film Festival is a celebration of film and storytelling that aims to promote local filmmaking talent, provide a platform for emerging filmmakers, and showcase the best of international filmmaking whilst promoting inclusivity and diversity in the film industry.
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