Pietermaritzburg set to host Hluma Film Festival as nominees announced

Pietermaritzburg will host two days of African cinema this weekend as the Hluma Film Festival prepares to celebrate filmmakers, actors and emerging creative talent at its eighth edition.

The festival, formerly known as the uMgungundlovu Film Festival, takes place on 14 and 15 November, with nominees announced across six award categories recognising excellence in South African and African filmmaking.

The categories include Best Short Film, Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress.

Among the Best Feature Film nominees are Ikhaya Lami, directed by Ayanda Makhanya, Umalusi 2, directed by Mli Dube, 6 Queens and 6 Kings, directed by Molatelo Bossman, and The Spring, directed by Teodoro Francesco Liberto.

The Best Short Film category features Echoes of the Cursed Son, directed by Sbongikuhle Kunene, Tomasi, directed by Portia Ncwane, Mayfair, directed by Neo Leonardo Mokoena, and Letter to Society, produced by O'lorato Masalesa.

In the documentary category, The Spring and 6 Queens and 6 Kings are nominated alongside Polyamorous US, directed by Mantile Malehu M, and Beyond Memory, directed by Nhlanhla Sphilele Thusini.

The Best Director nominees are Mli Dube, Neo Leonardo Mokoena, Sbongikuhle Kunene and Ayanda Makhanya.

The acting categories feature Sibusiso Sithole, nominated for his portrayal of Gcina; Mnqobi Kunene as Andile; Ziwe Mabuza as Musa; and Zasizwe Mathenjwa as Tomasi.

The Best Actress nominees are Thandeka Ndeza for her role as Zinhle, Mitchelle Keletso Ntlaleng as Jessica Killings, Zamuntu Khoza as Sindi and Seipelo Marumo as Kedibone.

Festival director Portia Ndudane said the nominees represented the talent and commitment within the film industry.

"The nominees represent the remarkable talent, hard work and commitment that exists within our film industry," Ndudane said.

She said the festival was intended to provide more than an awards platform, creating opportunities for filmmakers to exchange ideas, learn, network and contribute to building a more inclusive industry.

The festival programme will feature 16 film screenings and seven panel discussions and information sessions covering filmmaking, storytelling and the future of African cinema.

Activities will be hosted at the Voortrekker Museum and Bessie Head Library, bringing established industry professionals and emerging filmmakers together.

The eighth edition aims to strengthen the visibility of African stories, recognise creative excellence and connect filmmakers with audiences and industry stakeholders.

The festival is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).