Amajuba Film Festival concludes a successful 4th edition

The Amajuba Film Festival (AFF) returned last week (November 21-23) for its 4th edition, delivering an extraordinary celebration of cinema and culture in Newcastle.

Organised in collaboration with KZN Tourism and Film Authority and the FOE Foundation NPO, the festival united filmmakers, industry professionals, and the local community in a vibrant showcase of talent and creativity.

One of the organisers, Samukelisiwe Sibisi, said this year’s festival offered a rich and diverse programme featuring workshops, film screenings, and industry panels, creating a platform for local filmmakers to present their work.

The films, produced between 2023 and 2024, highlighted pressing societal issues, sparking meaningful dialogue between creators and audiences.

Festival highlights included the opening film screening of Silence Pocket of the Township Boy, produced by Zama Mafikeni Msibi from Newcastle.

This was followed by an acting workshop facilitated by Senzo Mlambo of Laugh Out Loud Arts Organisation, held at Inkanyezi Newcastle Municipality Training Room.

There were also workshops and screenings in the Dannhauser areas and sessions at Blaaubosh, St. Anthony’s Child & Youth Care Centre.

This year’s festival also created unique opportunities for local youth to gain practical exposure to the film industry.

Learners from the Cathsseta Learnership Programme in art administration played a significant role in organising the event, gaining hands-on experience in festival management, technical audio-visual skills, event coordination, and project management.

“The festival’s commitment to community empowerment was evident through job creation for youth and SMMEs in the Amajuba District. Festival assistants gained invaluable skills that will aid their career growth in the arts and entertainment sectors.

“A special thank you goes to the FOE Foundation, which generously donated 100 sanitary pads and provided lunch for the girls at St. Anthony’s Child & Youth Care Centre,” Sibisi said.

Additionally, the FOE Foundation pledged R5 000 to support the centre’s on-going needs.

The event also received strong backing from Mayor Dube, who provided two taxis to give young people a chance to travel from Charlestown, Newcastle, and access the Municipality Academy training facility for two weeks, ensuring broad participation.

Acknowledgements:

The Amajuba Film Festival extended its sincere gratitude to all partners and stakeholders, including KZN Tourism and Film Authority, Newcastle and Dannhauser Municipalities, and Newcastle FM Community Radio Station, for their unwavering support.

“To the youth of Amajuba District, whose talent shone through in music, dance, Ingoma, and theatre—your performances were truly inspiring,” said Sibisi.

For more information, visit the Amajuba Film Festival Facebook page or follow them on social media.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us for this 4th edition of the Amajuba Film Festival, where we celebrated the power of storytelling, the vibrant culture of Amajuba District, and the promising future of local talent.”

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and request an add on our WhatsApp (082 874 5550).