International Film Festival coming to the city

LIMPOPO film-makers and actors will have something to look forward to with the launch of the Polokwane International Film Festival from September 30 to October 3.

Oraganised by Ashifa Entertainment, the festival will be held at Ster Kinekor Mall of the North and is aimed at empowering Limpopo’s aspirant film-makers with skills and information needed to build a career in film.

According to Ashifa Entertainment’s owner and managing director, Shonisani “Shabba” Muleya, the inaugural festival will include workshops and the screening of locals films.

He said the festival also aimed to equip young people with film-making and entrepreneurial skills to grow the local film industry.

“We want to encourage young people to tell local stories through film.

It is time for Limpopo stories to be told by the people of this province the best way they know how.

We also want for actors and film-makers who left the province for opportunities elsewhere to return and be part of the festival,” said Shabba.

“The success of multi-billion rand industries such as Hollywood and Bollywood started with a single step.

If people of Limpopo do not stand up and tell their own stories, no one will.

We should fill the archives with our stories to benefit future generations.”

The festival will include film-makers from various municipalities and 15 national facilitators with experience in the film industry.

The festival is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, Brand South Africa, Mall of the North, Film and Publication Board, Ster Kinekor Mall of the North, Capricorn FM and Pick n Pay Mall of the North.

Other parts of Polokwane to benefit out of the initiative are Mankweng, Seshego and Lebowakgomo and other parts of the province in future while there will be a free viewing at Jack Botes hall on the final day.

Film makers and those interested to attend can register through the PIFF website: www.polokwanefilmfest.co.za or email their details to info@ashifaentertainment.co.za