SEDIBENG – As cinemas across the Vaal region continue to shut their doors and streaming services dominate the entertainment landscape, one passionate filmmaker is determined to keep the magic of movies alive.
Nozinyanga Kunene, a filmmaker, photographer, and the visionary behind Sunset Social is taking cinema directly to the communities that crave it.
According to Kunene, the event is designed to be accessible to everyone, featuring a lineup of local films, classic favourites, and even emerging talent.
She added that the atmosphere at Sunset Social events is electric, with families gathering on picnic blankets, friends sharing snacks, and laughter filling the air as the film rolls.
Boasting seven years of experience in the film and photography industry, Kunene said she wanted to share her passion for visually telling stories with others.
Studying at Boston Media House, Kunene has worked on notable productions like Netflix, BET, NBA, Urban Brew, and Big Brother Nigeria/Mzansi.
Speaking to Ster South, Kunene shared her inspiring journey and the innovative event she has launched to unite communities through the power of film.
“Sunset Social was born during the lockdown. I saw an opportunity in the government restrictions and initially pitched for funding, which was rejected. Undeterred, I saved up and launched Sunset Social on December 15, 2023,” she said.
“Despite cinemas shutting down, I created Sunset Social to offer a unique community-driven experience. We exclusively screen South African films, supporting the local film industry,” she added.
Kunene said Sunset Social has had three events since its debut in December 2023 and plans to go big.
“Our fourth event is scheduled for November 2. With the previous events, the reception has been great, especially from outside the Vaal region. We’ve received requests to tour across South Africa, hopefully happening in the next year,” she said.
While Kunene’s movie streaming has no fixed location, this time she is hosting at the Global Village Lodge, Unitas Park.
The team behind Sunset Social consists of five members who collaborate with Mzansi Prolific Connect.
Kunene emphasised the importance of showcasing local stories that resonate with the audience.’
“Our communities have incredible stories to tell. We need to support our local filmmakers and celebrate our culture,” said the creative.
