Ugu Film Festival focuses on development

The South Coast is fast becoming a sought after film destination.

February 3, 2020

Vee Ramsayi 1 minute read

Up and coming actress, Nonkululeko Zulu of Mtwalume. 8759vee

The seventh edition of the Ugu Film Festival (UGUFF), hosted by Sollywood Films in partnership with The National Film and Video Foundation and Ugu South Coast Tourism took place at the Margate Hotel recently.

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The theme this year focused on strides made by female filmmakers and was aptly titled ‘Through the Lenses of South African Women’.

The festival opened with a special screening of the award-winning South African film ‘Uncovered’, directed by Zuko Nodada. The annual event, in its seventh year, provides a vital development platform that allows aspirant and up-and-coming filmmakers to gain expert insight and exposure to the industry. It also provided a chance to showcase their craft to potential investors, film enthusiasts and the media.

Film producer, writer and director, Terwadkar Rajiv Sitaram gives a talk on the art of film making at the seventh Ugu Film Festival. 8773vee

Headlining the festival this year was Durban filmmaker Claire Angelique’s second feature film ‘Palace of Bone’. Ms Angelique won the award for Young Artist of the Year (Film) for her feature debut ‘My Black Little Heart’ at the National Arts Festival in 2010. With her prize money, she financed this micro-budget thriller about a girl who goes on a killing spree of all those who did her wrong.

Film director, Bonginhlanhla ‘Mr B’ Ncube gives an informative talk on the local film industry.

Founder and executive director of the Ugu Film Festival, Senzo Zindela said the 2020 line up of films and workshops were a way of empowering and equipping those wanting to work in the film industry with breakthrough information. “UGUFF was established as the international information-sharing platform to equip local creatives with breakthrough wisdom enabling them to operate globally without any limitations. We are inspiring upcoming youth and captains of industry,” he said.

Director and actor, Menzi Xaba (left) and scriptwriter and actor, Myeza Kwanele learn some more tricks of the trade in film making. 8761vee

Mr Zindela added the event has become a significant contributor to the development of the local economy and tourism sector on the South Coast. “It is well on its way to becoming a sought after film destination as international crews continue to take a keen interest in our district.”