Festival aims to reignite local film industry
KZN Film Commission COO, Jackie Motsepe said through UGUFF, the commission will reach out to the residents of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality to ensure that the provincial film footprint continues to be extended.
The 10th Ugu Film Festival (UGUFF) will focus on honouring and celebrating legendary South African artistic talent and heritage that has placed KwaZulu-Natal on the global map.
It runs at the Margate Sands Hotel from October 20 to 22.
Samukele Ngubane, public relations specialist for UGUFF said the festival aims to reignite the local film industry which is battling to recover from the negative economic effects of Covid-19.
“The festival will go live at the Shelly Beach Ster Kinekor cinema from today (20th) with the screening of ‘Music Is My Life’. Directed by Mpumi Mbele the film provides an engaging account of the life of Joseph Shabalala, his rise to international fame with his Isicathamiya male choral group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.”
She said the festival will wrap up with the ‘The Life and Times of Menzi Ngubane’ which tells the story of the late legend’s life and brilliantly captures his stellar acting career.
Newly appointed festival director, Zanele Nhlapo said it was her vision to see the local film industry rise from the economic blows of the pandemic, and also set the tone for the growth and transformation of the industry by showcasing compelling local content.
“In curating the films for this year’s instalment, there was a need to revive the local film economy and to showcase inspiring local content which affirms our creative and production capabilities as South Africans.
“The festival aims to ignite the flame within every local filmmaker and enthusiast who has been disheartened by the effects of the pandemic, and possibly attract investment into the local industry,”Nhlapo added.
KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission COO, Jackie Motsepe said the staging of an audience development festival is critical for the culture of watching locally made films.
“It gives filmmakers a platform to gauge the response of audiences to their story. It is also the first festival experience of the emerging filmmaker.”
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise’s CEO Phelisa Mangcu said over the years this iconic region has been the focal feature in Discovery, National Geographic, and Nat Geo Wild shows, while film and television crews have found the location ideally suited to their needs. This doesn’t only create jobs and encourage economic growth; it gives far-reaching audiences the chance to view the incredible sites found here.
“We are excited to welcome back the annual festival which promotes the local film industry.”
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