Ugu Film Festival returns
The South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is excited to welcome back the annual Ugu Film Festival which promotes the local film industry.
In a bid to revive and reignite the local film industry, the 10th edition of the Ugu Film Festival will return to the South Coast from October 20.
The festival which will until October 22 at the Margate Sands Hotel will focus on honouring and celebrating legendary South African artistic talent and heritage that has placed KwaZulu-Natal on the global map, said the organisers.
The festival’s director, Zanele Nhlapo said the festival will go live at the Shelly Beach Ster Kinekor cinema on Thursday, October 20 with the screening of Music Is My Life as the opening film.
“Music Is My Life is directed by Mpumi Mbele and provides an engaging account of the life of Joseph Shabalala and his rise to international fame with his Isicathamiya singing male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The festival will wrap up with the screening of the documentary The Life and Times of Menzi Ngubane which tells the story of the late legend’s life and brilliantly captures his stellar acting career. The film is directed by Ntokozo Mahlalela and is a legacy project by Menzi’s family aimed at preserving and honouring his invaluable contribution to the film industry,” said Nhlapo.
She added that it’s her vision to see the local film industry not only rise from the economic blows of the Covid-19 pandemic, but for the festival to also set the tone for the overall growth and transformation of the film industry through showcasing compelling local content.
“In curating the films for this year’s installment, we were directed by the pressing need to reignite and revive the local film economy and what better way to do that than to showcase inspiring local content which affirms our creative and production capabilities as South Africans. The opening and closing films are aimed at reigniting the flame within every local filmmaker and film enthusiast who has been left disheartened by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; and possibly attract investment into the local film industry. We want to inspire hope for a better and richer film industry, and we believe this year’s showcase is a step in that direction,” said Nhlapo, adding that they are eternally grateful to partners such as the KZN Film Commission and the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE).
CEO of SCTIE, Phelisa Mangcu said with the South Coast’s captivating natural scenery, subtropical climate, unique cultural sites, accessibility, and welcoming local communities; the region continues to attract domestic and international filmmakers.
Mangcu said over the years, the 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. The South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is excited to welcome back the annual Ugu Film Festival which promotes the local film industry,” she said.
Meanwhile, The Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, Jackie Motsepe said: “We are mandated with making KwaZulu-Natal a film production centre and therefore, it goes without saying that we see the festival as a strategic platform which contributes to us achieving our mandate. While at the festival, the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission will also reach out to the public at the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality to ensure that the KZN film footprint continues to be extended.”
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