(Picture by Akhona Jr
Mhlungu)
Building communities through film: Umlazi
International Film Festival marks a milestone in its fifth year. (Review by Akhona Jr Mhlungu)
On Friday morning, (November 6), the Media Dining Hall at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) became a meeting point for filmmakers, educators, students, industry practitioners, and community leaders as the Umlazi International Film Festival (UIFF) officially launched its fifth edition. More than an announcement of the festival programme, the gathering was a celebration of a growing movement committed to community development through film, education, and tourism.
Guided by the theme Building Communities Through Film and Tourism, the festival continues to position itself as more than a cultural event. Since its formal registration and launch in 2022, UIFF has sought to harness the power of storytelling as a tool for economic growth, skills development, and social transformation within Umlazi and beyond.
Leading this vision are President Sandile Dlamini, Director and Chief Executive Officer Michael Ngema, and Chief Operations Officer Sabelo Ngema, whose collective leadership has seen the festival evolve into a platform that not only showcases films but actively invests in people and communities. Their vision reflects an understanding that cinema can be both an artistic expression and a catalyst for development.
The festival draws inspiration from the impact that established events such as the Durban International Film Festival and the Joburg Film Festival have had on their respective cities and provinces. However, UIFF's focus remains distinct. Its primary objective is to ensure that the benefits of the film industry reach township communities, creating opportunities where they are often needed the most.
One of the most inspiring achievements highlighted during the launch was the festival's commitment to education. Through masterclasses, workshops, and outreach programmes at various high schools, UIFF has nurtured young creatives interested in film and storytelling. The festival proudly shared that more than 15 students have been fully funded to pursue studies at Creative Arts College, a testament to its long-term investment in developing future filmmakers and creative professionals.
The international footprint of this year's festival demonstrates its growing reputation. A total of 92 submissions were received from around the world, including 78 from South Africa, three from Lesotho, two each from Malawi and Uganda, and entries from Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Qatar, the United States, Morocco, Brazil, and Eswatini. Such diversity speaks to the festival's expanding reach while reinforcing its local foundations.
The success of the festival has also been strengthened through partnerships with organisations including eThekwini Municipality, Stained Glass, Durban Film Office, AFDA, Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Arts and Living Culture, and the KZN Tourism and Film Authority. These collaborations illustrate the collective effort required to build sustainable creative industries within the province.
This year's programme has been carefully curated to explore the many dimensions of the creative sector.
- Day One will focus on Literature,
- Day Two on the Creative Indaba,
- Day Three on Film Production,
- Day Four on Marketing and Distribution, and
- Day Five will culminate in the festival's Awards Ceremony.
The structure reflects an understanding that filmmaking
extends beyond the screen and encompasses a broader ecosystem of creators,
audiences, producers, distributors, and entrepreneurs.
The festival officially opens on November 23 at Max's Lifestyle Village with a screening of Melusi, setting the stage for five days of cinematic celebration, professional engagement, and cultural exchange.
What resonated most throughout the launch was the belief that film has the power to do more than entertain. It can educate, create employment, preserve stories, attract tourism, and strengthen community identity. As the Umlazi International Film Festival celebrates its fifth year, it continues to prove how grassroots cultural initiatives can make meaningful contributions to both local development and the broader creative economy.
In an era where access to the film industry often appears concentrated in major urban centres, UIFF stands as a reminder that world-class storytelling can emerge from any community willing to invest in its people, nurture its talent, and tell its own stories. - Akhona Junior Mhlungu
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