Editor

Sebabatso Media is thrilled to announce its upcoming event, the Khuma Film Festival scheduled to take  place from the 21st to the 24th of February 2024. This four-day festival will showcase a diverse range of films from both emerging and established filmmakers, celebrating the art of storytelling through the medium of film. The vibrant Doctor Kaunda Municipal District will be a hype of activity as the community, learners, graduates of Khuma Township and surrounding areas are set to be transformed in the areas of film.

Supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, the  Khuma Film festival will feature screenings of short films, documentaries, and feature-length films, covering a wide array of genres and themes. In addition to the film screenings, there will also be panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, workshops, schools tour, and networking opportunities for industry professionals and film enthusiasts alike. The festival also aims to provide a platform for filmmakers to share their work, connect with audiences, and engage in meaningful conversations about the power of cinema and filmmaking as a tool for social change and cultural expression.

Confirmed personalities that will grace the festival and hone the skills of the community include Israel Makoe Matseke Zulu, Vincent Moloi, Thembile Botman and Robert Mpisi. The group will conduct workshops, engage participants about the various aspects of filmmaking and even visit the local schools to encourage learners to pursue careers in film.

As the district municipality emerges as a potential attraction for tourists traveling between Johannesburg and Cape Town, it also carries a rich legacy of mining and has been home to some of South Africa's most prominent sportsmen, influential business figures, and celebrities.  Distinguished personalities such as Sello Hatang (Former CEO of the Nelson Mandela Foundation and Founder of Re Hata Mmoho), Thembile Botman (Generations), Robert Mpisi (Gomora), Brian Sebapole (coach, former soccer player), and the late Phillemon Chippa Masinga (renowned for his contributions to Sundowns, Bafana Bafana, Leads United, and Bari) have all hailed from this dynamic region.

Khuma Film Festival Founder, Naomi Mokhele, emphasises the importance of this event, saying, "The support of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and our local municipality is highly appreciated. This festival is not just about screening films; it's about transforming lives and providing a platform for our community to thrive. It equips aspiring filmmakers and actors with the skills they need to excel in the industry, building and raising the profile of our area as a filmmaking hub and a must-visit tourist destination. The festival also seeks to make a lasting impact on our community by creating opportunities for jobs, offering workshops, and showcasing locally produced films."

In the spirit of transforming and upskilling the community,  the  festival will provide aspiring filmmakers, including school leavers, students in grades 10 to 12, graduates, and the broader public in Khuma and its surrounding areas (including Orkney, Matlosana, and Haartebeesfontein), with invaluable skills and insights into the world of filmmaking. By promoting South African-produced films and local talent, the festival aims to raise awareness of our cultural contributions and artistic expressions. As economic development plays a critical role, the festival will bolster the local economy by generating job opportunities within the film industry and related fields.

The Khuma Film Festival promises to be a ground-breaking event that will not only celebrate cinematic creativity but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of the Khuma community and its neighbouring regions.

We invite film lovers, industry professionals, and anyone passionate about storytelling to join us for this exciting event. The Opening Night of the festival will take place on the 21^st of February  (strictly by invitation), while the FREE workshops and screenings will commence on the 22^nd until the 24^th of February 2024 at the Khuma City Hall.