Editor

Opening and closing films of the Inaugural Khuma Film Festival announced

16 February 2024-South Africa-Sebabatso Media is pleased and proud to announce the opening and closing films for its inaugural, Khuma Film Festival scheduled to take place from the 21^st to the 24^th of February 2024. This four-day film festival will showcase a diverse range of films from both emerging and established filmmakers, in celebration of the art of storytelling through the medium of film.

The first night of the festival will be dedicated to the opening film, ‘Who’s  My Daddy’, a comedy film starring award-winning funny man David Kau, hilarious Alfred Ntombela, actress and presenter, Nomsa Buthelezi, music men Dr Victor, of Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels fame and the iconic, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse.

Directed by David Kau and Sans Moonsamy, ‘Who’s My Daddy’ tells a story of three “bunch of losers” who must come together to help one of their biggest loser friend on a mission to find his father. This comedy drama kicks things off on Wednesday, 21 February 2024 and will be preceded by an opening reception which will be later followed by a Q & A session.

The film festival organisers, Sebabatso Media has earmarked, ‘The Honeymoon’ as its closing film on the last day of the festival on Saturday, 24 February 2024.

Starring the likes of Minnie Dlamini as Lu, Kajal Bagwandeen as Kat, and comedienne, Tumi Morake as Noks, ‘The Honeymoon’ unpacks and details the story of friendship among the three young ladies as they journey through their personal and professional lives which collide in twists and turns while trying to lead balanced yet adventurous lives. The film which is written and directed by the talented Bianca Isaac also features a talented support cast made up of actors and actresses such as Naymaps formerly of Uzalo, Tasveer Singh, Prev Reddy, Stevel Marc, talented comedians Nina Hastie and Robbie Collins, as well as JJ Mathura and Chris Jaftha.

Other films on the line up include, ‘My Business’ and ‘Thorn’ to be screened on Thursday, ‘Red Room’ and ‘Magadi’, both scheduled for Friday. All these films will be accompanied by a range of topical discussions, schools tour, and networking opportunities for industry professionals as well as script-writing and acting workshops, roundtable discussions among many other matters of big screen importance.

This announcement comes just when  MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports  and Recreation, Ms Kenetswe Mosenogi confirmed her attendance alongside other dignitaries and officials, who will also grace this auspicious occasion.

This is why Sebabatso Media has vowed to make the vibrant Doctor Kenneth Kaunda Municipal District a hive of filmmaking activity to ensure that the community, learners, graduates of Khuma Township and surrounding areas are equipped with life-changing opportunities with some of the leading actors, writers, producers and marketers in the world of filmmaking.

The festival which is the first for the City of Matlosana and Khuma 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 and aspiring filmmakers include Israel Makoe  Matseke Zulu, Vincent Moloi, Thembile Botman, Didintle Khunou and Robert Mpisi. These leading men and women of the country’s thriving film and television industry are ready to serve and interact with young people eager to learn and transform their dreams into reality while also contributing to the growth and prosperity of the Khuma community and its neighbouring regions.

"It is our great pleasure and privilege to announce that our esteemed guest of honour, the North West  MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports  and Recreation, Ms Kenetswe Mosenogi will grace this highly-anticipated film festival, which has been in the making for many years now. As such, 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," says an excited Khuma Film Festival founder Naomi Mokhele.

The festival is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.