Port Shepstone will be abuzz with a range of local and international film screenings, exhibitions, workshops and masterclasses as the countdown to the 12th Ugu International Film Festival (UGUIFF) begins.
Set to take place from October 17 to 19, festival organisers have promised a “bigger and bolder” focus on Mzansi’s thriving film industry.
Festival founder and CEO of Zindela Pictures Senzo Zindela said established, emerging and aspiring film-makers and practitioners were in for an amazing time.
“Pallance Dladla, Sthembiso Mtshali and celebrated TV and news anchor, Masechaba Ndlovu, are just some of those earmarked for the workshops and masterclasses.”
“The Dam” actor, Dladla, will head a masterclass on art action and performance, Mtshali will facilitate a masterclass on music scoring and composition and Ndlovu is set to host a discussion on film business and funding opportunities.
There will also be masterclasses and workshops on scriptwriting, directing, acting and a talk on international film growth opportunities among others.
Zindela, whose aim is to establish the UGUIFF as the leader in KZN-inspired film-making, said there were several reasons why he was committed to uncovering, exposing and funding the development of local and regional film markets.
“I have made it my life’s mission to establish and initiate businesses and endeavours that capacitate local communities while having a global breakthrough impact.
“There are several factors which motivated me to embark on this selfless mission, some of them are negative while some are positive factors and perceptions, written in most foreign books where they state that Africans are followers, programmed to be employees and are not strategic thinkers,” he said.
He added: “At UGUIFF, we believe that emerging and experienced film-makers deserve equal rights and opportunities to showcase their talents.”
Therefore, this film festival is initiated as a platform to give young film-makers from KZN and other parts of the country and the continent opportunities to showcase their films to a global audience, while promoting their works to established and well-travelled film-makers and markets.”
This year, Indie film, “The Foggy Mountain”, has been selected as the festival’s opening film.
Starring Vietnamese actor, Peter Pham, “The Foggy Mountain” tells the story of Phi, a retired martial artist, longing for a peaceful life with a beautiful wife.
However, after she is attacked, Phi wants vengeance and hunts the perpetrator across Vietnam, right into the heart of the brutal criminal enterprise that has single-handedly terrorised the entire region for years.
Other films that will be screened during the three-day festival include“Indida Yothando”, “My Father’s Shadow”, “Safe Bet” and “Colourful Crime”.
This year’s festival will also be screened online through the Entertainment Oxygen streaming platform.
The festival will further host a film and business exhibition. Businesses and suppliers are invited to showcase their products. For more information visit www.uguiff.co.za.