The Umlazi International Film Festival is a platform by creatives for creatives seeking to grow the film industry, expose Umlazi talent to bigger markets in film, support the emerging talent, upskill, empower and positively impact the community it serves. The organizing team believe that there is so much we can do to change the narrative of local talent, and developing others is a step in the right direction.

The launch of the 3^rd Umlazi International Film Festival had on the panel actor Sandile Dlamini, actor Bhekani Shabalala, actor Thabo Mnguni, actress Luyanda Zwane, Athandiwe Ngcobo representing the Creative Arts College, Fezile Peko representing the Durban Film Office, Nosipho Dladla representing the Film and Publications Board, and film producer Xolani Sithole.

The launch was held at the Umlazi University of Technology, an organization that has responded positively to the local artists cry for help and support, they are offering rehearsals venue facilities to the local artists through the festival to help develop local talent. The university is also opening doors as a filming location for educational films ONLY. Anyone interested in filming at MUT can contact the UIFF organizers for assistance.

Umlazi International Film Festival and the 48hr film signed an MOU. The 48hr sponsored UIFF with 15 entries so filmmakers who are part of the festival this year can be part of the next 48hr film for free.

Thabo Mnguni is urging all the experienced artists who are originally from Umlazi to invest in developing young and emerging festival. Bhekani Shabalala expressed how he had always wanted to give back to the community through grooming the next generation of talent, he is happy that the festival is making this possible.

Luyanda Zwane says: “Umlazi International Film Festival is off to a good start. She promises to help in the artists’ development. She believes that if the youth is busy, it helps curb crime, teenage pregnancy and boosts self-employment.”

The festival organizers would like to that all the entities that were represented: the Creative Arts College, the Durban Film Office, the Film and Publication Board, the 48hr film, the Umlazi Township Tourism, the Coastal Zone Entertainment, UMLACTO and Umlazi Broadcast.

A word of thanks also goes out to Ezanamuhla KZN, Izwi Lomzansi, BT News and Intokozo FM.

The 3^rd Umlazi International Film Festival happens over three days, at the Umlazi University of Technology between the 27^th of November and the 29^th of November 2024.

Released by: Michael Ngema