KwaMashu Durban, South Africa – The Kwamashu African Film Festival (KAFF) is proud to announce its 21st edition, taking place from the 10th to the 15th of November 2024 at K-CAP Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre in Kwamashu. This five-day celebration of African cinema will showcase a diverse range of films, workshops, masterclasses, seminars and panel discussions that highlight the richness and diversity of African storytelling.
KAFF will feature a curated selection of films from across the African continent, including feature films, documentaries, and short films, kickstarting with Love Lottery during the opening night taking place on the 10th November. Directed by Mlungisi Mhlanga, Lottery Love centres around a young feisty woman who unwittingly helps her ex-boyfriend with the lottery, embarking on a daring journey to snatch the winning ticket from him and risking everything in a high-stakes game where desires collide and passion ignite. The film stars young talent from KwaZulu Natal comprising, Nombulelo Mhlongo, Nelisa Mchunu, Thabo Malema, and Philani Brown. The opening night will be hosted by actress, theatre practitioner and Actor Spaces Monologue Marathon winner, Nqobile Masondo, with Amanda Madida as the red carpet host.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the 21st year of the Kwamashu African Film Festival, which will provide a platform for filmmakers to share their stories and showcase their talent,” said Mr. Edmund Mhlongo, KAFF founder. “As we turn 21, we are reminded of the symbolic key that opens doors as one move from one phase to another in life. As we say life is a movie, this year marks a crucial milestone for an initiative that is committed to creating opportunities for those who need it the most to break into the film industry. We believe that African stories have the power to inspire, educate, and entertain, and we look forward to celebrating these stories with our audience.”
In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature a range of workshops and masterclasses, focusing on topics such as filmmaking, scriptwriting, directing, makeup, animation and story boarding. These sessions will provide opportunities for emerging and independent filmmakers to learn from industry experts and network with peers. The hosts include highly acclaimed film industry players and specialists featuring; Durban Film Office, KZN Tourism and Film Authority, SAGA, DUT and a host of celebrated big names in the industry. Some of the big names to look forward to comprise Lucky Simayile, Siphesihle Cele, Nompilo Maphumulo, Amanda Madida and Gugu Mzobe. Attendees can look forward to KAFF’s renowned “Hosting a TV Family”. Last year, attendees had an unforgettable meet and greet session with the Sibongile and the Dlamini’s Family, this year a pleasant surprise awaits as another family promises to make an appearance.
The festival will wrap on the 15th of November with the screening of Amathambo, a film by Sabelo Ndlovu and Busani Mbili. Starring Siphesihle Cele, Mpume Mthombeni, Mlungisi Ndebele, Lihle Shoba, Sabelo Ndlovu and Busani Mbili, Amathambo tells a story of a family struggling to find healing and acceptance as they look back at their family’s dark past.
In addition to the screenings, masterclasses and seminars, attendees can expect to be treated to a musical entertainment, and fashion showcase by Dolly Ndlovu on the opening night, as well as indulge in wine tasting to the beat of live music and dance performances both on the opening and closing nights.
The Kwamashu African Film Festival is proud to be powered by the KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, KZN Tourism and Film Authority, National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa, K-CAP, Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality, who share its commitment to promoting African storytelling and nurturing talent.
For more information about the Kwamashu African Film Festival, including the full programme, please visit the festival website at www.kcap.co.za.
Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #KAFF2024 and for daily line-up sneak preview:
Facebook: K-CAP Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre
TikTok: kcaptiktok
Instagram: kcap.artscentre
Released by Sebabatso Media on behalf of The KwaMashu Community Advancement Projects (K-CAP).