Cape Town is buzzing this week as storytellers, filmmakers, and international buyers gather for MIP Africa/FAME Week 2025.
Among those making their mark is the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), which is proudly showcasing the province’s rich storytelling traditions and emerging creative talent.
Showcasing Local Stories to the World
From 1–3 September, KZNTAFA will put the spotlight on KwaZulu-Natal’s unique blend of culture, heritage, and film talent.
The event gives international distributors and media platforms the chance to connect with some of Africa’s most exciting new voices.
For KZNTAFA, it’s not just about tourism promotion — it’s about amplifying the voices of local filmmakers and ensuring their stories reach global audiences.
A Moving Documentary Takes Centre Stage
One of the highlights of the showcase is And She Didn’t Die, an award-winning documentary funded by KZNTAFA.
The film tells the story of writer and activist Lauretta Ngcobo, whose daughter Kethiwe Ngcobo narrates the project.
Through personal and political memory, the film reflects on the silencing of women during apartheid, using a fragmented narrative that mirrors the complexity of memory itself.
The film has already won critical acclaim, taking home the Ronelle Loots Award for Best Editing in a South African Documentary at the 27th Encounters Documentary Festival, and it was runner-up for the prestigious Al Jazeera Best African Feature prize.
Rising Filmmakers in the Spotlight
KZNTAFA isn’t stopping at one film. It’s also uplifting three promising filmmakers who represent the future of KwaZulu-Natal’s creative industry:
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Lungisani Gwadiso – founder of the Harry Gwala Film Festival, passionate about creating spaces for local stories to thrive.
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Charlie Samson – a theatre talent who won the Standard Bank Ovation Award for his play Kaffirs and has since directed film projects like Outlaw S2 and uChef Nosi.
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Zama kaMafikeni Msibi – a veteran of over 15 years in film, theatre, and community arts, celebrated for works like Makati – The Silent Pockets of a Township Boy and the forthcoming The King, the Land and the Chiefs.
Why This Matters
For the film authority, this moment is about more than glitz and glamour — it’s about empowering creators, preserving history, and ensuring local voices are heard on international stages.
By investing in these filmmakers, KZNTAFA is helping build a stronger industry that tells authentic African stories.
The Bigger Question
As new filmmakers take centre stage, it sparks a wider conversation: what kind of support do up-and-coming creatives really need to thrive?
Beyond funding and exposure, is it mentorship, distribution opportunities, or grassroots festival platforms that make the biggest difference?
