Kwasukasukela Film Festival back to shine a light on rural storytellers

The annual Kwasukasukela Film Festival and workshop is back.

Set to take place from December 12 to 15 at Msiyane Hall in Jozini in KwaZulu-Natal's Umkhanyakude district, the event promises an immersive celebration of storytelling, creativity and cultural exchange.

Now in its eighth year, the festival aims to spotlight and amplify the voices of rural communities, bringing their unique narratives to a broader audience through the power of film.

Under the theme “Appreciating and celebrating our locally produced micro-budget films”, this year’s festival will feature an exciting line-up of local talent as well as hands-on workshops designed to inspire and equip aspiring filmmakers with essential skills.

Speaking to TshisaLIVE, festival media liaison Sibonelo Mbutho said: “Not only do we screen films but we teach attendees valuable lessons and give them a platform to demonstrate what they’ve learnt. Our experts then advise on where they need to improve.

“Our festival caters for everyone, be it you want to be on screen or you’re looking for opportunities behind the scenes. I will also be one of the speakers advising the youth on using social media to your advantage as an artist.”

Entrance to the festival is free and the programme starts at 9am each day.

“We invite the youth to come out in their numbers because festivals of this nature [usually only] happen in big cities,” he said.

“We are proud to mention those who have attended in the past have soared to great heights. Some contributed to a locally produced film about rhino poaching that was shot in Jozini. The film, The Score, features me, Tiisetso Thoka, Nkanyiso Mchunu, Jack Devnarain, Angel Zuma and kwaito singer Professor.”