MBABANE — Local film A Dream has been chosen to be screened at the upcoming South African Uhuru Film Festival
The Uhuru Film Festival, held in Mokopane, is a vibrant celebration of young filmmakers and youth-oriented films from across South Africa.
The film A Dream recounts the story of a doubtful boy’s journey to become a professional actor, facing challenges due to the absence of film production companies in his village and his parents’ wishes for him to prioritise his studies and leave acting behind.
After completing high school, he makes his first film despite his mother’s doubts and limited resources.
Selection
A statement issued by the festival confirmed the selection: “The film has been officially chosen to be part of the Uhuru Film Festival.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of this remarkable production. We look forward to viewing it,” it read.
Siphosethu Sibandze, the creator of the film, expressed his excitement. “It is official the film has been selected for the Uhuru Film Festival, and I am thrilled to see my work recognised on an international platform,” he said.
This is not the first time Sibandze’s work has gained international acclaim; his film Lifa Lami was recently selected for the prestigious Waterloo Film Festival in Durban last month.
It is worth noting that the film inspired former European Union (EU) Ambassador to Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, to include its story in her speech at the 2024 EU Schools Bushfire Festival, held at House On Fire in Malkerns. Choumelova used the narrative to motivate pupils about the importance of holding on to their dreams.
In the United States, local country duo Dusty and Stones saw their documentary screened at over ten American film festivals. This exposure helped them attract new fans and garnered increased recognition for their work.
They are now featured by international media outlets such as BBC and France 24.
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