Uhuru Film Festival

01/06/2026

UHURU FILM FESTIVAL SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES 2026 CAMPAIGN WITH FILM SCREENING ACTIVATION

MOKOPANE, LIMPOPO – The Uhuru Film Festival successfully launched its 2026 campaign with the highly anticipated Film Screening Activation, held on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at Siesta Manor & Guesthouse in Mokopane.

The activation marked the official commencement of the festival's journey towards its third edition, scheduled to take place from 24–27 September 2026 under the theme "Reclaim The Narrative." Bringing together filmmakers, creatives, film enthusiasts, media practitioners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, the event delivered an unforgettable evening dedicated to African storytelling, cultural dialogue, and creative collaboration.

Hosted in an outdoor cinema setting, the activation successfully revived the nostalgic spirit of the traditional bioscope culture, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of storytelling, conversation, and community engagement. Under the stars, guests enjoyed a unique cinematic experience that blended film, lifestyle, and meaningful dialogue in an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era when cinema served as a powerful communal gathering space.

One of the highlights of the evening was the screening of three compelling productions — Fortitude, Over My Dead Body, and Sonnet for Sello. Each film offered a unique storytelling perspective, captivating audiences while exploring themes that resonated deeply with the realities, aspirations, and experiences of contemporary African communities.

The screenings sparked a wide range of emotions among audience members, from reflection and empathy to inspiration and critical thought. More importantly, they ignited meaningful conversations and robust debate during the post-screening engagement sessions, demonstrating the power of cinema to challenge perspectives, provoke dialogue, and foster social connection.

Through authentic narratives and powerful storytelling, the filmmakers showcased the transformative role of film as both an artistic medium and a catalyst for conversation. Audiences were afforded the opportunity to engage directly with filmmakers and cast members, gaining valuable insight into the creative process, thematic intentions, and storytelling techniques behind each production.

The success of the activation further highlighted the emergence of the Mokopane Film Wave, a growing movement of storytellers who are using film to document, preserve, and share the realities, identities, and aspirations of local communities. This new generation of filmmakers continues to demonstrate that impactful stories can emerge from every corner of the continent and resonate with audiences far beyond their place of origin.

The narrative is being reclaimed. The voices are being heard. And the journey towards the 3rd Uhuru Film Festival has officially begun.

MEDIA CONTACT:

TSHEPHISO PHALA
PR & Communications – Uhuru Film Festival

Tel: +27 60 824 6999
Email: [email protected]

TUMELO MOUTLANA
Festival Director – Uhuru Film Festival

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uhurufilmfestival.co.za

27/05/2026

Few Hours Left 😃✨💯….



Let’s

26/05/2026

Few Days Left!

Come join us as we screen the best films that have been produced in Mogalakwena in the past three years by Mogalakwena Producers and Directors!

25/05/2026

Ahead of the screening of by Kekulu Porch Nyoni, here is what the film Director had to say about the film:

“This film was written in response to the silent epidemic of Gender-Based Violence in rural communities, where abuse often goes unspoken and unreported. In many of these spaces, women endure violence behind closed doors, silenced by shame, fear of judgment, cultural expectations, and the pressure to protect family reputation. Over time, this silence normalises suffering and makes it even harder for victims to seek help or escape abusive environments. Through Mahlatse’s journey, the film explores how emotional vulnerability, rejection, and lack of support can lead to dangerous choices, and how violence can slowly unfold within relationships that initially appear loving or safe. It is a story that seeks not only to expose this hidden reality, but also to confront the systems and attitudes that allow it to continue. Ultimately, the film aims to give voice to those who suffer in silence and to challenge the normalisation of violence against women.”

Don’t miss it. This Thursday 28 May 2026. Siesta Manor and Guest House. Mokopane

23/05/2026

If you are in Mokopane. Catch family at session.

22/05/2026

would like to extend appreciation to Limpopo platforms that hosted us this week ahead of film screening and activation.

It is such collaborations that enable us to grow and position Limpopo as a vibrant province.

Please extend the same courtesy to other movements.

A big Uhuru shoutout goes to:
Mokopane FM SA
Shynebright Radio



Together with the wonderful hosts and technical crew that run these shows and stations everyday.

Let’s . It is not yet Uhuru ✊🏿

21/05/2026

Catch Director Tumelo Dope on Turf Fm tommorow morning as he unpacks and

21/05/2026

20/05/2026

Catch again Uhuru Film Festival Director Tumelo Dope and Uhuru Film Festival Communications Manager Tshephiso Phala on Shynebright Radio, tomorrow morning at 08:10.

This is ahead of the festival activation next week 28 May 2026 at Siesta Manor, where three films from Mogalakwena will be screened in front of a live audience. The duo will be sharing what to expect during the evening in question as the festival continues to build audiences in Limpopo.