The highly anticipated 7th uMgungundlovu Film Festival (UFF) is set to open its doors from 14th to 16th November 2025 in Pietermaritzburg, promising a riveting line-up that highlights inclusivity and representation within the film industry. This year’s theme, “Imagine the World in My Image,” underpins the festival’s commitment to shining a light on marginalised voices, particularly within the realm of disability representation.
Commencing at 17:00 on the 14th of November at the Voortrekker Museum, the festival will kick off with a special screening of the opening film, The Unseen Voice. The powerful narrative, crafted by award-winning filmmaker Jerome Moremi, centres on the life of a young deaf woman grappling with societal challenges and unjust barriers she faces due to her disability. The film poignantly portrays her struggle to access essential medical care—a heartbreaking reality highlighted by her experience with hospital staff who cannot communicate with her due to the absence of a sign language interpreter. This narrative serves as a wake-up call, advocating for a broader understanding and recognition of the Deaf community’s rights and their pressing needs.
“We are thrilled to open our festival with a film that resonates so deeply with our theme, in addition to it being Disability Rights Awareness Month,” expressed Portia Ndudane, the founder of UFF and director of Amadeyi Productions. She emphasised the importance of portrayals like Moremi’s that challenge audiences to confront their notions of inclusion and equality in public dialogue.
The festival aims not only to celebrate cinematic storytelling but also to empower emerging filmmakers. The second day on the 15th of November will unfold at Bessie Head Library, offering a full day of film screenings and enriching skills development workshops between 09:00 and 17:00. Aspiring creatives will have the opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals through a series of practical sessions focusing on scriptwriting, film production, marketing, and the pressing topics of disability inclusion and LGBTQ+ representation in film.
Attendees can look forward to an eclectic mix of films from across the globe, showcasing 33 works from 13 different countries. Noteworthy titles include Still Here by Joy Maseko, My Winter Tears directed by Lindani Msibi, and You Are Not Alone, an animated short for children by James Whitelaw. Each of these films encapsulates the richness and diversity of storytelling on a global stage.
As the festival brings its curtains down on 16th November, it will screen another inspiring film titled BOBO, directed by Maurice Muendo. This uplifting tale follows Bobo, an 18-year-old girl from Nairobi’s Mathare slums, as she strives to save her family from the clutches of a ruthless gangster by entering a modelling competition. Her journey of resilience and empowerment underscores the triumph of hope against adversity. The day will culminate with the festival’s prestigious Awards Ceremony, recognising exceptional filmmakers for their creativity and impactful storytelling.
Supported by the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the uMgungundlovu Film Festival stands as a testament to the power of local filmmaking. It continues to amplify the call for inclusivity and diversity within the film industry, paving the way for future generations of storytellers to echo their experiences and solutions to societal challenges.