Ugu International Film Festival

Ugu International Film Festival 11th edition was successfully implemented as planned where we opened with a Thailand award winning action sci-fi titled THE LAKE. The vision of this event have been to attract international investors , producers and relevant industry practitioners who are winners in their continents to ascertain that the area is promoted, and jobs are created through new projects across the board. All activities should be prioritizing previously disadvantaged communities while involving creatives from all ethnic groups from all over the world. This long term vision was once again achieved and many success stories were recorded this year highlighted by epic opening night with THE LAKE film, diverse audience, exhibitions, birth of Ugu Casting Agency, announcement of a new action thriller titled Paladin Resurrection expected to hit big screen before the end of the year, announcement of an upcoming international film entitled Alpha Omega expected to create more than 1000 jobs in South Africa, advanced master classes and workshops conducted by Dr John Kani, live broadcast or coverage by SABC on Trendz and Expression, fully packed community outreach attendance in rural areas of Gcilima, Nyandezulu & Gamalakhe. The event has also garnered and created long term sustainable partnerships with local educational institutions, entertainment and creative sector. The event was held from the 14th - 16th of September with Margate Art Museum as the central venue. The 12th edition is expected to be more informative, engaging and impactful to wider communities. We also pride ourself for the short film competition program in which young creatives from South Coast produced more than 16 short films against human trafficking using their cell phones. The production of these 16 short films were inspired by the producers of the PALADIN RESURRECTION film against human trafficking (a South African Coproduction with Bangladesh starring Abul Hayat, Luthuli Dlamini, Mark Elderkin etc).

This is the first festival in South Africa that goes beyond artistic films, by accommodating all kinds of genres i.e. action, sci-fi, etc. We believe that emerging and experienced filmmakers deserved equal rights to showcase their talent; therefore, this festival is initiated as a platform to give new filmmakers from KZN/Africa/ all over the world a chance to showcase their films worldwide, while promoting the work of the experienced filmmakers. Using the existing relationship between.