Uhuru Film Festival is a bold and dynamic film festival dedicated to amplifying the voices of youth storytellers through the art of cinema. Rooted in the spirit of “uhuru,” meaning freedom, the festival celebrates narratives of liberation, cultural pride, and the power of film to reflect and reshape society.

Uhuru Film Festival serves as a curatorial home for underrepresented filmmakers, particularly those from historically marginalised communities. The festival prioritises stories that challenge social norms, deconstruct stereotypes, and champion themes of identity, justice, resilience, and transformation.

Hosted in the beautiful province of Limpopo, in a small town called Mokopane, the festival creates a platform where emerging voices can be heard and powerful African stories can be shared with wider audiences.

Awards & Prizes

Best Fiction Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Fiction Short Film
Best Documentary Short Film
Best Mogalakwena Film
Best Uhuru Film 2026

Rules & Terms

RULES & TERMS | UHURU FILM FESTIVAL

Submissions are open to filmmakers from all African countries.

Films must be completed in 2024 or later.

Films must meet one of the following:

Created by youth filmmakers aged 16–35, or

Feature youth-focused themes or characters.

Films may be in any language; English subtitles are required for non-English dialogue.

Submitted films must be in HD (1920×1080) or higher, with stereo audio.

Accepted categories:

Short Film

Feature Film

Documentary

Films must be submitted by an authorised representative.

No screening or participation fees will be paid.

Films selected may not be withdrawn from the festival programme.

Jury decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into.