The countdown is officially underway for the eighth edition of the Hluma Film Festival, formerly known as the uMgungundlovu Film Festival.
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Taking place on 14 and 15 November 2026 in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, this year’s festival will gather filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts for two days of powerful African storytelling, screenings, and vital industry discussions.
Celebrating excellence in African cinema
With award nominations now revealed across six competitive categories, the spotlight turns to the remarkable talent shaping contemporary cinema. The 2026 nominees reflect an incredible diversity of storytelling styles and filmmaking approaches from across the continent.
In the Best Short Film category, contending projects include Echoes of the Cursed Son directed by Sbongikuhle Kunene, Tomasi directed by Portia Ncwane, Mayfair directed by Neo Leonardo Mokoena, and Letter to Society produced by O’lorato Masalesa.
The Best Feature Film nominees feature Ikhaya Lami directed by Ayanda Makhanya, Umalusi 2 directed by Mli Dube, 6 Queens and 6 Kings directed by Molatelo Bossman, and The Spring directed by Teodoro Francesco Liberto, several of which also secure well-deserved nods in the Best Documentary category alongside Mantile Malehu M’s Polyamorous US and Nhlanhla Sphilele Thusini’s Beyond Memory.
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Standout directing and acting contenders
Directing talent takes centre stage with Mli Dube, Neo Leonardo Mokoena, Sbongikuhle Kunene, and Ayanda Makhanya vying for the Best Director accolade.
Meanwhile, powerhouse performances are being recognised in the acting categories, featuring stellar nominees Sibusiso Sithole (as Gcina), Mnqobi Kunene (as Andile), Ziwe Mabuza (as Musa), and Zasizwe Mathenjwa (as Tomasi) for Best Actor, alongside Thandeka Ndeza (as Zinhle), Mitchelle Keletso Ntlaleng (as Jessica Killings), Zamuntu Khoza (as Sindi), and Seipelo Marumo (as Kedibone) for Best Actress.
A space for exchange, learning, and networking
Festival Director Portia Ndudane emphasises that the event serves as a crucial space for cultural preservation, creative exchange, and industry networking. Beyond red-carpet recognition, the vibrant two-day programme features 16 film screenings and seven panel discussions hosted at historic local venues, including the Voortrekker Museum and the Bessie Head Library, kicking off daily from 09:00.
Made possible through the support of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the 2026 festival promises an unforgettable celebration of African creative expression in KwaZulu-Natal.
Featured image: Supplied
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