+CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF CREATIVE FREEDOM+
Visions of freedom
Film Festival
BASHA UHURU FREEDOM FESTIVAL
The Visions of Freedom Film Festival:
28 June 2024
Curated by Mmabatho Montsho.
“The Basha Uhuru Freedom festival commemorates the committed and fearless spirit of youth of ’76, who demanded education in a language they could understand and learn in. The Visions of Freedom Film Festival 2024 – Student Edition wants to honour this spirit by centring student films.Forty-eight years since the 1976 uprising, quality education remains inaccessible to many South African youth. And for those who do have access, many struggle with finding safe and dignified student accommodations and still many struggle to pay their fees. Despite these challenges students – in our case – film students, continue to complete their thesis and raise money to make their graduation films with passion and dedication. These are the victories the festival wishes to platform. We are inviting South African film students to share their joys and pains; artistic dilemmas; creative breakthroughs; and musings under the theme “Visions of Freedom” using a language they have worked so hard to master – the cinematic language. In addition, the festival is inviting film and television industry leaders to watch the officially selected films and identify outstanding students and new graduates to internship and mentoring opportunities. We are all looking forward to celebrating your hard work and welcoming you into the industry.” Mmabatho Montsho
Attendees for the Creative Conference and Film Festival which are free to attend will be required to rsvp in advance, allowing them to select sessions more relevant to their interests.
28 JUNE
Programme
TIME
Title
Description
15:30
Arrival
Arrival
16:00
From Idea to Hit TV Show
Panel Discussion with Industry Experts Dithapelo Segodi (Executive Producer), Thabang Phetla (Executive Producer) and Lufuno Nemungadi (Line Producer) - This dialogue will unpack the workings of the television market: how an idea is developed, submitted and licensed or commissioned by streamers and broadcasters.
17:00
Film Screenings
Screenings of the officially selected films. This year, the festival is honouring the students of 1976 by platforming film students and their stunning student films.
18:30
Q&A with Filmmakers
Q&A with Filmmakers
19:00
Announcement of Selected Interns by Production Companies
Announcement of Selected Interns by Production Companies
19:15
Awards
Our esteemed producers from Burnt Onion Productions (How to Ruin Christmas; Entangled; How to Ruin Love) and Black Brain Pictures (Diep City; Lockdown; Isipheto) will announce the outstanding film students they’ve selected for mentoring and internships. And finally, the Visions of Freedom Film Festival will award winners in the following categories: Best Performance; Best Student Film; Award for Spiritedness; and the Rising Star Award.
19:30
Entertainment
Entertainment
Visions of freedom Films
DURATION
FILM NAME
Description
INSTITUTE
10:40
Boy
A journey from boyhood to manhood and back again.
Wits Film & TV
18:00
Umdali
In search of creative transcendence, a band of aspiring black femme filmmakers ventures into the wilds of the Eastern Cape, trading urban comforts for untamed wilderness, forging an intimate connection with nature and their own artistic souls.
Wits Film & TV
15:10
Muffin Top
A young woman struggles with the choice between the risk of leaving her home to pursue an education, or the safety of taking a managerial job at her local factory.
AFDA CPT
11:51
Smokey
A young man's quest to find R2 for a cigarette brings him at odds with his loved ones.
TUT
17:09
Fix
A young girl's desperate quest for a heroin fix leads her down a harrowing path, confronting the brutal realities and life-threatening dangers that addicts face to feed their cravings.
AFDA
17:15
small details BIGGER PICTURE
In a pivotal election year, 21-year-old Thando Bungane navigates South Africa's democratic landscape, uncovering the profound impact of voting through personal and historical lenses."
AFDA
14:00
Lakutshon' Ilanga
A young, Black nurse in 1985 apartheid South Africa must face her worst fears when she learns that her activist, younger brother may be in danger when he doesn't return after school. Inspired by actual events.
Chapman University
11:46
Mbokodo
Sizani, an 8-year-old girl, uses 'ukuqoqisa' - a storytelling form where rocks are used as characters in a story, to tell the harrowing story of violation.
UCT
From Idea to Hit TV Show
Panel Discussion
Carving your Career Path – Panel Discussion with Industry Experts
Join seasoned producers such as Dithapelo Segodi (Executive Producer), Thabang Phetla (Executive Producer) and Lufuno Nemungadi (Line Producer) in this panel discussion as they unpack the workings of the television market: how an idea is developed, submitted and licensed or commissioned by streamers and broadcasters.
Dithapelo Segodi
Executive Producer
Born in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, with a passion for sharing African stories, Dithapelo began her journey at AFDA in 2008. As a producer, her key strength is identifying content with business potential and contemporary appeal. Currently completing her MFA in Film at AFDA, she has line produced several award-winning films and TV shows, including “The Hajji,” “BlackTaxS2,” and “EMjindini,” and won a Silver Lorrie for the commercial “Thato.”
Dithapelo is a diligent and business-minded filmmaker, known for her punctuality and drive to succeed. Her responsibilities include leading productions from concept to distribution, guiding creative content, assembling crews, sourcing funds, and managing productions. In 2022, she joined eTV as an Executive Producer, working on award-winning projects and managing the telenovela “Smoke and Mirrors.”
Thabang Petla
Executive Producer
Thabang Petla has over 15 years of experience in the television and film industry. In 2002, while studying at Wits University’s drama school, he won Wits School of Arts awards for Best Writer and Best Editor. In 2003, he won the WSOA award for Most Promising Director and joined Curious Pictures as a writer for TSHA TSHA 2. He then worked at Ochre Pictures on ZOLA 7 and other shows.
Thabang has been an Online Editor for BANTFU EMBILI and directed KGOTLA and ZABALZA 2. In 2010, he directed his first TV film, CORNER PLEIN AND RISSIK, for Mzansi Magic. From 2009 to 2018, he managed production at NEMISA, mentoring graduates and working on international projects. He then joined the SABC as a Commissioning Editor and later moved to eTV in 2020, working on projects like DARYN’S GYM, GEREZA, and KLEVA-ISH. Currently, he manages two daily dramas for eTV, Isitha The Enemy and Isiphetho Destiny.
MEET THE MAKERS AT
FILM SCREENINGS
Boy
A journey from boyhood to manhood and back again.
DURATION: 10:40
INSTITUTION: Wits Film & TV
This documentary explores what does it truly mean to step out of boyhood and what it means to be a man. We hear the thoughts of two young men, Neo and Tshepo, who come from the same township in Soweto. They share their understanding of the meaning of manhood.
Cast: Neo Abrahams, Tshepo Mokhesi | Crew: Bongani Ndaba & Tshegofatso Magoshi
Umdali
In search of creative transcendence, a band of aspiring black femme filmmakers ventures into the wilds of the Eastern Cape, trading urban comforts for untamed wilderness, forging an intimate connection with nature and their own artistic souls.
DURATION: 18:00
INSTITUTION: Wits Film & TV
In the heart of the Eastern Cape, a group of aspiring black femme filmmakers sets out on an extraordinary quest for creative transcendence. They abandon the comforts of urban life to immerse themselves in the untamed wilderness. Amidst the rugged landscapes and untamed beauty, they seek not only inspiration but also a profound connection with nature and their own artistic souls.
As they journey deeper into the wilderness, each step becomes a revelation, both of the land and of themselves. Encountering the raw power and unpredictable rhythms of nature, they are challenged in ways they never imagined. Yet, through resilience and camaraderie, they discover an inner strength that propels them forward.
United by their passion for storytelling, the filmmakers capture the essence of the Eastern Cape on film, blurring the lines between art and reality. In moments of pure inspiration, they transcend the limitations of their craft, tapping into a creative energy that flows from the very heart of the wilderness.
“Umdali” is a captivating tale of exploration, self-discovery, and the transformative power of nature. Through their journey, these courageous women redefine not only their own identities but also the boundaries of what it means to create. In the wilderness, they find not only beauty but also the key to unlocking their truest artistic potential.
Cast: (Filmmakers playing as themselves), Wawina Mngoma, Xola-Sisipho Limba, Zibuyile Gumede, Zinhle Nkosi, Mihle Sopam, Donnée Buetussa | Crew: (Collaborative effort on all roles by), Wawina Mngoma, Xola-Sisipho Limba, Zibuyile Gumede, Zinhle Nkosi, Mihle Sopam, Donnée Buetussa
Muffin Top
A young woman struggles with the choice between the risk of leaving her home to pursue an education, or the safety of taking a managerial job at her local factory.
DURATION: 15:10
INSTITUTION: AFDA CPT
The story centres around Piper who dreams of going to an exclusive fashion school in the city. Piper lives in a small town and works at the local bakery to help with her family’s income. Living in a small town, the friends she surrounds herself with are the same friends she has had all her life. They all have big dreams and aspirations to get out of the little town they live in, but Piper struggles in making the decision to leave. Should she stay and help take care of her family, or should she follow her dreams of pursuing an education within fashion?
Cast: ‘Piper’ Chante de Bergh, ‘Summer’ Esihle Ndleleni, ‘Andi’ Linda Midiwo, ‘Aiden’ – Braeden Buys, ‘Bianca’ Chelsea Bartman, ‘Thomas’ Eric Diswane | Director: Lumka Sibeko | Producing: Marthe Strand and Noah de Villiers | Cinematographer: Zaid Lagadien | Editor: Mishka Titus | Sound Designee: Alexander Mackenzie | DIT & Colourist: Michael McGowan | Visual Effects Artist: Khaleel Tayob | CMS: Jennifer Blore | Production Designe: Isabella Duisberg | Music Composer: Chadlee Skrikker
Smokey
A young man’s quest to find R2 for a cigarette brings him at odds with his loved ones.
DURATION: 11:51
INSTITUTION: TUT
Fix
A young girl’s desperate quest for a heroin fix leads her down a harrowing path, confronting the brutal realities and life-threatening dangers that addicts face to feed their cravings.
DURATION: 17:09
INSTITUTION: AFDA
FIX is a thriller about an expelled aviation university student who turns to heroin in a bid to gain her freedom after losing her father. It explores the hurdles drug addicts go through to feed their cravings. Melisa Kent descends into a painful reality of almost killing herself searching for a heroin sachet to get a fix.
Cast: Tiisetso Benevolence Masilo (As Melisa Kent)
small details Bigger Picture
In a pivotal election year, 21-year-old Thando Bungane navigates South Africa’s democratic landscape, uncovering the profound impact of voting through personal and historical lenses.
DURATION: 17:15
INSTITUTION: AFDA
In 2024, South Africa stands at a crossroads with a crucial election ahead. Thando Bungane, a 21-year-old first-time voter, explores the significance of voting in a nation celebrating 30 years of democracy. Through personal reflections, historical insights, and community voices, the documentary highlights the importance of democratic participation and its impact on South Africa’s future.
The documentary delves into South Africa’s history, particularly the era before 1994 when the black majority was denied voting rights. It revisits the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, emphasizing the sacrifices made for democracy. Thando Bungane, the narrator, gathers perspectives from various age groups to understand their views on voting.
Cast: Kealeboga Maphunye, Tshidi Nchabeng, Luvo P, Thato Will, Kago, Auma Mguni, Bolelwa Gebani, Chuma Mdunyela, Maki Mahese, Lebohang Shumayelo, Tumelo Motsoane, Kgontse Mokhele, Batshabile Thinani, Maki Khaole, Monyadiwe Madona, Kago Palagangwe, Luvo Pewa, Thato Mohlapiso, Bobi Patros Mnguni | Producer, Director, Writer: Thando N. Bungane | CoProducer: Sluphiwe Kumkani Mfihlo | DOP/cinematographer: Jannik Schlüter | Cinematographer: Siyamthanda and Kago Palagangwe | Sound: Thato Mohlapiso | Planning: Yolanda C. Shoba, Edwin Mohlala and Light Rifumo | Post: Kuluyolo Hanise | Music: Lindokuhle Hlongwane
Lakutshon’ Ilanga
A young, Black nurse in 1985 apartheid South Africa must face her worst fears when she learns that her activist, younger brother may be in danger when he doesn’t return after school. Inspired by actual events.
DURATION: 14:00
INSTITUTION: Chapman University
Lakutshon’ Ilanga (aka When the Sun Sets) tells the story of a young, Black nurse (Zikhona Bali) in 1985 apartheid South Africa, who must face her worst fears when she learns that her activist, younger brother (Aphiwe Mkefe) may be in danger when he doesn’t return after school. Inspired by actual events.
Mbokodo
Sizani, an 8-year-old girl, uses ‘ukuqoqisa’ – a storytelling form where rocks are used as characters in a story, to tell the harrowing story of violation.
DURATION: 11:46
INSTITUTION: UCT
“Wathinta abafazi, Wathin’imbokodo” (you strike a woman, you strike a rock) is a phrase commonly used to describe the strength of a woman. It is used to describe the epitome of strength found in women. Sizani, an 8-year-old girl, uses ‘ukuqoqisa’ – a storytelling form where rocks are used as characters in a story, to tell the story of how she was sexually violated.
Directed by : Nakesa Ndou
