Seen Here: African cinema takes centre stage as the Hluma Film Festival 2026 announces its nominees ahead of its eighth edition in Pietermaritzburg on 14–15 November. Featuring 16 film screenings, seven industry discussions and awards across six categories, the festival celebrates the storytellers, filmmakers and performers shaping Africa’s creative landscape while creating a platform for talent, cultural expression and the future of African filmmaking. Photo Credit: Supplied
The eighth edition of the festival will bring two days of film screenings, industry conversations and creative exchange to KwaZulu-Natal, recognising emerging and established talent across six award categories.
PIETERMARITZBURG, 10 NOVEMBER 2026 – African cinema takes centre stage this weekend as the Hluma Film Festival 2026 prepares to transform Pietermaritzburg into a meeting point for filmmakers, actors, emerging creatives and film enthusiasts.
With its eighth edition scheduled for 14 and 15 November, the festival has officially announced its award nominees, setting the stage for a celebration of African storytelling, creative excellence and the people shaping the continent’s film industry.
Formerly known as the uMgungundlovu Film Festival, Hluma Film Festival has continued to develop as a platform for showcasing African narratives, connecting filmmakers with audiences and creating opportunities for engagement across the creative sector.
This year’s nominations recognise talent across six categories: Best Short Film, Best Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. The selection reflects a range of stories, filmmaking approaches and performances that contribute to the evolving landscape of South African and African cinema.
Six categories celebrate filmmaking excellence
The Best Short Film category features 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.
In the Best Feature Film category, the nominees are 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.
The Best Documentary category recognises The Spring, directed by Teodoro Francesco Liberto; Polyamorous US, directed by Mantile Malehu M; Beyond Memory, directed by Nhlanhla Sphilele Thusini; and 6 Queens and 6 Kings, directed by Molatelo Bossman.
The Best Director nominees are Mli Dube, Neo Leonardo Mokoena, Sbongokuhle Kunene and Ayanda Makhanya.
Acting talent also features prominently in this year’s nominations.
The Best Actor category includes Sibusiso Sithole for his portrayal of Gcina, Mnqobi Kunene as Andile, Ziwe Mabuza as Musa and Zasizwe Mathenjwa as Tomasi.
For Best Actress, the nominees are Thandeka Ndeza as Zinhle, Mitchelle Keletso Ntlaleng as Jessica Killings, Zamuntu Khoza as Sindi and Seipelo Marumo as Kedibone.
Together, the nominations highlight the creative contributions of filmmakers and performers whose work brings African experiences, perspectives and characters to the screen.
More than awards: A platform for creative exchange
Beyond recognising outstanding productions and performances, Hluma Film Festival aims to strengthen the relationships, knowledge-sharing opportunities and professional networks that support a sustainable film industry.
The 2026 programme will feature 16 film screenings, alongside seven panel discussions and information sessions exploring filmmaking, storytelling and the future of African cinema.
Activities will take place at the Voortrekker Museum and Bessie Head Library in Pietermaritzburg, bringing established industry professionals and emerging creatives into the same space for screenings, conversations and learning.
The programme is designed to create opportunities for filmmakers to engage with audiences, exchange ideas and explore the creative and professional possibilities within the African film sector.
Festival Director Portia Ndudane says the nominations represent the depth of talent and commitment within the industry, while the festival itself provides an important platform for collaboration and development.
“The nominees represent the remarkable talent, hard work and commitment that exists within our film industry. Hluma Film Festival is more than a film festival; it is a space for exchange, learning, networking and building a stronger, more inclusive film industry,” says Ndudane.
“We look forward to celebrating our nominees and recognising the excellence that continues to emerge from our creative sector.”
Celebrating African stories and creative identity
The festival’s continued evolution from the uMgungundlovu Film Festival to Hluma Film Festival reflects its commitment to providing a platform for African storytelling and creative expression.
Film remains an important cultural medium through which communities can document their experiences, preserve heritage, challenge perceptions and introduce audiences to stories that may otherwise remain underrepresented.
By bringing together filmmakers, performers, industry stakeholders and audiences, the festival seeks to contribute to a more connected and inclusive creative environment.
For emerging filmmakers in particular, platforms that facilitate screenings, industry conversations and professional networking can help create visibility and opportunities to develop their craft.
The 2026 edition is made possible through the support of the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), whose contribution supports the festival’s role in advancing South Africa’s film and audiovisual sector.
Pietermaritzburg prepares for the spotlight
With the nominees announced and the programme taking shape, the countdown to the festival has entered its final days.
On 14 and 15 November, Pietermaritzburg will welcome film enthusiasts, aspiring filmmakers, established creatives and members of the public for two days dedicated to African cinema and artistic exchange.
For the nominees, the occasion represents recognition of their creative work. For audiences, it offers an opportunity to experience diverse African stories and engage with the people behind them.
As the Hluma Film Festival enters its eighth edition, its message extends beyond the awards: African stories deserve to be seen, celebrated and given the platforms necessary to reach wider audiences.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
- Dates: 14–15 November 2026
- Venues: Voortrekker Museum and Bessie Head Library
- Location: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
- Programme starts: 09:00
Released by Sebabatso Media on behalf of Amadeyi Productions.
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