The 2nd annual Khuma Film Festival, held from May 27 to May 30 at the Philemon Masinga Stadium Hall, brought a wave of enthusiasm to learners from Khuma, Stillfontein, and surrounding areas. The festival not only marked a significant cultural event but also served as a platform to inspire the next generation of South African filmmakers. Various stars, including Thembile Botman, Didintle Khunou, Neo Ntlatleng, Robert Mpisi, Israel Matseke-Zulu, and Vincent Moloi, engaged with students by leading industry workshops and facilitating panel discussions, while also visiting local schools to broaden the outreach of this remarkable initiative.
A highlight of the festival’s opening night was the presentation of the prestigious lifetime achievement award to acclaimed actor Moditle “Boikie” Pholo. The event, organised by Sebabatso Media, recognised Pholo’s vast contributions to South Africa’s film and television landscape. The opening ceremony was graced by the executive Mayor of Matlosana, Fikile Mahlophe, and the Department of Education representative, David Jonas, both of whom reminisced about their admiration for Pholo, sharing fond childhood memories of watching him in iconic shows like Lesilo Rula.
Pholo, who has left an indelible mark in productions such as Generations and The Queen, expressed profound gratitude during his emotional address. “I would like to thank Sebabatso Media and the Khuma Film Festival team for honouring me in this way,” he said. “I have been keeping away from the public, but Ms Naomi Mokhele came to find me. For that, I am eternally grateful.” His humble words highlighted the importance of hard work, dedication, and the collective talents of his colleagues in shaping his illustrious career.
As the founder of the festival and CEO of Sebabatso Media, Ms Naomi Mokhele took the opportunity to reflect on the necessity of showcasing the North West province within the South African film industry. “Having been to various film festivals encouraged me to come up with a concept that we need to recognise talent within the North West province,” she stated passionately. “The Khuma Film Festival, funded through the NFVF Presidential Stimulus Programme, needs the support of the province, and if it was not for the programme, these children who wish to learn more about the industry would not be here.”
The festival aimed to reach deeper than mere celebrations; it included masterclasses hosted by industry leaders and tour visits to various schools around Khuma, where eager learners participated in film screenings and workshops designed to ignite their passion for filmmaking. An inclusive aspect of the festival was the engagement with the Tedford Center, a facility for persons with disabilities based in Jouberton, which the festival pledged to support actively. In collaboration with the Mphoentle Mokhele Foundation, sanitary towels were also donated, underscoring the festival’s commitment to social responsibility.
As the festival concluded, with performances from enthusiastic young participants showcasing their own productions, festival Director Neo Ntlatleng expressed his gratitude to educational officials, the mayor, and the numerous learners who made the Philemon Masinga Sports Complex Hall their temporary home. “At the Khuma Film Festival, we were honoured to have been able to put together a wonderful programme while also honouring and celebrating one of the biggest legends in our industry, Ntate Boikie Pholo,” said Ntlatleng. “The lineup of workshops featuring some of the country’s leading actors, film screenings, and school tours all contributed to the success of the festival.”
