Uhuru Film Festival

19/06/2026

The 2026 film submission season has officially come to a close.

From 15 March to 19 June 2026, we received over 90 film submissions from filmmakers across South Africa, Africa, and the world. Stories came to us from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Namibia, Mauritius and beyond.

This year's theme, , challenged filmmakers to tell their stories in their own voices, reclaim their histories, celebrate their cultures, and contribute to a richer and more authentic representation of Africa and its people.

We are humbled by the response and grateful to every filmmaker who entrusted us with their work. Your stories remind us why spaces dedicated to African storytelling matter.

As we begin the selection process, we look forward to welcoming films and filmmakers from across the continent and beyond to this year's festival. Together, we continue to build a platform where our stories are seen, heard, and celebrated.

📅 Official Film Selection Announcement: 31 July 2026

Thank you for being part of the movement.

16/06/2026

Today, as we commemorate June 16, we honour the courageous youth of 1976 who took to the streets of Soweto to demand dignity, equality, and the right to shape their own future.
More than 50 years later, we stand on the foundation of their sacrifice. The challenges facing young people today may be different, but the spirit of resistance, resilience, and determination that defined the Soweto Uprising continues to live within us.

At Uhuru Film Festival, we do not take their struggle for granted. Their bravery reminds us that meaningful change is often driven by young people who dare to imagine a better future and work towards it.

As storytellers, creatives, and cultural activists, we remain committed to creating platforms where young voices can be heard, stories can be told, and communities can be empowered.

We salute the youth of 1976. Your fight was not in vain. Your legacy lives on.

11/06/2026

In this episode, we take a look at the Mokgalakwena Wave Film Activ...

09/06/2026

Tumelo Dope representing was recently invited by Tourism unpacked to unpack the festival and how it’s positioning itself as a tourist attraction event for Mogalakwena Local Municipality, and ultimately



Watch below!

https://youtu.be/JgvQz7K4Wis?si=oVRHFVjcnkCgivPc

UHURU Film Festival Activation - Mogalakwena Wave

01/06/2026

UHURU FILM FESTIVAL SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES 2026 CAMPAIGN WITH FILM SCREENING ACTIVATION

MOKOPANE, LIMPOPO – The Uhuru Film Festival successfully launched its 2026 campaign with the highly anticipated Film Screening Activation, held on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at Siesta Manor & Guesthouse in Mokopane.

The activation marked the official commencement of the festival's journey towards its third edition, scheduled to take place from 24–27 September 2026 under the theme "Reclaim The Narrative." Bringing together filmmakers, creatives, film enthusiasts, media practitioners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, the event delivered an unforgettable evening dedicated to African storytelling, cultural dialogue, and creative collaboration.

Hosted in an outdoor cinema setting, the activation successfully revived the nostalgic spirit of the traditional bioscope culture, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of storytelling, conversation, and community engagement. Under the stars, guests enjoyed a unique cinematic experience that blended film, lifestyle, and meaningful dialogue in an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era when cinema served as a powerful communal gathering space.

One of the highlights of the evening was the screening of three compelling productions — Fortitude, Over My Dead Body, and Sonnet for Sello. Each film offered a unique storytelling perspective, captivating audiences while exploring themes that resonated deeply with the realities, aspirations, and experiences of contemporary African communities.

The screenings sparked a wide range of emotions among audience members, from reflection and empathy to inspiration and critical thought. More importantly, they ignited meaningful conversations and robust debate during the post-screening engagement sessions, demonstrating the power of cinema to challenge perspectives, provoke dialogue, and foster social connection.

Through authentic narratives and powerful storytelling, the filmmakers showcased the transformative role of film as both an artistic medium and a catalyst for conversation. Audiences were afforded the opportunity to engage directly with filmmakers and cast members, gaining valuable insight into the creative process, thematic intentions, and storytelling techniques behind each production.

The success of the activation further highlighted the emergence of the Mokopane Film Wave, a growing movement of storytellers who are using film to document, preserve, and share the realities, identities, and aspirations of local communities. This new generation of filmmakers continues to demonstrate that impactful stories can emerge from every corner of the continent and resonate with audiences far beyond their place of origin.

The narrative is being reclaimed. The voices are being heard. And the journey towards the 3rd Uhuru Film Festival has officially begun.

MEDIA CONTACT:

TSHEPHISO PHALA
PR & Communications – Uhuru Film Festival

Tel: +27 60 824 6999
Email: [email protected]

TUMELO MOUTLANA
Festival Director – Uhuru Film Festival

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.uhurufilmfestival.co.za

27/05/2026

Few Hours Left 😃✨💯….



Let’s

26/05/2026

Few Days Left!

Come join us as we screen the best films that have been produced in Mogalakwena in the past three years by Mogalakwena Producers and Directors!

25/05/2026

Ahead of the screening of by Kekulu Porch Nyoni, here is what the film Director had to say about the film:

“This film was written in response to the silent epidemic of Gender-Based Violence in rural communities, where abuse often goes unspoken and unreported. In many of these spaces, women endure violence behind closed doors, silenced by shame, fear of judgment, cultural expectations, and the pressure to protect family reputation. Over time, this silence normalises suffering and makes it even harder for victims to seek help or escape abusive environments. Through Mahlatse’s journey, the film explores how emotional vulnerability, rejection, and lack of support can lead to dangerous choices, and how violence can slowly unfold within relationships that initially appear loving or safe. It is a story that seeks not only to expose this hidden reality, but also to confront the systems and attitudes that allow it to continue. Ultimately, the film aims to give voice to those who suffer in silence and to challenge the normalisation of violence against women.”

Don’t miss it. This Thursday 28 May 2026. Siesta Manor and Guest House. Mokopane

23/05/2026

If you are in Mokopane. Catch family at session.