Klerksdorp – The opening night of the inaugural Khuma Film Festival at the Hoerskool Stilfontein in Klerksdorp, North West, got off to an amazing start with the screening of “Who’s My Daddy?”, a hilarious comedy.
The feature film starred the likes of David Kau, Nomsa Buthelezi, Alfred Ntombela, Dr. Victor, and many others.
The festival is supported by the National Film and Video Foundation through the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.
Speaking at the opening night on Wednesday, (21 February 2024), the first resident of Khuma, the Executive Mayor, James Ntsulela, delivered words of encouragement for the director of the festival Naomi Mokhele, and young people who attended the film festival.
Mayor Ntsulela also thanked all the principals who have committed to supporting the film festival and allowing their learners to attend these inspiring workshops earmarked for their benefit.
“We are gathered here in celebration of one of our own,” said Mayor Ntsulela.
“Most of us when we watch TV, we wait eagerly for the credits at the end in order to see if we can spot someone we know and the woman behind this festival is one of those people who have flown our flag high.
“We rarely see people who leave their homes come back to plough back into their communities.
“What I am saying is that, as Khuma, we do have talented people among us.
“In fact, Khuma is the heart of this province and not just Matlosana as a city.
“This festival is a platform that we must use to change the lives of our people.”
North West Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation MEC Kenestswe Mosenogi sent a message of support for the film festival, which she said had the potential to create much-needed jobs for the youth of the province.
“Our local film industry is our own Hollywood, and we can use this industry to create opportunities for our young people,” she said.
“The Nigerian industry is doing it because of the support it gets.
“If we work together, we can create jobs as this is the most diverse industry in creating jobs,” she said.
Festival founder and director of Sebabatso Media Mokhele urged young people to use their cellphones to create meaningful and socially constructive content.
“Our objective is to create jobs and grow the industry through workshops, and interactive sessions which will help young people with enough information on how to enter this industry,” said Mokhele.
“We have invited some of the leading actors and actresses as well as producers and directors for your benefit.
“I would urge young people to use their phones to create socially constructive content and make socially relevant documentaries as a way to kick-start their filmmaking careers.”
Founder and CEO of Hatang Mmoho, Sello Hatang gave an inspirational address that invoked the belief in God.
The former CEO of The Nelson Mandela Foundation urged young people to follow their dreams despite obstacles that may stand in their way.
“To stay the course, trust in the Lord to take care of your troubles,” said Hatang.
“Never forget where you are going.
“The road might be full of hurdles as you try to establish this brand, but I urge you to never lose hope as hope is the one thing we have in abundance.
“May your dreams for this brand be realised and to all the young people, I urge you to also do the same.
“Trust in the Lord and that one day your good deeds will make a way for you.”
Other guests included personalities such as Robert Mpisi, Didintle Khunou, Thembile Botman (all three from Khuma), the celebrated actor and motivational Israel Matseke-Zulu, and Tjovitjo filmmaker Vincent Moloi.
During the film festival, these personalities will facilitate various film industry talks, workshops, and engagement sessions.
The aim is to inspire young people to imagine themselves as future stars, directors, producers, and other film-related professional roles.
