Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – The 7th uMgungundlovu Film Festival (UFF) is proud to announce its opening film, The Unseen Voice, a powerful and thought-provoking film that centres around the life of a deaf woman. The festival, themed “Imagine the World in My Image,” takes place in Pietermaritzburg from the 14th to the 16th of November 2025, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and representation in the film industry.
Kick-starting on the 14th of November at Voortrekker Museum from 17:00 with the screening of The Unseen Voice, the festival marks a significant milestone, reflecting a remarkable journey of growth and impact. Over the past six years, the festival has evolved into one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading community-based film platforms, dedicated to celebrating authentic African stories and amplifying marginalised voices. This year UFF aims to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers and promote disability representation in the film industry.
Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Jerome Moremi, The Unseen Voice tells the story of a young deaf woman navigating the complexities of her world, challenging societal norms and expectations. It showcases the talent and resilience of deaf actors and highlights the need for greater representation and opportunities in the film industry. The Unseen Voice tells the emotional story of a Deaf woman who is denied medical care due to language barriers, as hospital staff are unable to communicate with her and no sign language interpreter is available to assist. This heartbreaking incident becomes a turning point, inspiring members of the Deaf community to rise up, advocate for their rights, and call on government and society to recognise their needs and humanity
We are thrilled to open our festival with a film that resonates so deeply with our theme, in addition the Disability Rights Awareness Month,” said Portia Ndudane, UFF Founder and Amadeyi Productions Director. Through The Unseen Voice, writer and director Moremi not only raises awareness about the everyday struggles faced by the Deaf community but also challenges audiences to reflect on inclusion, equality, and the importance of accessible communication in all public spaces. Disability Rights Awareness Month provides a critical backdrop for our festival, and we are proud to showcase films that challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity.”
Day 2 of the festival continues at Bessie Head Library 9:00 to 17:00, featuring a full day of film screenings and a series of skills development workshops. These sessions are designed to empower aspiring filmmakers, actors, and creatives with practical industry knowledge and tools to enhance their craft. The programme will be jam-packed with a dynamic and diverse programme featuring 33 films from 13 countries, showcasing the richness and depth of global storytelling. Films to be screened include amongst others Still Here written and directed by Joy Maseko, My Winter Tears by Lindani Msibi, Slow Fruit written and directed by Kwazikwenkosi Ntombela-Langa, and You are not Alone an animation film written and directed by James Whitelaw for the young ones. The industry development programme will feature insightful workshops on scriptwriting, film production, marketing, and distribution, as well as engaging dialogues on disability inclusion and LGBTQ+ representation in film.
The festival will wrap on the 16th of November with the screening of another powerful, inspiring story of resilience, empowerment, and the triumph of hope against all odds film, BOBO, written by Bruno Tanya and directed by Maurice Muendo. Set in the slums of Mathare, Nairobi, the film follows Bobo, an 18-year-old girl who enters a local modelling competition in a desperate attempt to save her family from a ruthless gangster threatening to seize their home. Through determination, courage, and self-belief, Bobo overcomes poverty, prejudice, and personal doubt to transform her life and secure her family’s future. The day will conclude with the festival’s prestigious Awards Ceremony, where outstanding filmmakers will be recognised and celebrated for their exceptional creativity, storytelling, and contribution to the film industry.
Made possible through the support of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, the uMgungundlovu Film Festival is a celebration of film and storytelling that aims to promote local filmmaking talent, provide a platform for emerging filmmakers, and showcase the best of international filmmaking. The festival is committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the film industry.
Join in celebrating the power of film to challenge perceptions and promote inclusivity. We look forward to seeing you at the 7th uMgungundlovu Film Festival!
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