Young storytellers find their voice at the inaugural Connie Chiume International Youth Film Festival

The Star

7 days ago

The inaugural Connie Chiume International Youth Film Festival, held in tribute to the late acting legend Connie Chiume, has emerged as a powerful cultural intervention, uniting learners, educators, mentors, and emerging creatives from across the country.
The festival took place over the weekend of July 18 and 19, 2025, at the Sibikwa Arts Centre in Benoni, marking a significant milestone in the quest to energise South Africa's creative economy for under-represented youth.
Developed by the Connie Chiume Foundation, the festival laid the groundwork for education, access, and visibility, addressing the existing divide between aspiring filmmakers from townships and rural areas and the professional film industry.
Over two jam-packed days, the festival offered an engaging hands-on program that equipped young talents, many of whom were first-generation storytellers, with essential skills, tools, and confidence to articulate their narratives on screen.
Filmmaker Vuyo Novokoza, whose film was screened at the festival, told Saturday Star how meaningful it was for him to present his work in such a collaborative setting.
'It was an incredible honour to showcase my work among such inspiring talent. One of the most notable takeaways for me was the spirit of collaboration. From the workshops to the conversations with industry veterans, it was clear that storytelling is not a solo pursuit but a communal experience,' he said.
Novokoza found the experience of sharing a film addressing real South African issues particularly powerful, as it fostered significant discussions about youth and accountability.
'The festival reaffirmed my purpose and reignited my creative drive. Beyond exposure, it allowed me to present a film rooted in a real South African issue, one I felt needed to be seen by the future holders of this country: the youth. Sharing it in that space opened up meaningful conversations and showed young people how powerful their voices can be when used as tools for change,' he added.
Missy Ngamlana, a writer and producer who also attended the festival, said, 'The festival's legacy, carried through the name Connie Chiume, deeply inspired me. It presented an incredible opportunity to share a story about mental health awareness with a new audience, especially in a region where my film had not yet reached. It also reaffirmed the value of connecting with audiences who resonate with powerful social narratives.'
Ngamlana described her vision for the South African film industry as one that would be inclusive, innovative, and globally respected, emphasising the need to create socially impactful work that shifts narratives and opens doors for under-represented voices.
After the festival, Nongelo Chiume, spokesperson for the Connie Chiume Foundation and son of the late actress, expressed profound gratitude for the event's success. 'The weekend was a realisation of my mother's dream. We saw raw talent and untold stories, showing that young people simply need space and support to flourish. I'm immensely thankful to every partner, mentor, and participant who believed in our vision,' he remarked.
Ntando Mabuza, a Board Member of the Foundation, explained the essence of event and shared, 'This festival is not just about honouring uMam' Connie's work; it's about ensuring that township and rural kids are not only dreaming of entering the industry but are actively stepping into it. This event left us with a pipeline of new voices and a supportive network.'
The festival attracted over 600 participants, including high school learners, TVET students, community-based production groups, and educators involved in arts, media, and language development.
Workshops also offered a diverse range of topics, including Scriptwriting for Social Impact and Smartphone Filmmaking, led by industry professionals keen to engage rather than lecture. The hands-on approach allowed learners to ask questions and pitch their ideas, fostering a collaborative spirit throughout the event.
In the evenings, the festival featured special screenings, including archive footage from productions such as Zone 14 and Black Panther , combined with a heartfelt tribute to Connie Chiume's life and influence. Community members, students, and former co-stars took the stage to honour her legacy.
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Saturday Star