LGBTQI film festival entries now open

Entries are now open for the annual uMgungundlovu Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, aimed at giving voice and visibility to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer individuals (LGBTQI+) in the uMgungundlovu region.

According to festival coordinator, Siyabonga Nzuza, the aim is to show the full scope of the LGBTQI+ experience through films and programmes that entertain, educate and empower. “The primary target market for the festival is the LGBTQI + filmmakers, allies, and students aspiring filmmakers in and around UMgungundlovu. This is the first year of the festival. It will run annually in Pietermaritzburg with smaller satellites. The festival will inspire, provoke and create a dialogue, as well as promote inclusion of LGBTQI+ filmmakers in our cinemas, to broaden our audience for LGBTQI+ films. It will also stimulate the culture of watching LGBTQI+ films and appreciation of cinema-going,” said Nzuza, adding that it will also create platforms and exhibition opportunities for LGBTQI+ filmmakers and artists.

“We want to create a safe space for LGBTQI+ filmmakers and artists to thrive and also to raise awareness to the public about the LGBTQI+ community by sharing their stories and share their pain and also come up with solutions for the challenges faced by the community in South Africa e.g. hate crime, homophobia, transphobia etc. We also have a cell phone competition for aspiring filmmakers with LGBTQI+ themed stories that is closing on May 30. Then we have the festival film submission for all filmmakers who have LGBTQI+ themed stories,” Nzuza explained.

The festival is set to take place from August 26 to 29. To enter, you must use the contact information below. All the deadlines are on May 30. For more information, call: 078 543 4924 or email: uglfilmfestival@gmail.com