The 2024 Umlazi International Film Festival which is taking place at the University from 27 November, and ending today, scored big on the first day, whose highlight was the book fair. The biggest winner was Mshiyeni SR Mlotshwa, a seasoned book writer. After delivering a speech about his books – Ibalazwe and Ingane-ke, Mlotshwa was told by the event organisers that Ibalazwe would be turned into a movie. Mlotshwa, a retired school principal, was excited and asked to be involved in the making of the movie. Michael Ngema, the CEO of Umlazi Film Festival assured Mlotshwa that he would be the movie producer to ensure everything goes accordingly. Ngema said his dream was to see filmmakers becoming millionaires.
Some of the writers who gave talks about the books were Nonhlanhla Vezi, Lecturer in the Department of Community Extension, Dr Sandile Mthimkhulu, and Professor Theo Davies, a Research Professor in the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences (AHS). Professor Davies’ book was Medical Geology of Africa: A Research Primer.
Today the event will move to the Student Centre for the awards ceremony starting at 6 pm to award the winning films. More than 120 submissions were made.