Drakensberg, South Africa – The rolling hills of Bonjaneni served as the backdrop for the third annual Rural Inclusion and Sustainability Film Festival (RISFF), a celebration of creativity and community empowerment.
Over November 29-30, villagers gathered to explore themes of sustainability, conservation, and economic inclusion through the lens of film.
This year’s festival at Emazizini village in Bonjaneni area near Bergville, KwaZulu Natal, struck a powerful chord with its diverse programming.
Local and international films, such as the conservation-focused Rhino Man, captivated audiences with their striking visuals and compelling messages.
The screenings were complemented by interactive sessions, including a standout workshop by acclaimed filmmaker Buntu Francis Hweshe, who taught budding creators the art of professional camera techniques.
Locals were over the moon about the opportunity to watch a quality film in their own backyard.
“The film festival has changed the lives of our youth as they now have skills to make films that we are able to watch and learn from,” Bawinile Mtolo said.
Another local, Sinethemba Shabalala, was equally delighted.
“I am very thankful. I didn’t believe that there will be a time when we will be able to watch our people on the screen,” said.Shabalala
Festival director Gugu Sithole highlighted the significance of these efforts: “The festival’s growth demonstrates how film can be a catalyst for awareness in local communities. Watching young people learn to create films that reflect their realities is the most rewarding part of this journey.”
Sithole also underscored the importance of showcasing films rooted in the local context. “It was exciting to see the community’s reaction to stories filmed in their own surroundings. It’s proof that everyone has a story worth telling when given the tools to share it.”
The festival was more than entertainment—it was a call to action. Through films like Rhino Man, RISFF illuminated global conservation challenges while inspiring local audiences to think critically about their role in protecting the planet.
With an eye toward the future, the festival plans to deepen its impact by expanding collaborations with industry professionals and organizations. Supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, RISFF is poised to become a hub for aspiring filmmakers in under-represented communities.
As the curtain closed on this year’s edition, the festival left behind more than memories; it left a legacy of empowerment, education, and the unifying power of storytelling.
