by Gerrit Bester
Motion Picture Production (MPP) alum, Mbuso Gamede (29), is taking the local film industry by storm.
His film, Mfe2 dilo-dilo, produced as part of his Postgraduate Diploma studies in Motion Picture Production at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Department of Visual Communication, has been selected for the upcoming Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), hosted from 17 to 27 July, where it will premiere and compete for the Best Student Film category.
Asked about the film, Gamede says: “This is a historical narrative that depicts the daily routines inside a dormitory in the 1990s. Its concept was inspired by a location primarily designated for males.”
“In the era of apartheid, hostels were reserved for industrious and employed men. Utilising the hostel in the film symbolises respect for people and relates to the growth of a man, the surroundings and the perspective that a young person can go through.”
Gamede praises the MPP programme’s role in his success thus far, stating, “The MPP programme has played a crucial role in allowing me to realise my vision. By engaging in practical experiences, receiving guidance and utilising professional tools, I developed the confidence and abilities required to write, direct and produce my film. The cooperative atmosphere and constructive critiques motivated me to enhance my narrative skills and cultivate a more powerful cinematic voice. This journey has been transformative, turning my passion into a tangible creation.”
The DIFF, presented by the Centre for Creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, is widely regarded as a leading film festival in Africa. Founded in 1979, it is the oldest and largest film festival in Southern Africa, showcasing over one hundred screenings, all of which are premieres in this region. The festival also offers screenings in township areas where cinemas do not exist.
Mbuso Gamede (29) on the set of his film Mfe2 dilo-dilo.
In addition to features, documentaries and short films, the line-up includes a section for student films aimed at supporting young filmmakers in shaping their careers as they debut their first films and creating opportunities for them to engage with industry professionals.
The poster for Mfe2 dilo-dilo.