There will be a feast of film screenings, content sessions, music showcases, workshops and masterclasses at annual FAME Shorts Film Festival held in Cape Town.
Set to take place from September 4 to 7 at the Labia Theatre, the festival will showcase 31 thought-provoking films by filmmakers from across the continent under four pivotal themes.
Under the theme “Love Stories” is a collection of short films that will capture the essence of love in its many forms.
According to the website, “These shorts delve into the complexities and beauty of human connections, providing a cinematic journey that celebrates the transformative power of love.
Films include “Boni & Wes - A True Love Story” (SA), “Bonnarien” (France), Des Reves en Bateaux Papiers (Haiti), “Noel Au Continent” (Cameroon) and “No, You’re Amazing!” (South Africa) among others.
“Growing Pains” offers a collection of short films that delve into the raw and transformative experiences of growth and change.
“Each narrative captures the poignant moments of struggle and self-discovery that define our journey from innocence to maturity,” it reads.
Films under this theme include, “Middle van Erens” (South Africa), “Spider’s Blanket” (Ghana), “Stero” (Kenya) and “Straatrotte” (South Africa) among others.
“Past Echoes” will delve into the resonating impact of history on contemporary lives.
“Each film captures the subtle reverberations of past events, traditions, and memories, showcasing how they shape and influence the present.”
Local films under this theme include Lamar Bonhomme’s “Time and Tide” and Nakesa Ndou’s “Mbokodo”.
“Drifting” sees a collection of short films that look into human aimlessness and fleeting connections.
“Characters wander through transient lives, evoking contemplation and juxtaposing the emptiness of drifting with the occasional glimpses of purpose and connection,” read the website.
Movie-goers will be able to see Karabo Lediga’s “What Did You Dream”, which forms part of this theme along with others.
Martin Hiller, FAME Week Africa portfolio director said the dazzling array of African cinema will offer movie-goers a rich tapestry of stories from Africa and its diaspora.
“We're absolutely thrilled with the FAME Shorts Film Festival programme. It's brimming with personal stories, biographies, and tales of innovation, underscoring the rich diversity of African societies.
“Over four captivating days, the programme explores themes of drifting through life's challenges, the growing pains of coming of age, the complexities of love stories, and the preservation of cultural heritage,” said Hiller.
The festival’s content sessions, workshops, and master-classes will be hosted by industry experts and are aimed at educating and inspiring professionals in the film and television industry.
These sessions are scheduled to run from September 2 to 4 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Alderman JP Smith, a Cape Town Mayoral Committee Member, said: “As a hub for unearthing raw talent in the African filmmaking community, the festival offers an unforgettable cinematic journey.
“The City of Cape Town is delighted to host this diverse and enthralling film festival at one of our iconic venues, The Labia. We eagerly anticipate the remarkable works and themes that will emerge from filmmakers across our continent.”
Tickets for the FAME Shorts Film Festival can be purchased at www.fameshortsfilmfestival.com or from Quicket. Tickets start from R120.