Mbabane – A Dream (Liphupho), a locally produced feature film by Ayeye Entertainment, has won Best Film at the Uhuru Film Festival.
The announcement was made by Siphosethu Goje from Ayeye Entertainment, who thanked the production team, supporters, and families for their support. The win marks a significant milestone for the entertainment company, which has previously focused on short films.
Directed by Siphosethu Sibandze and shot around Mantjolo and Hilltop in Mahwalala, the film tells the story of a young boy who dreams of becoming a professional actor despite the difficult conditions surrounding his life.
The project was a collaboration between Ayeye Entertainment, Luda Films Production, Bigtime Beats, Lenscope_ISP, and Silverstone’s Pictures. Alliance Française de Mbabane was also credited for its support.
Sibandze explained that the film’s hour-long runtime qualifies it as a feature, with a cast of 18 actors including Akahle Ntjalintjili, Gift Shongwe, Nqobile Mavuso, and himself. Many of the cast members came from an acting masterclass hosted by the production team in April and May 2023.
Sibusile Dlamini served as assistant director, with Luyanda Motsa as cinematographer, Sanele Mazibuko as second camera operator, Bahle Shongwe on sound, and Clifford Dludlu as gaffer.
Ayeye Entertainment has previously produced short films such as Lifa Lami, New Problem in Town, Dear Jesus, and Emuva, but A Dream (Liphupho) marks its first venture into feature-length storytelling.
Watch A DREAM LIPHUPHO(Swazi Film)
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