Mbabane – A local film, “A Dream (Liphupho),” by Ayeye Entertainment, has been officially selected for the prestigious FestacAfrica festival in Accra, Ghana. The announcement came from film director, actor, and writer Siphosethu Goje, who expressed immense pride in the selection for the event scheduled from September 21 to 27.
Goje conveyed his excitement about the film’s inclusion in one of Africa’s oldest festivals, known for uniting African art and culture. He explained that this recognition is particularly meaningful given the film’s previous awards. “This recognition means the world to us, especially given the film’s previous awards,” Goje stated.
The director attributes the film’s success to its distinctive narrative, compelling characters, and deep cultural authenticity. He added that the story’s universal themes of hope, resilience, and determination resonate strongly with viewers.
For Goje and the broader Eswatini film industry, this selection represents a significant milestone. He acknowledged the crucial support from Alliance Française Mbabane in the post-production phase, which was vital in bringing the film to life despite initial low budget and limited resources. Goje lauded the cast and crew for their “beautiful work,” hoping their achievement serves as a motivation for future projects.
“A Dream (Liphupho)” follows the journey of a young boy with aspirations of becoming a professional actor. He faces skepticism and a lack of resources and support from his home and community but remains unwavering in his pursuit of his dream. Goje revealed that the story draws inspiration from the real-life struggles faced by creatives embarking on passion projects with minimal funding, especially the societal pressures to prioritize traditional education over artistic dreams.
By showcasing “A Dream (Liphupho)” at FestacAfrica, the team hopes to secure greater exposure, potentially land distribution deals, and even win more awards. Following its screening in Accra, the film aims to explore further opportunities, including additional screenings, partnerships, and collaborations. Goje also extended an open call for sponsorships to help Ayeye Entertainment continue telling Eswatini stories to a global audience.
The film’s core team includes Siphosethu Goje as director, Luyanda Motsa as Director of Photography (DOP), Bahle Nkhosephayo Shongwe on sound, and Fikile Jojo Tsabedze providing the original music.
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