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Mpumalanga International Film Festival (MIFF) Paves the Way for Local Creatives
Mpumalanga, South Africa — The Mpumalanga International Film Festival (MIFF) is rewriting the script for South Africa’s film industry, proving that world-class opportunities no longer require local creatives to leave their home province. With over 1,200 jobs created in just two years, a new administrative hub for filmmakers, and 18 locally produced films selected for international festivals, MIFF is helping Mpumalanga’s talent rise on a global stage.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, MIFF CEO Sifiso Nobela announced that the era of talent migration is coming to an end. “We’re putting all systems in place so that filmmakers, actors, and technicians no longer feel forced to relocate to Johannesburg or Cape Town,” said Nobela. “Our new office space, funding access, and training programs mean Mpumalanga creatives can now build their careers here—with global exposure.”
MIFF’s latest initiatives include free mentorship, legal support for contracts and permits, access to high-end cinema cameras and editing suites, and distribution pathways to both local and international markets. “Why struggle in another city when you can grow your craft at home?” Nobela asked.
This year’s festival—taking place from 3–10 August 2025—will screen 56 films across Mbombela, Secunda, Witbank, and even the Kruger National Park, as part of its WILDM Program. Out of 184 submissions, 160 were selected by local judges. Impressively, South Africa submitted 24 films to international festivals, with 18 receiving acceptance—a win for local excellence.
More than just a showcase, MIFF has become a deal-making hub. Films like Fractured—which first premiered at MIFF—have secured funding from institutions such as the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). “MIFF isn’t just about watching movies; it’s about creating livelihoods,” said Nobela. “When a filmmaker from Bushbuckridge gets their work seen in Paris or Toronto, that’s the future we’re crafting.”
The festival also runs impact-driven programs like CoCinema, which brings films to rural communities while educating youth on production and ensuring compliance with the Film and Publication Board (FPB). In addition, Theatre Friday addresses social issues such as gender-based violence and drug abuse, having already created 68 new jobs through the initiative.
With the support of partners like the National Heritage Council and the Department of Culture, MIFF is growing. But Nobela emphasizes the need for more backing: “Government and private investors must see this as an economic lifeline. Every rand invested here means fewer artists leaving, more jobs, and a stronger creative economy.”