From Thursday, 7 September to Sunday, 9 September, The Labia — Cape Town's oldest independent art-repertory movie cinema in South Africa — will showcase short films from a selection of African filmmakers.

The festival will feature 31 films from across Africa and her diaspora that reflect the creativity and diversity that is unique to her cinematic artistry.

Known for curating film programmes that take place at art and cultural spaces in various cities across Europe, Lyse Nsengiyumva steps into the role of the FAME Film Shorts Festival programme director.

"The FAME Film Shorts Festival celebrates and elevates African filmmakers and their thought-provoking cinematic creations. As an alumni of the first edition of Southern Africa — Locarno Industry Academy, I'm thrilled and honoured to be part of this prestigious programme again, this time around as an artistic director," says Nsengiyumva. 

"I will be working closely with a team of nine women film professionals to curate a balanced and vibrant programme that will captivate and inspire audiences innovating from the first year and putting African curators at the forefront of the selection process," Nsengiyumva adds. 

The City of Cape Town is the host of the FAME Film Shorts Festival and continues to promote and celebrate African storytelling, solidifying its position as a leading film destination on the continent. By offering filmmakers a platform to showcase their work to the world, Cape Town showcases its dedication to nurturing creativity within the film industry.

"The City of Cape Town plays a vital role in supporting the FAME Film Shorts Festival, providing a platform for connecting filmmakers with industry professionals. As a hub for discovering raw talent in the African filmmaking community, the festival offers an unforgettable cinematic journey," says City of Cape Town mayoral committee member for safety and security Alderman JP Smith.

"We are proud to host this inclusive and inspiring event," Smith adds. 

Realness Institute, known for nurturing professional African screen talent, played a vital role in the festival's selection process. Through its Southern Africa — Locarno Industry Academy participants and FAME Film Shorts Festival judges, the institute ensured a process and selection that captures the complex realities faced across the continent beyond the single story that often gets selected, curated and distributed.

"After eight years of sourcing talent through our labs, with a strong focus on discovery, we believe Realness Institute is well appointed to present this showcase of stories," says programme director and Locarno-appointed Southern Africa manager Elias Ribeiro.

"We wanted to spotlight fresh and untapped narratives, with all 31 films coming from Africa and the diaspora, for a Cape Town audience and could not be more proud of our collaboration with Lyse Nsengiyumva on the programme," adds Ribeiro.

Adding to the festival's allure, the second-year design students from the Cape Town campus of Red & Yellow Creative School of Business participated in a poster design challenge, with Caylin Allan emerging as the winner. Allan's artwork perfectly captures the essence of this cinematic celebration and will undoubtedly contribute to the festival's visual appeal.

Martin Hiller, portfolio director of FAME Week Africa, says, "The African Penguin was chosen as the mascot for the FAME Film Shorts Festival due to its symbolic representation of diversity, resilience and adaptability. This charming species, facing environmental challenges, embodies the festival's commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship."

Hiller adds, "Through celebrating cultural diversity and providing a platform for global storytellers, the festival aims to foster unity and understanding. The African Penguin's joyful and playful demeanour also reflects the festival's mission to inspire positive change through the powerful medium of film."

The FAME Film Shorts Festival proudly partners with MIP Africa, further enhancing the experience for filmmakers and attendees alike. MIP Africa's involvement ensures that the festival remains at the cutting edge of industry trends and advancements.

From Monday, 4 September to Wednesday, 6 September, the Cape Town International Convention Centre will host content sessions, workshops and masterclasses presented by industry professionals. These events are designed to educate and inspire all professionals within the film and television industry.

Individuals are encouraged to mark their calendars for this occasion, as the FAME Film Shorts Festival is open to the public, welcoming film enthusiasts and curious minds from all walks of life.

According to the programme, a diverse selection of extraordinary films will be shown that reflect the rich tapestry of African storytelling. Further information about the featured films and ticket prices will be released soon.

As the curtain rises on the FAME Film Shorts Festival, the African filmmaking community stands ready to seize the spotlight and propel the art of storytelling to new heights.

For more information, visit www.fameweekafrica.com. You can also follow FAME Week Africa on Facebook, X or on Instagram.