Limpopo Filmmaker Wins Big at 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival in France: “We Bask in the Glory”

• Limpopo director Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani walked away with an award at a prestigious world film event, the Cannes Film Festival
• His film, Lubunyu, beat top contenders such as Nigeria's My Father's Shadow and other African films to nab the Best African Film award
• Netshitangani reflected on his humble beginnings and called the win a historic moment for Venda culture

Halala! Limpopo filmmaker Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani has joined the growing list of South Africans who are putting the country on the world map.

Limpopo filmmaker wins at Cannes Film Festival in France

The filmmaker walked away with the Best African Film award at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival in France for his film Lubunyu, which means “the undressed intruder.”

Netshitangani didn’t just walk away with the prize; Lubunyu was selected for screening at the World Film Festival in Cannes. The film beat Nigerian film My Father's Shadow and other critically acclaimed African movies.

Netshitangani shot Lubunyu in Limpopo’s Ha-Khakhu Makuleni. The film combines real-life events with elements of fiction. The film focuses on change and tradition and explores the themes of deception, identity and justice.

The film's sterling cast comprised Azwidohwi Tshirangwana, Elsie Rasalanavho, Murendeni Ramunenyiwa, Nokukhanya Luthuli, Tshamano Sebe, Macdonald Ndou and Hangwani Ramakuwela.

Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani celebrates Cannes win

Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani took to his Facebook account on Sunday, 27 April 2025, to celebrate the win.

He reflected on his humble beginnings and how his win at the Cannes Film Festival would change the trajectory of his career as a filmmaker.

“What once was a patient waiting game has blossomed into a triumph — we bask in the glory of history: the second professional Venda film ever made. Who could have foreseen that it would all lead to this singular moment in time?” Netshitangani wrote.

An elated Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani expressed gratitude to the cast and crew, as well as the World Film Festival in Cannes.

“Today, crowned with the title of Best African Film at the Cannes World Film Festival, we celebrate a monumental achievement —a boy from Venda, armed with nothing but a dream and a relentless spirit, has carried the heart of Venda culture onto the grand stage of the world,” he added.

Anele Mdoda bags Oscar nomination

Meanwhile, in more awards news, Anele Mdoda was overjoyed after she bagged an Oscar nomination for the impactful short film, The Last Ranger, which highlights the impacts of rhino poaching in South Africa.

The film, which was Anele Mdoda's first as an executive producer, was nominated in the Live Action Short Film category.

The 947 radio host attended the Oscars on Monday, 3 March 2025, where she came back empty-handed after the Dutch film, I'm Not a Robot, won the award.

Naledi Aphiwe reacts after winning 2 Metro FM Awards

In more entertainment news, Briefly News reported that Naledi Aphiwe shared a video of herself reacting to winning her first Metro FM Awards.

Aphiwe took to her TikTok account on Saturday, 3 May, to celebrate her wins. She also expressed gratitude to Mawelele for producing the hit song, Romeo & Juliet.

The singer also thanked her fans for voting for her in the Best African Pop Song and the Best RNB Song categories.

Source: Briefly News