Connie Chiume Inaugural International Youth Film Festival to Launch on Mandela Day

• The late South African actress Connie Chiume's legacy is set to live far and beyond with the launch of a film festival in her name
• Chiume's inaugural International Youth Film Festival is set to launch on Mandela Day, and it will be a three-day affair
• The launch will also mark a year since the talented actress passed away due to an illness
• Briefly News got the scoop on what the festival entails and strives to achieve when it launches

The launch of the Connie Chiume Film Festival is nearing. The festival promises to uplift young storytellers while keeping South African actress Connie Chiume's memory alive.

Connie Chiume's inaugural International Youth Film Festival will be in full swing on Mandela Day. The event will span two days, commencing on Friday, 18 July 2025 and ending on Sunday, 20 July 2025.

The former Rhythm City actress passed away from an illness at the age of 72 in August 2024. The star was always passionate about uplifting the youth through her decades-long career. Chiume began acting in her late 30s and has won numerous awards, including a South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), for her role on Zone 14, as Stella Moloi.

The festival will be taking place at the Sibikwa Arts Centre in Benoni, Gauteng.

More on Connie Chiume Festival

The festival was founded by the Connie Chiume Foundation in a bid to continue the amazing work Chiume has done. In a statement shared with Briefly News by Lwazi from Dream Afrika, the foundation aims to do more than just a tribute.

"This is more than a tribute. This is a living continuation of Connie Chiume’s life’s work, which was to create platforms for youth, democratising access to the arts, and championing African stories on the global stage."

Speaking more about the event was her daughter, Nothando Mabuza, who shed light on continuing her mother's legacy. The festival plays a vital role in giving young, talented individuals the tools and platform to showcase their work. This will also give them the tools they need to get practical recognition.

The spokesperson also mentioned how important it was for Chiume to shine a light on emerging talent.

“The aim is not only to spotlight talent, but to create a functional ecosystem where young people feel seen, supported, and skilled enough to enter the industry with confidence. We are deeply intentional about inclusion, from who gets to tell stories to who gets to build careers,” Nongelo Chiume was quoted saying.

The event is proudly supported by the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF).

Connie Chiume's final show on Netflix comedy

In a previous report from Briefly News, before Connie Chiume passed away, she starred in a Netflix comedy movie titled Meet The Khumalos.

The family film, which has themes of friendship, rivalry and neighbourhood feuds, also stars the likes of reality TV star Khanyi Mbau, and actors Bonga Dlamini, Jesse Suntele, and many more.

Source: Briefly News