The Mpumalanga International Film Festival (MIFF) is stepping up efforts to position the province as an attractive destination for film and television productions following its participation at FAME Week Africa.
The festival returned from the industry event after showcasing Mpumalanga’s diverse landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage, highlighting the province’s potential to attract local and international filmmakers.
MIFF spokesperson Princess Mobeng said the festival used the platform to promote the province beyond its established reputation as a tourism destination, encouraging production companies to explore its potential as a filming location.
Under the campaign message, “Don’t just visit Mpumalanga, film it!”, the festival aimed to attract documentaries, feature films and television productions while encouraging investment and partnerships that could contribute to the growth of the creative industry.
Mobeng said participation in FAME Week Africa also created an opportunity to connect emerging filmmakers from Mpumalanga with established film executives and other industry stakeholders.
The engagements opened discussions around financial support, distribution opportunities, mentorship and potential collaborations, with communication continuing after the event.
Among the filmmakers who participated were two beneficiaries of MIFF’s Wildlife and Biodiversity Storytelling Incubation Programme. Their involvement provided valuable exposure as they continue developing documentary projects.
According to Mobeng, creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers remains an important part of the festival’s commitment to developing the local film industry and ensuring that provincial talent gains access to wider industry networks.
MIFF also acknowledged the support of its sponsors and partners, including Akuna Studio, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR), LimeTime Shuttle, iLanga Mall and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA).
GoZone Water Nelspruit was also thanked for providing hydration support.
As the festival builds on the connections established at FAME Week Africa, it hopes to translate these engagements into meaningful opportunities for Mpumalanga’s tourism and creative sectors.
Its message to the film industry remains: “Don’t just visit Mpumalanga, film it!”
