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A stellar line-up of films has been announced for the 11th European Film Festival in South Africa which runs from 10 to 20 October 2024. Including two Oscar nominations, the select showcase of 14 films features numerous award-winners that delve into a wide-range of topics under the overarching theme of Complicated Freedoms. Cinema screenings take place in Johannesburg at Ster Kinekor, The Zone in Rosebank, and in Cape Town at The Labia. Eleven of the films will be available in the free programme of online streaming accessible across South Africa during the festival period.
The DStv Content Creator Awards are about to reach new heights, with the announcement that Anele Mdoda will be this year’s official host. Renowned for her dynamic personality and sharp wit, Anele promises to guide the guests through an unforgettable night celebrating the best in content creation.
Taking place for the first time in an exclusive, custom-built venue on Nelson Mandela Square on 12 October, this star-studded event promises to be bolder than ever, celebrating the creative voices that define the digital age.
“I’m beyond excited to be hosting this year’s DStv Content Creator Awards,” says Anele. “The energy, the creativity, the absolute magic that these creators bring, it’s electric! Get ready for a night full of surprises, laughter, and standout moments celebrating the phenomenal talent that’s shaping the future of entertainment in South Africa. I’m bringing my A-game as this year’s host because these creators deserve nothing less than a show as daring and dynamic as they are!”
Looking at the economic wrap up in June on Stats SA the economy weakened in the first quarter, jobs declined and although the second quarter has been seen as more positive, there is still a concern for our economy in general. Small Businesses and entrepreneurs are said to be the perfect solution to pull our country’s economic state out of the “red zone” by offering more employment opportunities and boosting the economy. However, small businesses need to be provided with the resources and support necessary to survive past early stages of business – which are the most crucial according to the GEM SA Report conducted recently.
The SOOQ, a local marketplace for small businesses, and Cricut, a leading crafting technology company, have announced their partnership aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses and makers in South Africa. This collaboration comes at a crucial time as the country emerges from the economic challenges of the volatile election period and the post-COVID delayed impact on small businesses, and strives to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem both on and offline.
Businesswoman and now author, Katie Mohamed is thrilled to announce the launch of her first book, Brave, Today, a compelling memoir and motivational guide designed to empower readers to embrace courage and learn from the innate wisdoms scattered throughout their personal life journeys.
In a powerful and inspiring event, her book was officially launched to a captivated audience at Al-Hamra restaurant in Sandton. The event was a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the power personal stories carry to inspire change.
Lebogang Mashile and Katie Mohamed
Katie Mohamed, an advocate for women’s empowerment and an influential voice in South Africa, has poured her heart and experience into Brave,Today, a book that encourages readers to confront their fears and embrace their inner strength. The launch was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including leaders in business, media, and the arts, as well as friends, family, and supporters of the author.
The evening began with a warm welcome from the event’s host, renowned poet Lebogang Mashile, who spoke to the importance of storytelling in driving social change and cohesion. Speakers such as Stavros Nicolau and Yvonne Chaka Chaka praised the author for her authenticity and her contributions to gender equity, media and positive change in the country. Guests were then treated to a conversation where the Katie shared her journey of writing Brave, Today, the challenges she faced, and the motivation behind her work.
Katie’s reflections resonated deeply with the audience, particularly when she spoke about the importance of authenticity and courage in a world that often demands conformity. “Brave, Today is not just a book; it’s a movement. I wanted to create something that not only tells my story, but also encourages others to tell theirs,” said Mohamed during the discussion.
The FAME Shorts Film Festival returns to Cape Town’s Labia Theatre from 4-7 September, bringing a dazzling array of African cinema. Featuring 31 thought-provoking films, the festival showcases innovative and creative filmmakers from across the continent, offering audiences a rich tapestry of stories from Africa and its diaspora. The eagerly anticipated programme was announced on https://fameshortsfilmfestival.com and bookings are open.
Open to the public, the festival is a highlight of FAME Week Africa, an annual gathering and trade show for the entertainment industry. Martin Hiller, FAME Week Africa Portfolio Director, shared his excitement about this year’s line-up, “We’re absolutely thrilled with the FAME Shorts Film Festival programme! It’s brimming with personal stories, biographies, and tales of innovation, underscoring the rich diversity of African societies.”
Over four captivating days, the programme explores themes of drifting through life’s challenges, the growing pains of coming of age, the complexities of love stories, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Mzansi Life & Style by Mishkah Roman-Cassiem 