The KZN South Coast is #SummerReady, attracting local and international filmmakers in search of an all-in-one film production destination. From 20 to 22 October, the region will, once again, play host to the highly anticipated Ugu Film Festival taking place at the Margate Sands Hotel.

“The Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom is just that – paradise! We have some of the most captivating natural scenery, a year-round subtropical climate, unique cultural sites, ease of accessibility, and welcoming local communities, all of which make the KZN South Coast an in-demand film destination,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE).

“We are excited to play hosts to the 10th annual Ugu Film Festival which not only attracts the industry’s best while promoting local film production, it gives us a wonderful opportunity to showcase what we have to offer. Our role is to attract tourist and film investors to our natural scenery. Hosting the Ugu Film Festival allows us to fulfil this mandate.”

The festival goes live at Shelly Beach Ster Kinekor cinema on Thursday with the screening of the opening film, Music Is My Life. Directed by Mpumi Mbele, the movie is an engaging account of the life of Joseph Shabalala and his rise to international fame with his Isicathamiya singing male choral group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The festival will wrap up on Sunday with the screening of the documentary The Life and Times of Menzi Ngubane, directed by Ntokozo Mahlalela, which tells the story of the late legend’s life.

Attendees of the Ugu Film Festival will also be involved in an outreach programme to the Umthwalume area, with the opportunity to visit the area’s many nature-based and cultural attractions. Beyond the beaches and ocean, there are several hinterland excursions, such as the newly launched Weza Hiking Trail and Umzumbe River Trail; Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre; as well as hiking, biking and extreme adventures.

In addition to the annual Ugu Film Festival, the KZN South Coast attracts leading production companies, among them international film crews from Discovery, National Geographic and Nat Geo Wild who film the planet’s greatest biomass migration, the Sardine Run, and more.

Just last year, the KZN South Coast was chosen as the location for the filming of Season 2 of SABC 3’s, The Longest Date, showcasing iconic sites like Lake Eland Game Reserve, Oribi Gorge Wild 5 Extreme Adventures, KwaXolo Caves, Aliwal Shoal, and Protea Banks, among others.

The KZN South Coast is #SummerReady with holidaymakers able to experience the best in beach adventures! To find out more about the tourism offerings, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores; visit the ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook or YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; ‘Info Ugu South Coast Tourism’ on LinkedIn; www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za to check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more!

To access previous SCTIE press releases, visit: https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/press-release/