AFDA Gqeberha’s first-semester film showcase delivered a mind-blowing cinematic experience.

On image: Thabiso Tsipa, one of the student writers who produced one of the short films titled Womannequin, showcased during the event.

As The Konvenient Team, we had the distinct pleasure of attending AFDA Gqeberha’s first-semester film showcase just recently, a celebration of cinematic passion, storytelling brilliance, and outstanding teamwork.

Three student-produced films “Womannequin, God Owning and Takyon (Death Yon)” lit up the screen, each one bursting with emotional depth and inventive storytelling. The energy in the room was electric, with every frame reflecting months of dedication, collaboration, and artistic courage.

Following the screenings, we sat down with Senior Producing Lecturer and mentor Sino Banda, whose insights gave even more weight to the day’s impact. Describing the process, she said, “Joining a film festival is always an extreme sport. It’s packed with pressure, long hours, last-minute changes - and yet, every time, it’s worth it.”

What fuels her year after year is seeing transformation in her students. “At the start of each term, they arrive with raw ideas, personal stories, and big dreams,” she shared. These are tested during the Voilà exam, a key moment where students present their film concepts to a panel and audience for the first time.

On image: A scene from the short film titled God’s Owning.

From concept to post-production, each phase demands commitment - budgeting, casting, location scouting, editing, and eventually, the challenge of marketing and engaging with audiences.

“It’s not just about making films. It’s about helping students find their voice,” Banda reflected. The Research Studies course plays a critical role in this journey, where students immerse themselves in academic theory and translate their insights into cinematic storytelling.

This year’s standout project, Womannequin, explored deeply layered themes of Blackness, gender, objectification, and intersectionality. As Banda noted.

“They didn’t just pick up a camera. They researched, absorbed knowledge, and truly engaged with the material.”

Other films tackled addiction’s grip through abstract visual language, and the bittersweet loss of childhood innocence. Each one carried emotional weight, aesthetic ambition, and thematic depth.

On image: A scene from the short film titled Takyon Death Yon.

Banda proudly recalled the audience's response, “If I had to choose a highlight, they were particularly captivated by Womannequin’s technical excellence. But I feel like a proud parent to all three projects. I saw the sleepless nights, the tears, the breakthroughs, and the triumphs.”

Her approach to teaching is far from traditional. “Teaching filmmakers is never a one-way street,” she said with a smile. “We’re on this journey together, and that’s where the real magic of teaching happens.”

She stressed that showcasing their work is vital, students need to feel confident sharing their stories, connecting with industry professionals, and recognizing the power of their own voices.

At the heart of it all, Banda’s philosophy is simple yet profound, “We’re not just making films - we’re nurturing storytellers.”

And it was our privilege, as The Konvenient Team, to witness that process unfold.

For more, visit: AFDA