UGUFF was initiated as one of the Sollywood Films Pty Ltd’s social responsibility programmes in 2013 under the direction of Senzo Zindela.
The event screened 2 films on its first year, 4 films on its second year accompanied by 3 workshops (script writing, acting & editing) which were conducted by local industry experts, & had around 400 audience in 2014.
It also had an international workshop (action & stunt coordinating) held by Hollywood veteran/Hall of Fame, Steve Lambert known for Indiana Jones, Robocop, Rambo etc.
On its 3rd year, it received 60 international films, screened 23 altogether including local films, had around 5 international guests who came on their own expenses, & had around 1000 audience.
We are proud to be the first festival that managed to identify and award the best international films that continues to receive awards after our event. The following films were chosen and won best awards in our 2015 festival and never stopped from there:
Candela: Spanish Film awarded around the world: South Africa, India, Romania and USA. Nominated in Spain, Singapore, Canada, India, UK, Los Angeles and China.
Palm To The Sun: Japanese Film awarded around the world: South Africa, Spain and nominated in more.
Our Goals are as follows:
-To recruit and expose talented individuals.
-To provide information about the film industry.
-To create sustainable employment.
-To change perspectives, motivate, uplift & give hope to disadvantaged communities.
-To heal mental crippled youth who are victims of previous massacres like Shobashobane.
-To upgrade local film industry by bringing international experts to share their knowledge & experience each year.
ORGANIZERS
Senzo Zindela (Filmmaker)
