‘It validates our traditions, language, and voices' – Filmmaker Murena Netshitangani on Cannes win

News24

10-05-2025

Murena Netshitangani draws from a haunting childhood memory to create a powerful narrative that addresses gender-based violence while intertwining Venda's cultural heritage.
Lubunyu won Best African Film at Cannes, showcasing the international resonance of authentic Venda storytelling and local perspectives.
The director and executive director plans to continue spotlighting Venda culture with upcoming dramas and documentaries, proving the rich storytelling potential of Limpopo's heritage.
Limpopo-born filmmaker Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani has placed South African cinema in the spotlight with his award-winning film, Lubunyu.
The film recently won the Best African Film Award at the World Film Festival in Cannes. Set in the heart of Venda, Lubunyu is a narrative that blends mythology, folklore, and the harsh realities of gender-based violence while exploring universal themes of justice and identity.
The title, which translates to 'The Naked Intruder', is deeply personal to Netshitangani, inspired by a traumatic childhood experience. Through his highly authentic storytelling, he sheds light on pressing social issues and propels Venda onto the global cinematic stage.
In the following Q&A with News24, Netshitangani shares insights into his inspiration, the challenges of making Lubunyu, and his plans for showcasing Venda culture to the world.
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What inspired you to create Lubunyu, and why did you choose this story?
The title Lubunyu translates as 'The Naked Intruder', a name rooted in personal memory and cultural history. The inspiration for the film came from a haunting real-life experience during my childhood in Ha-Khakhu, a village in Venda, Limpopo. There was a mysterious figure known as Lubunyu who was notorious for terrorising the women of the area. One night, he entered our house with the intention of attacking my sisters. I happened to be awake and asked my sister, Tshifaro, to accompany me to the kitchen to fetch water, where we met him: a dark, frightening and naked man. We screamed, he pushed my sister aside and jumped over me as he fled. The memory stayed with me, and as I grew older, I began to see parallels between that terrifying night and the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in our country. Women continue to face rape, abuse and trafficking. I felt a deep responsibility to revisit this traumatic memory and transform it into a powerful narrative – one that not only confronts the darkness but also challenges systems of justice and silence in rural communities. Lubunya is not just a story; it's a call for awareness, accountability and change.
How did filming in Ha-Khakhu Makuleni shape the storytelling and cultural authenticity of the film?
Filming in Ha-Khakhu Makuleni grounded Lubunyu in lived experience. The textures, language, and communal rhythms of the village gave the film an authenticity you simply can't replicate on a set. Local elders and residents were involved in shaping ceremonial scenes and dialogue, which helped reflect the Venda people's true spiritual and cultural ethos.
The film explores themes like justice, deception, and identity. How did you approach capturing these elements on screen?
The creative process behind Lubunya was both enriching and challenging. In shaping the narrative, I immersed myself in films with similar tones and themes to better understand the cinematic language that would best serve this story. I also worked closely with Venda cultural experts to ensure authenticity and respect in the portrayal of our traditions. I'm particularly grateful for the invaluable wisdom and guidance I received from Vho-Thovhele Thifhindulwi Khakhu, Musanda Vho-Takalani Khakhu and Musanda Vho-Madzikule Netshiavha. Their contributions were fundamental to grounding the story in its cultural context. Technically, I relied heavily on symbolism, contrast in lighting, and character framing. For instance, scenes involving the King were shot with wider frames to emphasise his isolation, while close-ups on Ndanganeni used shadows and tight compositions to reflect his hidden motives. Justice is shown not as a courtroom outcome, but as a communal reckoning which we visualised through the emotional weight of the 'rock's' return.
Winning at Cannes is a historic moment. How did it feel to receive such recognition?
It was surreal. For a story rooted in a small Venda village to echo so powerfully across global stages was overwhelming and affirming. This win isn't just personal; it's collective. It validates our traditions, our language, and our voices as worthy of the world's attention.
Lubunyu competed against exceptional films like My Father's Shadow. What made it stand out?
It stands out as a powerful and haunting allegory deeply rooted in indigenous South African folklore, yet resonating with universal themes of justice, identity and the perils of misplaced trust. While many films at the World Film Festival in Cannes focus on polished urban narratives or globalised perspectives, Lubunyu boldly explores the tension between tradition and transformation within a rural Venda setting a perspective rarely represented on international platforms.
The film combines myth, horror and political drama to question moral leadership in postcolonial societies, with a uniquely African gothic tone that evokes the unease of colonial residue clashing with sacred indigenous knowledge. The character of Ndanganeni/Lubunyu is symbolic of how evil often hides in plain sight, protected by power and perception. Visually and narratively, Lubunyu blends oral storytelling traditions with contemporary cinematic techniques, using symbolism, silence and natural landscapes to heighten suspense and create a visceral experience. This film doesn't just tell a story; it reflects the fears, rituals and justice systems of a community under pressure. In doing so, it offers Cannes audiences a rare and authentic cinematic insight into the moral dilemmas faced in the rural heart of Southern Africa.
What does this win mean for Venda storytelling and its place in global cinema?
I believe it will open doors. Our stories, told on our terms, have global resonance. This win tells young storytellers from Limpopo that their heritage isn't a limitation, it's a cinematic gift. Venda cinema now has a place at the table, and we plan to stay there.
What does Lubunyu represent to you and the Venda community?
It's a reckoning, a way to confront the past, the myths we inherit, and the pain we often hide. For the Venda community, it's a mirror and a megaphone. It reflects who we are, what we've endured, and how we can reclaim our narratives without fear or apology.
Can we expect more projects that showcase Venda culture?
Absolutely. Lubunyu is just the beginning. I'm developing a follow-up drama exploring Venda initiation rites through the eyes of a young woman resisting tradition and modernity. We're also researching a documentary on sacred groves and water spirits around Lake Fundudzi. The soil is rich with stories; we just have to tell them.
What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers, particularly those from rural areas?
My advice is simple but powerful: tell the stories that only you can tell. Don't chase trends, chase truth. As a filmmaker, authenticity is your greatest asset. Root your work in your lived experience, your culture, your language and your perspective. That's what makes you stand out in a global sea of sameness. Second, embrace the uncomfortable. Bold, meaningful stories often live in the shadows, in the places people are afraid to look or talk about. Lubunyu reflects that risk. We explored issues such as Gender-Based Violence, community justice and the distortion of identity – topics that are deeply relevant but often silenced. Don't be afraid to be that voice. Also, learn to work with what you have. Our journey wasn't paved with endless budgets or high-end equipment. It was built on ingenuity, passion and a community that believed in the vision. Your limitations can actually sharpen your creativity. Finally, study the craft and honour the process. Watch films from around the world, read scripts and understand the rhythms of editing, lighting, sound and performance. Film is a language, speak it fluently. Never underestimate the value of collaboration. Surround yourself with people who will challenge and inspire you. Recognition doesn't come from chasing the spotlight; it comes from building stories that shine a light where it's needed most. Global eyes are turning to Africa, make sure they see you.