05-05-2025
'The heart of Venda culture': Limpopo filmmaker wins big at Cannes Film Festival
Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani has won the prestigious Best African Film Award at the 78th Cannes Film Festival for his film Lubunyu.
Lubunyu, filmed in Ha-Khakhu Makuleni, Limpopo, explores themes of justice, tradition, and identity, earning its place as a standout in African storytelling.
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) alumnus said he was proud to showcase Venda culture on the world stage, marking a defining moment for South African cinema.
Limpopo filmmaker Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by winning the Best African Film Award at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival in France for his film Lubunyu.
Adding to the accolades, the film has also been selected for screening at the prestigious World Film Festival, cementing its position as one of the most significant contributions to African cinema in recent years.
Shot entirely in Ha-Khakhu Makuleni, Limpopo, Lubunyu—translated as The Naked Intruder —is a masterful blend of true events and fictionalised storytelling. The film captures the essence of a community grappling with tradition and modernity, delving into themes of justice, deception, and identity.
Its stellar cast includes notable South African actors such as Tshamano Sebe, Macdonald Ndou, Elsie Rasalanavho, and Hangwani Ramakuwela.
Following his win, Netshitangani, a proud TUT alumnus, took to Facebook to celebrate:
"From the timeless mountains of Khakhu Makuleni, a name shall now echo across the world," he wrote.
What once was a patient waiting game has blossomed into a triumph we bask in the glory of history: the second professional Venda film ever made. Who could have foreseen that it would all lead to this singular moment in time?"
"We celebrate a monumental achievement—a boy from Venda, armed with nothing but a dream and a relentless spirit, has carried the heart of Venda culture onto the grand stage of the world."
About the film:
Inspired by real events, the story unfolds with cinematic brilliance, blending cultural authenticity with fictional twists to deliver a gripping narrative.
After his father's death, King Madadzhe assumes the throne and ushers in a bold era of change. He makes the controversial decision to abolish the long-standing symbol of justice in the village, a massive rock once used to execute judgment on rapists and murderers. Though his aim is progress, the decision meets fierce opposition from villagers who view the rock as a vital instrument of law and order.
As the King strives to bridge the growing divide with his people, terror strikes. A mysterious presence, known only as Lubunyu, begins targeting women in the village, pushing the community further into chaos and magnifying distrust in its young ruler. Just as tensions peak, a fugitive named Ndanganeni arrives and is unknowingly appointed as the King's servant. Hidden from view is that Ndanganeni is the true Lubunyu, exploiting his close proximity to the King to continue his reign of terror undetected.
The stakes rise dramatically when the King's own mother falls victim to Lubunyu. Fuelled by guilt and a thirst for justice, the King initiates a rigorous manhunt for the attacker. Misguided by Ndanganeni's manipulations, the villagers wrongly accuse and capture an innocent man, Mr Muofhe. Facing immense pressure from his people, the King desperately reinstates the infamous rock to satisfy their calls for justice, all while the real threat lurks right by his side.
After the film was selected for the festival, the director and executive producer took the news to his Instagram account.
He said the recognition belonged to everyone who believed in the story from the beginning, "those who saw the vision, felt its pulse, and carried it forward with your energy, prayers, and unwavering support."
"Our journey has always been about more than just cinema. It's been about reclaiming identity, honouring our roots, and telling stories that resonate deeply with who we are as Africans. Being acknowledged on such a global stage is proof that our voices matter and that our narratives deserve to be heard across oceans and borders."
