Limpopo filmmaker wins big at international film awards
Filmmaker Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani from Ha-Khakhu in Limpopo won the Best African Film award at the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival in France with the film, Lubunyu.
Lubunyu, translated as “naked”, beat the highly rated Nigerian movie My Father’s Shadow, which many expected to win.
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Lubunyu, a film whose tagline is “A Village Under Terror,” was produced in alignment with the Cannes Film Festival 2025’s theme of fighting gender-based violence and femicide.
Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has proudly congratulated Murena Emmanuel Ṋetshiṱangani and the movie Lubunyu for the historic Best African Film award.
“This is a defining moment for the creative sector of Limpopo and South Africa,” said Premier Dr Ramathuba.
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“Murena Emmanuel Ṋetshiṱangani has demonstrated that dreams nurtured in the quiet villages of Venḓa can echo across the world’s grandest stages. We are immensely proud of him for carrying the heart of Venda, and indeed the spirit of Limpopo, to the world.
“The Premier also acknowledged the ongoing efforts by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and the Limpopo Arts and Culture Council in promoting and developing artistic talent across the province. The completion of the Limpopo Provincial Theatre will give room for artists to explore this and other genres in an area close to their homes,” she said.
“The Limpopo Provincial Government extends its warmest congratulations to Murena and his entire production team for their phenomenal achievement.”
The Limpopo Arts and Culture Council [LACC] has also congratulated Netshitangani and other winners.
“South African Film makers better watch out, a giant film making venue in Limpopo is awakened. We are coming for you, this is just a teaser,” said LACC chairperson, Lesiba Mothoa.
Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani and his team are expected to land back in South Africa this week.
