By Nosipho Mabuza (Intern)
MPOLONJENI– Support ensures Ayeye Entertainment represents Eswatini at Waterloo Film Festival in Durban.
Ayeye Entertainment has received a much-needed boost from Tribe Studios, which sponsored E15 000 to enable the team to attend the prestigious Waterloo Film Festival in Durban. The sponsorship covers transportation, accommodation, and meals for filmmaker Siphosethu Sibandze and actresses Sphephelo Didie Mabuza and Nqobile Mavuso.
“We were so excited to receive the Official Selection for our film Lifa Lami, but our biggest challenge was funding,” said Sibandze, Co-Founder and Director of Ayeye Entertainment. “We pleaded with several organisations, and Tribe Studios was the only one that answered our prayers. We are so grateful, they believed in our dream and talent.”
Siphosethu Sibandze, who is from Mpolonjeni, Mbabane, is a seasoned filmmaker in Eswatini, a scriptwriter, director, producer, and actor with over five local short films (Lifa Lami, Emuva, Khumbini, New Problem in Town, Blood Betrayal) and one feature film (A Dream, Liphupho). He has also directed two upcoming short films and one feature in South Africa.
His work has showcased internationally, including trips to Germany and screenings across South Africa. Lifa Lami was featured at the European Film Festival in Eswatini (2022) and Bushfire Festival (2025). Meanwhile, A Dream Liphupho is also selected for the Uhuru Film Festival running from 3 to 6 July 2025, following multiple screenings in Eswatini, including at Alliance Française Mbabane and Ezulwini’s Movie Zone.
Ayeye Entertainment’s success story highlights the power of collaboration and local support in elevating Eswatini’s film industry to global stages.
(Courtesy Pics)
