BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – Eswatini’s creative industry is set for a major boost following the official opening of applications for the E100 000 Short Film Production Fund, an initiative designed to support local filmmakers and strengthen the country’s growing film sector.
The fund was announced by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Honourable Manqoba Khumalo, during the World Book and Copyright Day celebrations and is supported through the Creative Industries Development Fund as part of efforts to grow Eswatini’s creative economy and promote local storytelling.
Speaking on Market View on June 1 2026, Mmeli Hlanze, Executive Director of the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS), said the initiative is aimed at empowering filmmakers while also promoting copyright awareness and protecting intellectual property rights.
He explained that applicants must be registered members in good standing with ESWACOS to qualify for funding, emphasizing the importance of formal participation in the copyright system.
“We believe that you cannot draw from a well that you have not participated in building,” he said.
Beyond registration, submissions will be assessed on creativity, originality, and their ability to promote understanding of copyright issues. Successful applicants will be expected to produce short films that are both entertaining and educational.
Hlanze said film was chosen as the focus of the fund because of its ability to combine multiple art forms into one powerful storytelling medium, while also reaching wide audiences through television, streaming platforms, and social media.
He linked the initiative to this year’s Copyright Day theme, “Promoting Siswati Stories in the Digital Age,” noting that film provides a strong platform for telling authentic local stories.
Each selected project may receive up to E50 000, meaning at least two films could benefit from the initial funding allocation. However, the final number of beneficiaries will depend on the quality of applications and budget assessments.
Hlanze said experts will evaluate whether proposed budgets are realistic, adding that some projects may require less than the maximum amount, allowing more filmmakers to benefit from the fund.
The initiative is being introduced as seed funding, with long-term sustainability expected to come from licensing revenue collected by ESWACOS. A portion of this revenue—about 10 percent—is retained to support the Creative Industries Development Fund.
Hlanze said the programme is expected to create jobs, develop skills, and strengthen Eswatini’s position in the regional and international creative industry.
“Production creates opportunities for writers, actors, directors, editors, and many other professionals. The more we produce, the more jobs we create,” he said.
He further expressed hope that funded films will eventually be showcased at regional and international film festivals, helping to promote Eswatini stories on global platforms and generate additional revenue through foreign markets.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the fund, describing it as a significant step toward building a sustainable creative sector that rewards innovation and empowers local storytellers.
With applications now officially open, filmmakers across the country are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity and bring authentic Siswati stories to life on screen.
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