By Nomsa Dlamini (Intern)
MBABANE – Eswatini cinema is making waves beyond our borders!
The powerful short film Lifa Lami is officially headed to the international stage after being selected for the inaugural Waterloo Film Festival (WFF) in Durban, South Africa. The festival will run from July 4 to 6, 2025, at Nu Metro Cinema, Cornubia Mall—and Lifa Lami is one of the spotlight screenings.
This exciting moment marks a huge step forward for the Swazi film scene. Produced by AYEYE Entertainment, Lifa Lami has already struck a chord with audiences at home thanks to its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth. Now, the team is getting ready to showcase their work to the rest of Africa—and beyond.
AYEYE Entertainment is no stranger to breaking new ground. The production company recently released its first feature film, A Dream ‘Liphupho’, and has been actively investing in the future of the arts through acting master-classes and talent development programs. Their commitment to nurturing home-grown talent is clearly paying off.
“This recognition means the world to us, and we are thankful for the opportunity to share our work with the community,” shared AYEYE Entertainment in a heartfelt post on Facebook.
The Waterloo Film Festival is shaping up to be a vibrant celebration of African cinema. It will feature a curated mix of standout films such as Father’s Day, The Fighter’s Plight, and My Winter Tears. The festival also promises enriching master-classes and networking opportunities to bring creatives together and spark future collaborations.
For the cast and crew of Lifa Lami, being part of this festival isn’t just about showing their film—it’s about representing Eswatini with pride and connecting with fellow filmmakers from across the continent.
“We look forward to showcasing Lifa Lami and sharing our journey,” they said.
This selection is more than just a screening slot—it’s a statement. It proves that Swazi stories, told with authenticity and heart, belong on the world stage. And as Lifa Lami heads to Durban, it carries the spirit, talent, and dreams of a nation with it.
Here’s to more Swazi stories shining on global screens—Durban, get ready!
