Limpopo Filmmaker Wins World Film Festival in Cannes
Limpopo filmmaker Murena Emmanuel Netshitangani has won best African film award at the “World Film Festival in Cannes”, online edition, for his film Lubunyu.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for South African cinema, particularly for the representation of Venda culture on the global stage.
The Cannes World Film Festival, where Lubunyu was honored, is an independent event distinct from the official Festival de Cannes.
The Cannes World Film Festival operates on a monthly and annual competition format, providing a platform for independent filmmakers worldwide.
Lubunyu, which translates to “the naked intruder,” is a Tshivenḓa-language film inspired by a real-life incident from Ṋetshiṱangani’s childhood in Ha-Khakhu Makuleni, Limpopo.
The film delves into themes of gender-based violence, justice, and identity, aligning with the 2025 Cannes theme of confronting gender-based violence and femicide .
“The inspiration for the film came from a haunting real-life experience during my childhood in Ha-Khakhu, a village in Venda, Limpopo. There was a mysterious figure known as Lubunyu who was notorious for terrorising the women of the area. One night, he entered our house with the intention of attacking my sisters. I happened to be awake and asked my sister, Tshifaro, to accompany me to the kitchen to fetch water, where we met him: a dark, frightening and naked man,” said Emmanuel
The film features a notable South African cast, including Tshamano Sebe, Macdonald Ndou, Elsie Rasalanavho, and others.
“This win is a powerful affirmation that our storytelling resonates beyond borders and that the voices and narratives rooted in our communities, especially those that are often overlooked or misunderstood, deserve a global platform,” said Emmanuel
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Premier of Limpopo, Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, lauded Ṋetshiṱangani’s accomplishment, stating that he has demonstrated how dreams nurtured in the quiet villages of Venda can resonate on the world’s grandest stages .
“This is a defining moment for the creative sector of Limpopo and South Africa. 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,” she said.
The Limpopo Arts and Culture Council also praised the filmmaker, suggesting that his success heralds a new era for the province’s creative sector
“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.