EU film festival crowns smartphone short film winners

Mbabane – The European Union Film Festival 2025 continued its vibrant showcase of creativity at the Eswatini Theatre Club on Thursday, with the winners of the Smartphone Short Film Competition announced.

Siphesihle Zwane took first place with The Last Message, earning E4000, though Zwane was absent to receive the award. Siphosethu Sibandze won second place for My GPS, taking home E2000, while Vusi Langa’s Broken Promise claimed third place with a prize of E1000. The competition highlighted the potential of smartphones as tools for storytelling and creative expression.

Day 2 also featured the Italian-French film Magari, directed by Ginevra Elkann, which follows three siblings navigating a chaotic holiday with their estranged father. Audiences praised the film for its delicate portrayal of family dynamics, blending tenderness and disorder.

The festival opened with remarks from Phinda Nkhosi on behalf of Minister of Sport, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, describing the event as a celebration of European and Swati film and culture. EU Ambassador Karsten Mecklenburg welcomed guests, setting the tone for cultural exchange and artistic inspiration.

Youth engagement was further encouraged by Melanie Dlamini, MTN Bushfire School Festival Coordinator, who shared insights on creativity among young filmmakers. The festival continues today with a Kids’ Hour screening Olmo and Thermostat, inviting families to participate in an afternoon of storytelling.