Why Mmabatho Montsho wants you at ConHill this weekend

Worried you missed the first day (so what's the point?) of attending this annual Joburg calendar highlight?

Filmmaker and curator at this year’s Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival Mmabatho Montsho is heading up the film fest component of this dynamic three-day affair that started 21 March 2024.

“Most films inspire dialogue. Some even affect tangible change. With the festival, we hope the selection of films also has a conversation with each other," she tells Drum.

"We also have Q&As with filmmakers, this certainly inspires lots of passionate dialogue. I think almost all the films already offer solutions. The popular structures of film demand you to figure out a resolution and I think the films make their attempt. Others are stories of victory over issues and unpack how they won the battle.”

While she has previously curated and produced other exhibitions at the Human Rights Festival, Mmabatho is particularly looking forward to this one, she recently told TRUELOVE.

“It’s an honour to be invited by ConHill to be at the helm of the 2024 Human Rights Film Festival. My role has included sourcing and curating films, panel discussions, workshops, fundraising and initiating long term relationships with relevant partners," she told Drum's sister publication.

"Together with ConHill, I look forward to growing the festival and establishing it as one of the defining festivals for filmmakers in Africa in the coming years.”

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The visual artist, actress and director who first shot to fame as Lumka Dlomo in the popular SABC soapie Generations dishes Drum more details.

“Our panel discussion on Unpacking the Value Chain of the African Digital Industry may help filmmakers think about what they are creating and how the films will reach audiences.

"Going by what I’ve seen in my experience, I’d say to understand the difference between filmmaking and video production.

"They both have their place but are often not interchangeable and don’t often travel the same path to reach audiences and don’t impact them in the same way.”

The artist believes film serves as a catalyst for change and promotes human rights.

“On the same day (today, 23 March 2024), we have Strike a Rock, which follows two women seeking justice for the massacre of mine workers in 2012, under the current dispensation," Mmabatho adds.

"Strike a Rock shows the devastating impact of gross violations of worker’s rights, unemployment and service delivery failures in just one film.”

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“I hope the selection of films makes audiences feel seen and heard. I also really believe in the power of collective effort toward a better country, and I tried to curate the films in a way that celebrates that spirit. There is no telling how people will be impacted, and we will have audience surveys to help us gauge the impact.”

While you may have missed the first day of the sixth edition of the Human Rights Festival, which ends 24 March, there is plenty more still on offer.

In addition to film, there will be panel discussions on pressing issues SA faces as this year’s festival coincides with the 30th anniversary o our democracy.

As part of these impactful initiatives, the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Response Fund is "organising a compelling panel discussion on societal apathy and proactive engagement in combating GBVF".

"These discussions will encompass crucial topics such as financing and ensuring community-based capacity to tackle the scourge of GBVF," the fund says.

"We warmly extend an invitation for you to join us in this important event, where together we can elevate the voices championing equality, dignity, freedom, and justice for all."