Lwazi Duma
Lwazi Duma’s production makes opening night at PIFF
The Power24 International Film Festival (PIFF), Africa’s premiere disability-inclusive international film festival, is proud to announce Izenzo Zami, directed by internationally acclaimed South African filmmaker Lwazi Duma, as the Official Opening Film of the 2026 festival.
PIFF is delighted to open this year’s programme with a powerful South African production that reflects many of the critical social issues the festival is committed to amplifying. Izenzo Zami is a compelling human drama that explores fatherhood, family abandonment, accountability, healing, terminal illness, cancer awareness, disability inclusion, and the importance of rebuilding broken relationships. These themes closely align with the festival’s mission of using cinema to inspire dialogue, promote social awareness, and champion stories of marginalised communities.
The film follows the emotional journey of a man who discovers he has terminal cancer and attempts to reconnect with the wife and children he abandoned many years before, only to find that they have rebuilt their lives. Through this moving story, audiences are challenged to reflect on responsibility, forgiveness, and the lasting impact of absent fathers on families and society.
Adding to its significance, Izenzo Zami features several of South Africa’s well-known actors, bringing exceptional performances to a story that is both deeply personal and socially relevant.
PIFF Co-Founder Buhle Khumalo from Buhle Khumalo Foundation for Epilepsy expressed excitement about the selection:
“We are thrilled to present Izenzo Zami as our Opening Film for 2026. This is exactly the kind of socially conscious storytelling that Power24 celebrates. The film raises awareness around cancer, disability, family responsibility, and social healing while showcasing outstanding South African filmmaking. It embodies our vision of using film as a catalyst for inclusion, education, hope and meaningful conversations.”
Director Lwazi Duma is one of South Africa’s most accomplished filmmakers, with more than a decade of experience and multiple international awards. His films, including Forbidden Taste, Lesotho: The Weeping Motherland, and The Best Candidate, have earned recognition worldwide. His work continues to gain international acclaim, including selection for JETS at the Berlinale International Film Festival.
PIFF is honoured to showcase another exceptional African story that reflects the realities of our communities while celebrating resilience, accountability and hope.pls
The PIFF 2026 takes place from 21–23 August 2026 in Durban, South Africa, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences from around the world to celebrate inclusive storytelling. The film will be shown at Southern Sun Garden Court Marine Parade at 18h00 on 21 August 2026. Passes for the festival are now available online at Quicket : https://www.quicket.co.za/events/385858-power24-international-film-festival/.
We have very limited half price Early Bird Tickets left. Please grab yourself before are finished: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/386084-power24-international-film-festival-weekend-special-pass-limited-edition-early/?utm_source=EventPage&utm_medium=Sharebox&utm_campaign=&ref=event-page-share.
All media is invited and welcome: accreditation can be obtained through : kznfilmgroup@aol.com
