Umfula VR – Community Screenings 2024
Community Engagement screenings, KwaZulu Natal
Umfula – Echoes of the River, a VR film created by VR Capture and directed by Telmo dos Reis, has been making a powerful impact across communities along the Mfolozi River in KwaZulu-Natal. The film offers an immersive journey along the river, highlighting its natural beauty, ecological importance, and the threats it faces.
The screenings were held in multiple communities, starting from Vryheid in northern KwaZulu-Natal and ending at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Communities such as Nzamangamandla, Hlabisa, Somkhele, Sokhulu, and St Lucia were part of this tour, with each event fostering dialogue on environmental conservation.
“We wanted to use this project not only to raise awareness about the importance of the Mfolozi River but also to empower communities by creating job opportunities,” explains dos Reis. Initially targeting 33 jobs, the project successfully employed around 50 people through careful budgeting.
The project was supported by a grant from PESP4 (Presidential Employment Stimulus Package) and the National Film and Video Foundation, with additional collaboration from local community leaders who helped organize the screenings.
Producer Cheryl Tuckett of Light and Lion shared that the film had a profound impact, both in raising awareness about the river’s challenges and inspiring pride and ownership of natural resources among community members.
“Our goal was not just to show the film but to encourage environmental stewardship,” says dos Reis. “We hope this project inspires others to take action in protecting our planet’s precious natural resources.”
The film was made possible with support from the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, National Film and Video Foundation, PESP4, and Light and Lion, all contributing to the production and community screenings of Umfula – Echoes of the River.
Dive deeper at:
umfulavr.africa & facebook.com/umfulavr