Episode Details

When we think of East London, many of us think of the motor industry. What we don't think of is culture, but that is all about to change with the inaugural Cultured Roots Film Festival taking place in the first week of September. The festival celebrates African identity, heritage, and innovation through film—rooted in the cultural heart of East London in the Eastern Cape.

ACP caught up with the festival's director, Sivuyiswe Giba, over Zoom, about the what, why, where and when, as well as her own motivation for the event. 

Sivu is a multi-talented, award-winning film director, producer, and co-founder of SivuBuhle Media. With over a decade of experience in South Africa’s film industry, she has worked on international productions like Mad Max: Fury Road, Black Sails, and Kaalgat Karel, and has produced her own acclaimed documentary uHadi featuring the legendary Dr. Latozi Madosini Mpahleni.

The Cultured Roots Film Festival is happening from 4 to 8 September. expect powerful film screenings, exciting live performances, thought-provoking panel discussions, and inspiring masterclasses. Get more  info on their FaceBook page.

Yes? No? Send us a text

Let us know what you think, what movie or series you would like to see featured, or just to tell us how brilliant it all is:
instagram.com/africancouchpotato
x.com/africancouchpot
gino.arlechino@gmail.com

WhatsApp Channel: Mzansi Film News, Views and Reviews 

YouTube; African Couch Potato - YouTube 

https://www.patreon.com/c/AfricanCouchPotato 

Gino Shelile’s profile • Letterboxd
Member of the Film Critics Association of South Africa (FCASA)

Produced by Ted Loukes and A10 Consulting
ted@aten.co.za

Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay

CHqjHqS2RAMkVSeydGo7

© SANTE MEDIA 2026