Inside Education Reporter
Amanzi, a short film by Newcastle-born Lindani Msibi (26), who is studying an advanced diploma in drama and production at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), has won the award for best editing at the Canada Mobile International Film Festival (CIMFF).
Amanzi trounced entries from 10 countries to take the title. It was also nominated in the best cinematography and best mobile film categories.
Msibi described the nominations and win as “surreal”.
“I didn’t expect Amanzi to travel this far, let alone win an international award. Seeing my name among filmmakers from around the world reminded me why I started storytelling in the first place. Winning best editing was more than a personal victory; it was validation that stories from South Africa can stand tall on the global stage,” he said.
Amanzi, which is the isiZulu word for water, is the story of a woman tormented by ancestral spirits that demand that she embrace her calling as a traditional healer.
Msibi said the film explores the tension between modern religion and ancestral duty, using water as a metaphor for life, struggle, and renewal.
“The idea came from observing how water, something so ordinary, holds deep emotional, cultural and spiritual meaning. It’s about healing, connection and rediscovery. I wanted audiences to reflect on what sustains us, not just physically but spiritually,” said Msibi.
Behind the camera, Amanzi was a collaborative effort. “I was blessed with a passionate and creative team. From the cinematographer who captured the poetry in every shot to the sound designer who gave the film its heartbeat, every member brought something personal. That’s what made Amanzi truly alive,” he said.
Studying at DUT, he added, played a crucial role in his growth as a filmmaker.
“DUT gave me a space to experiment, to innovate and to learn without fear. The mentorship and training sharpened my skills but also helped me find my authentic voice. I learned to think critically about representation and storytelling ethics, which shaped who I am as a filmmaker today.”
Competing internationally taught him valuable lessons about creativity and authenticity, said Msibi.
“The biggest lesson is that your story matters, no matter where you come from. Don’t chase trends, chase truth. Our local stories are rich and layered; the world is waiting to hear them,” he added.
Msibi is already working on his next short film, exploring identity and memory through the eyes of a young South African woman reconnecting with her ancestral past. He also hopes to expand Amanzi into a feature-length project.
“The goal is to keep telling stories that carry both cultural depth and emotional honesty,” he said.
Inside Education
