Mirunzini means in the shade
In Venda, stories were told under the trees, out of the sun, with grandparents, parents and children gathered close. Mirunzini brings that circle back, this time around a stage and a screen.
Why Thohoyandou
South Africa's cinemas and festivals sit mostly in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Young talent from Vhembe moves to the cities to find work, and audiences here rarely get to see local films in their own languages.
Mirunzini puts South African films in front of audiences in Limpopo, gives local filmmakers and performers a stage at home, and brings the industry to meet them. We want Thohoyandou to be a place people travel to for stories, every year.
Two festivals, one week apart
- Theatre Fest
- 4–5 December 2026. Theatre, dance, music, storytelling and spoken word. More
- Film Festival
- 11–12 December 2026. Short films, features, documentaries and animation, with Q&As and panels. More
- Where
- Thohoyandou Arts & Culture Centre, Limpopo. Getting there
Who's behind it
- Secret Saturday Entertainment
Makes films, video podcasts and branded content, and produces live events. It grew out of the Secret Saturday events that started in 2020. The Mirunzini Film Festival is a Secret Saturday project, in association with Ngoma Productions.
- Ngoma Productions
Runs the Mirunzini Theatre Fest and works with Secret Saturday on the Film Festival. Ngoma also runs this website and the entry portal.
- National Film and Video Foundation
Funds the Film Festival.
- National Arts Council
Funds the Theatre Fest.
- Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Supports both festivals.
More than screenings
Around the screenings and performances there will be practical sessions for young people on storytelling, acting and cinematography, a place for filmmakers to meet producers and distributors, and a market for local vendors and crafters. Young people from the area will be hired to promote the festival and work on it.
