At just 26-years-old, Lindani Sibisi, an Advanced Diploma in Drama and Production Studies student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), is making waves on the international film stage. Hailing from Newcastle’s rural heartland in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Sibisi has proven that powerful storytelling knows no boundaries.
His short film, Amanzi, recently earned international recognition at the Canada Mobile International Film Festival (CIMFF), where it was nominated in three categories; Best Mobile Film, Best Cinematography and Best Editing. It went on to win the award for Best Editing, trouncing entries from 10 countries worldwide.
Reflecting on this remarkable achievement, he described the moment 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,” shared Sibisi.
Providing insight on his winning film, titled after the Zulu word for “water,” Sibisi indicated that it delves into the story of a woman who was tormented by ancestral spirits, who demand that she embraced her calling as a traditional healer. Through its symbolic narrative, he said Amanzi 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,” explained Sibisi.
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. Reflecting on his DUT journey he said: “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, that shaped who I am as a filmmaker today.”
Competing internationally taught him valuable lessons about creativity and authenticity. “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,” added Sibisi.
Looking ahead, Sibisi 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,” said Sibisi with conviction.
Pictured: DUT filmmaker, Lindani Sibisi who recently won an international film award.
Andile Dube
