The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Drama and Production Studies student, a multi-award winner in both theatre and filming, Lindani Msibi continues to cement his place in the film industry as a film maker and actor both in Africa and internationally. His film titled ‘My Winter Tears’ has been nominated for the Best Short Film in Cameroon International Film and Seol International Film Festival (SIFF) in South Korea.
His film of which he produced in 2024 has won Best Student Film at DUT Film Festival, nominated for Best Shot Film, Best Directing, and Best Micro Shot at the Power International Film Festival. It was also nominated for the Best Student Film in China and the Best Creative Idea Film in Taiwan. It was further nominated for the Best Student Film and Best Music Score in eThekwini Filmmakers’ Awards and Umlazi Film Festival.
Msibi said such recognition inspires him to do more and reach his full potential. “Being nominated internationally means a lot to me and also gives me courage to do more. I feel happy and inspired,’’ he added.
Born in Newcastle, Msibi holds a deep love and strong belief in art. His dream of become the best actor and film maker started in 2017. He then enrolled at DUT for his Diploma in Drama and Production studies. During his academics, he started producing films for cinemas and his journey of theatre has saw him obtaining several accolades in KwaZulu-Natal.
“I once had a dream of becoming a filmmaker, then I started acting in the 2017 Class Act at Buhle Bomzinyathi Secondary School doing theatre. After enrolling at DUT to study drama, that is when I started producing films for cinemas, some of which are award winners in cinemas,’’ said Msibi.
In 2020 he produced his first ever short film which was nominated for best newcomer at the Durban 48-hour Film Festival. It was followed by ISIBAZI which went viral on cinemas festivals including the uMgungundlovu Film Festival, the Durban 48-hour film festival, and Amajuba Film Festival in the Eastern Cape Film Festival, and it won two awards for best shot film.
In 2023 he created a web series called Idelakufa that was broadcast on YouTube along with his fellow classmates at DUT. He then also produced a shot film for the Cape town 48-hour Film Race. In 2024, Msibi was nominated for Best Student Film in the Simon Sabela KZN Television Film Awards. This year he has enrolled for his Advance Diploma in Drama and Production Studies at DUT.
“I am looking forward to enhancing my skills, bring creativity in the industry and inspire other creative film makers,’’ said Msibi.
Pictured: DUT Drama and Production Studies student, Lindani Msibi.
Vukani Langa
