A Durban University of Technology (DUT) alumnus is appealing for financial support to attend the prestigious Indie Film Festival Awards in New York after his latest short film, Orì, was officially selected for screening at the international event.
Twenty-three-year-old Sabelo Khomo, who graduated with a Diploma in Drama from DUT in 2025, has steadily established himself as one of South Africa’s emerging filmmakers, earning national and international recognition for his work. The Indie Film Festival Awards will take place from 4 to 6 August 2026 at the Quad Cinema in New York, presenting him with an opportunity to showcase South African storytelling on a global stage.
Sabelo is currently a student at Media City Academy in Johannesburg and, in addition to his DUT qualification, he holds a National Certificate in Film and Television from Creative Arts College. He has further expanded his technical expertise through specialised industry training. This includes the Digital Imaging Technician course hosted by the South African Finishing Artists and Imaging Technicians Society (SAFAITS) and SA Film Academy in 2026, as well as the Steppingstone Multi-Cam Course at the University of Cape Town in 2025.
For him, the official selection of Orì marks another significant milestone in a filmmaking journey shaped by perseverance and dedication. However, while the invitation to attend the festival presents a valuable career opportunity, financial constraints threaten to prevent him from travelling to New York.
“I would love to attend the festival as it is a wonderful opportunity for me as a young filmmaker to build new networks, form meaningful friendships and potentially collaborate with international filmmakers. This would open doors for me not only in New York but also here in South Africa. It would increase my exposure, allowing more people to see my previous work and achievements, which could further my career and help me achieve my long-term goal,” he said.
This is not Sabelo’s first recognition by the Indie Film Festival Awards. His previous short film, The Fighter’s Plight, received a nomination for Best Cinematography. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend the festival due to a lack of funding, making this year’s selection particularly significant.
Since embarking on his filmmaking career, he has produced more than six short films, many of which have received acclaim at both national and international film festivals. His productions have been showcased at the Durban 48 Hour Film Project, the Power24 International Film Festival in Durban, the Smartphone International Film Festival in Nigeria and the Canada International Mobile Film Festival, among others.
His achievements have also earned him numerous awards, including the Emerging Filmmaker of the Year award at the 5th Durban Tourism Business Awards. Additional accolades include Best Cinematography, Best Film, Best Musical Score, Best Trailer, Best Social Awareness Film, Best Actor and Best Editing.
Reflecting on his journey, Sabelo credits his academic foundation and practical training with equipping him with the skills and confidence to pursue opportunities beyond South Africa’s borders.
As a proud DUT alumnus, the young filmmaker hopes to inspire other aspiring creatives by demonstrating that local talent can compete on the international stage. He is appealing to organisations, businesses and individuals willing to invest in South Africa’s creative industries by supporting his journey to New York.
Any individual or organisation interested in supporting Sabelo’s journey to the Indie Film Festival Awards in New York is encouraged to contact him on 065 993 4691 or via email at sabelozamisa4@gmail.com.
Donations can also be made directly via the following link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/sabelo-goes-to-new-york
Your support will help showcase South African talent on the global stage and enable an emerging filmmaker to represent South Africa at an internationally recognised film festival.
Pictured: Sabelo Khomo
Thubelihle Dumakude
