By Saul Molobi (Photos by Nadia Bulbulia and Seipati Molefe)
At the heart of Houghton Estate, in the sacred space once home to Nelson Mandela himself, the 2025 Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival came alive this morning with memory, purpose, and celebration – this 8th edition of the festival will run from 13 to 16 June. The intimate morning ceremony welcomed creators, educators, activists, and children — all united by the belief that storytelling saves lives.
Opening Reflections – Firdoze Bulbulia
Festival co-founder Firdoze Bulbulia set the tone with an evocative recollection of the early days:
“There was a time when 5,000 young people packed into the Expo room. I had to stand on a chair just to be seen – it was chaotic, but magical. We invited global leaders in animation and gaming to teach our children. From that energy came the African Animation Studio. We didn’t wait for funding – we just did it.”
She called attention to the need for generational partnerships in a rapidly shifting technological world:
“Yes, the kids move fast. But they need us to guide, listen, learn with them. Sometimes they send too many messages, but they’re reaching out. They want to be seen.”
Firdoze reminded the audience of the sacredness of the venue:
“This is Tata Madiba’s home. When you walk through these doors, know you are walking through history. But more than that — know you are welcome. This is your home too.”
Festival Philosophy and Youth Engagement
More than a film showcase, the festival is a carefully curated space. It doesn’t rely on mass submissions – instead, it chooses the stories it wants to tell and the conversations it wants to have. The upcoming screening at Killarney Mall (supported since 2018 by AV Musa) continues this legacy – a curated, purpose-driven experience.
Firdoze highlighted exciting new collaborations, including a virtual connection with The Fun Squad, a YouTube family with 18 million followers. This global exchange aims to spark connections between children in South Africa’s townships and children from around the world – bridging storytelling through play, technology, and culture.
She emphasised the urgency of media literacy, especially for children growing up in a world driven by “likes” and viral attention:
“Everyone wants to be an influencer. But how do we teach young people to build real personas – not just for the algorithm, but for themselves?”
Lifetime Achievement Awards
A central highlight of the festival is the conferring of Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognising individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing the rights, dignity, and creativity of children.
This year, four remarkable champions were honoured:
1. Yvonne Chaka Chaka – The Princess of Africa
Introduced by Shaai’sta Bulbulia with heartfelt warmth and reverence, Yvonne Chaka Chaka was celebrated as a global icon whose music, advocacy, and mentorship have uplifted generations. She holds numerous accolades, including:
- The Order of Ikhamanga in Silver
- The Crystal Award (World Economic Forum)
- Roles as UN Goodwill Ambassador and Global Fund Champion
“She is the original influencer – before hashtags and hashtags,” said Shaai’sta.
Yvonne’s heartfelt acceptance:
“Faith and Firdoze are always giving. You don’t ask for anything – you give from your hearts, from your pockets, and you never stop. You lift children from where I came from – and you say, ‘You matter.’”
She also paid tribute to Chef Xoliswa Ndoyiya, Nelson Mandela’s personal chef of 22 years, who prepared the meal for the occasion:
“We are eating food cooked with legacy and love. Let’s not take that lightly.”
Xoliswa has written a cookbook, “Made with Love”, showcasing the recipes that used in cooking for our global icon.
2. Faith Isiakpere – A Storyteller of the Continent
A filmmaker, visionary, and global cultural diplomat, Faith reflected on her journey from London to Lagos to Johannesburg:
“I was raised on the streets of South London, but they only saw the African in me. It was Miriam Makeba who told me at 20: “You are an African child. Tell your story.”
His moving tribute to Miriam Makeba, who welcomed him to South Africa in 1990, and his early work with Nelson Mandela revealed the deeply personal roots of her lifelong activism.
“Madiba told me: ‘Our people don’t have the experience. Come back and help us.’ And I did.”
3. Caro Carew – From Driver to Director
A powerful reminder of humility and persistence, Caro shared her story of beginning as a driver on a film set with John Kani in 1987:
“I didn’t study film. I watched. I learned. I stayed curious.”
Her filmography includes landmark documentaries such as Music is My Life, the story of Dr Joseph Shabalala, which was nominated for an Academy Award submission.
“Everyone has a story. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Whether painful, joyful, or inconvenient – your story matters. And it can heal others.”
4. Pouran Derakhshandeh – Voice for the Voiceless (Iran)
Unable to attend in person, Iranian filmmaker Pouran Derakhshandeh was represented by her daughter, who arrived in Johannesburg at the last minute after securing a visa within three days.
Pouran is a pioneer of disability-focused cinema in the Middle East. Her films like The Little Bird of Happiness and Hush! center children with disabilities as protagonists – shifting the lens of visibility, empathy, and inclusion.
“Her work shows what’s possible when children with disabilities aren’t just spoken about but are allowed to speak for themselves.”
Special Message: Ambassador Hanan Jarrar of Palestine
The Ambassador of Palestine to South Africa, H.E. Hanan Jarrar, offered a moving tribute to the spirit of South African solidarity:
“There is no place like South Africa for us as Palestinians. You give us hope, support, and strength. We are not alone here.”
She urged attendees to keep the narrative of Palestine alive, especially for the children:
“As mothers, as human beings, we cannot accept the silence. We must keep hoping, keep speaking, keep remembering.”
Closing Message – Firdoze Bulbulia
“None of us are here by accident. As Auntie Yvonne says: ‘You’re here because I chose you.’ And for those not here – maybe next time. But today, we honour those whose work lifts children, through film, story, music, and love.”
She ended by calling on everyone to support and amplify the work of young creatives, to attend their screenings, engage in their conversations, and invest in their futures.