At just 26, Sterkspruit filmmaker Lukhanyo Manyangezi is quickly becoming a powerful new voice in South African cinema. After earning third place for his film Born to Silence at MIP Africa during Fame Week Africa 2025 in Cape Town, he is now preparing to premiere his latest historical drama, King Maqoma, on 11 October 2025, a project rooted in reclaiming the Eastern Cape’s rich and complex history.
Their Story
Manyangezi’s journey reflects a rising generation of Eastern Cape creatives determined to tell local stories with global impact. His upcoming film, King Maqoma, sheds light on the life of one of the most revered Xhosa military leaders, who played a major role in the Sixth and Eighth Frontier Wars of the 1800s.
“King Maqoma is more than just cinema, it’s a way to reclaim our history,” said Manyangezi. “It dawned on me that this story needs to be told by the people of the Eastern Cape for the world.”
This passion for storytelling isn’t new. In 2024, his gripping Amazon Prime drama The Accused garnered critical attention. His latest venture at Fame Week Africa placed him among Africa’s top emerging talents.
The Event/Occasion
Held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 1–6 September 2025, Fame Week Africa brought together African and global creators. Manyangezi was one of five Eastern Cape creatives supported by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) to attend MIP Africa, the continent’s premier B2B market for film and television.
His pitch for Born to Silence, a story about the lived experiences of gender-based violence victims in the Eastern Cape secured third place among international projects, affirming his place on the continent’s creative radar.
The next major milestone? The first public screening of King Maqoma on 11 October 2025 just in time for South Africa’s Heritage Month celebrations.
Community Reactions
ECDC Arts and Crafts Coordinator Athenkosi Baliso praised the momentum building around Eastern Cape creatives:
“The creative industry is an integral part of our province’s economy and heritage. Our long-term support has focused on building capacity and global competitiveness.”
For 15 years, the ECDC has connected local talent to major platforms like the National Arts Festival, Mandela Bay Arts Festival, and Decorex Cape Town. Artists like Lookout Sibanda, the Gqeberha-based ceramicist with over 100 works displayed in California, are proof of the impact.
Through its Eastern Cape Craft Collection Shop in East London, the ECDC currently showcases 97 enterprises from across the province a hub for cultural expression and creative enterprise.
