- 30 Oct – 01 Nov 2026
- The Labia Theatre, Cape Town
Get ready to be captivated by the brilliance of African cinema at the FAME Shorts Film Festival! This exciting festival showcases thought-provoking films from the most innovative and creative filmmakers across the continent. It’s a festival you absolutely can’t miss.
The FAME Short Film Festival celebrates Africa’s rich diversity and its diaspora through films that explore themes like cultural heritage, modern life, diasporic identity, historical events, and pressing socio-political issues. From personal stories and biographies to artistic creativity and tales of innovation, the festival highlights the intricate intersectionality within African societies.
In partnership with MIP Africa, the FAME Short Film Festival features a wide variety of events for filmmakers to participate in. From September 4 to 6, 2025, the Cape Town International Convention Centre will buzz with content sessions, workshops, and masterclasses presented by industry professionals. These events aim to educate and inspire professionals within the film and television industry.
Join us for a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and cultural expression at the FAME Short Film Festival – where the best of African indie cinema comes to life in a fun and engaging atmosphere!
In a striking blend of symbolism and simplicity, multidisciplinary visual artist Dustin August has captured the spirit of African storytelling with his award-winning poster for the FAME Shorts Film Festival. Reimagining a penguin as a guardian of narratives, Dustin’s work goes far beyond visual appeal—it tells a story of resilience, protection, and cultural preservation.
Dustin’s creative journey began with a powerful image: an adult penguin cradling a chick at its feet. This nurturing scene became the cornerstone of his concept. “The image evoked the idea of safety and protection,” he explains. “This was the lens that I wanted to view South African storytelling through.” In a poignant twist, the chick was replaced with a film reel, seamlessly merging the themes of conservation and cinematic storytelling.
While penguins are often seen as endangered and vulnerable, Dustin sought to rewrite that narrative. “The penguin is a resilient bird,” he emphasizes. “I wanted to shift the power to the penguin… and by doing so highlight its strength and beauty.” This metaphor serves as a reminder that both wildlife and storytelling deserve to be protected and celebrated.
The design is deceptively minimalist, relying on the penguin’s natural features—its bold black and white palette and distinctive chest markings—to create a visually striking piece. “These were obvious and simple design decisions,” Dustin says, “but it allowed for a bold and striking final design.” The result is a poster that captures attention while inviting deeper reflection.
Rather than drawing from a single cinematic reference, Dustin’s poster was inspired by the act of storytelling itself—particularly the voices that are often underrepresented. “I wanted my poster to highlight the story of the penguin and its resilience and the importance of platforming new voices and stories from South Africa and the world.”
For Dustin, the selection of his artwork as the face of this year’s festival is deeply meaningful. “I am an independent self-taught multi-disciplined visual artist, and with that comes many obstacles,” he shares. “What I love most about this opportunity is that it goes beyond my design and touches on the issues of natural and cultural conservation too.”
When asked about his favorite African films and series, Dustin pays homage to classics and contemporary gems alike. “Sarafina remains an important film in the history of our country,” he says, while also applauding the futuristic creativity of Kizazi Moto and the emotional storytelling of My Octopus Teacher.
So why are African creatives making such an impact globally? “Africa holds an immense wealth of creative knowledge,” Dustin reflects. “Our stories are authentic, diverse and rooted in culture, creativity and oral history… We are sharing the depth and body of our unique experiences and we are doing it through our own narratives, framing and lenses.”
Through his bold poster design, Dustin August does more than visually represent the FAME Shorts Film Festival—he reminds us that storytelling, like nature, deserves to be nurtured and protected.
