The highly anticipated premiere of KABELO captivated audiences last week Thursday at Theatre on the Square, Sandton as part of the Joburg Film Festival programme.
The event drew a vibrant crowd of film lovers, industry professionals, media, and cultural figures eager to experience the powerful Sesotho feature film.
Set against the striking highlands of Lesotho, KABELO tells a deeply human story about identity, freedom, and the pursuit of dreams.
As the film unfolded on screen, audiences were taken on an emotional journey reflecting the realities faced by many across Africa, navigating hope, survival, and the longing for a different future.
The premiere received an overwhelmingly positive response, with audiences applauding the film’s authenticity, compelling performances, and subtle comic beats.
The cinematography was widely praised for its beautiful, richly textured visuals that gave the rugged landscapes of Lesotho a vivid, almost tactile presence.
Following the screening, guests remained for an engaging Q&A session with the film’s creative team.
The discussion offered deeper insight into the making of the film, from the origins of its characters and narrative to the challenges and beauty of filming across Lesotho’s dramatic terrain.
Writer and director Carl Houston McMillan shared the creative vision behind the project, describing KABELO as a story that explores the universal human desire for freedom and belonging.
Award-winning actor Warren Masemola, who delivers a gripping performance as the fugitive Master, reflected on the change of pace between Lesotho and Johannesburg during filming, noting how the production embraced a different rhythm and working style to authentically capture the environment.
Lead actor Lebohang Ntsane, who portrays the title character Kabelo, spoke passionately about bringing the role to life and representing the voice of young dreamers who often feel confined by circumstance.
The audience responded enthusiastically during the Q&A, engaging the filmmakers with thoughtful questions about the film’s themes of identity, migration, and the complexity of hope.
Following the discussion, guests gathered for conversations and reflections, celebrating the film’s artistic achievement and its contribution to African storytelling.
Many attendees described the film as moving, visually striking, and emotionally resonant.
The premiere marks a significant milestone for the film as KABELO continues its journey on the international festival circuit, introducing global audiences to a powerful story rooted in African authenticity.
As part of the Joburg Film Festival programme, KABELO will also had an additional screening for audiences who missed the premiere.
Second Screening Details Film: KABELO Date: 8 March 2026 Venue: Nu Metro Hyde Park
