Johannesburg, South Africa — June 4, 2025
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Sisanda Henna Films is thrilled to announce that Rearview, a powerful film written and directed by the incredibly talented Chris Djuma, will make its World Premiere at the 29th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) this June in Miami, Florida.
Rearview has been selected as one of only five films to be featured in the festival’s prestigious “South African
Stories” showcase, highlighting the next wave of bold and visionary filmmakers reshaping the South African
cinematic landscape.
Djuma’s directorial debut, Rearview, was produced through the NFVF Youth Filmmaker Project and is scheduled to premiere on South Africa’s largest television network later in 2025.
Lead actor & writer-director, Chris Djuma, with Cinematographer Chuanne Blofield
In a testament to the vibrant future of South African cinema, Rearview has been exclusively selected as one of only five films to feature in the festival’s esteemed “South African Stories” showcase, a platform dedicated to spotlighting the bold narratives and groundbreaking talent reshaping the nation’s cinematic landscape.
Rearview marks the powerful directorial debut of Chris Djuma, brought to life through the support of the NFVF Youth Filmmaker Project. Adding to its significance, the film is also slated for its national premiere on South Africa’s largest television network later this year.
A Gripping Thriller with a Heart
Set in the fast-paced, often volatile streets of Johannesburg, Rearview follows Didier Mulegwa, a Congolese
refugee and Shift driver haunted by past trauma. On the anniversary of the Kivu massacre, Didier’s world unravels when Sandile, a deaf seven-year-old boy, jumps into his car fleeing kidnappers. Mistaken for the abductor of the city’s mayor’s son, Didier is forced into a relentless chase through the city — confronting his past while fighting to save the boy and himself.
Didier (Chris Djuma) and Sandile (Phoenix Baaitse) from Rearview.
“This is a story about trauma, redemption, and the urgent need for empathy” says writer-director Chris Djuma.
“There are moments from our past we replay, hoping for a different outcome. With Rearview, I wanted to tell a story where people rise beyond their mistakes, their labels, and their circumstances, in pursuit of a hopeful tomorrow.”
A Key Piece in the “Little Africa” Anthology
Rearview is one the cornerstone stories in Little Africa, a groundbreaking anthology series developed and produced by Sisanda Henna Films. With the renowned actor-producer, Sisanda Henna at the helm as executive producer & showrunner. Conceived to inspire Pan-Africanism within its audience in South Africa and the African diaspora, the project invited the best up-and-coming writer-directors to reimagine Pan-Africanism by exploring the complex and shared experiences of African expatriates living in the countries.
“Little Africa is about Africa reimagined; a modern take from new cinematic voices from the diaspora,” Sisanda
Henna says. “With Rearview, Chris has crafted a deeply human, high-stakes narrative that challenges how we see ‘the other.’ It’s an urgent, and well-crafted emotional journey that deserves the global stage.”
Film Credits
Director & Writer: Chris Djuma
Producer: Sisanda Henna
Executive Producers: Sisanda Henna, Refiloe Hlabioa, Yolanda Ncokotwana, Lala Tuku, Joel Chikapa-Phiri,
Tshepiso Chikapa-Phiri, Bonganjalo Marala
Starring: Chris Djuma, Ndumiso Nkosi, Tendaishe Chitima, Phoenix Baaitse
Original Score: Alex Odiekila
Editor: Hlumi Tlale
Festival Momentum
Following its world premiere at ABFF 2025, Rearview will screen in Russia’s EVRAZIA
KINOFEST” International Film Festival and has been submitted to a number of prestigious
international festivals including: Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Berlinale, Tribeca,
Locarno, and Palm Springs ShortFest.
The official poster for the gripping short film, Rearview.
As a company committed to developing and platforming powerful African narratives, we are honored to support Chris Djuma and the Rearview team in bringing this story of resilience and redemption to audiences worldwide.
See film teaser here https://f.io/79X7r9Rk
Chris Djuma Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chrisdjuma_/
Sisanda Henna Films: www.sisandahennafilms.com
Media Contact
For interviews, screeners, or media inquiries, please contact:
Erica Khumalo
Marketing Assistant, Sisanda Henna Films
Cell: 0613098034
Email: media@sisandahennafilms.com
