A South African environmental documentary journeys from source to sea in 8K FullDome, during Fak’ugesi African Digital & Innovation Festival 2026
Johannesburg, October 2026: Umfula: Echoes of the River, an immersive VR documentary following the Umfolozi River in KwaZulu-Natal from source to sea, will have its FullDome premiere at the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome on Friday 16 October at 14:45 followed by a panel discussion as part of Fak’ugesi African Digital & Innovation Festival 2026, with further screenings going forward around the country.
Directed by Telmo dos Reis, produced by Cheryl Tuckett, and co-written and narrated by Thando Fuze, the film is a 30-minute long and in 8K for the FullDome.
“Umfula” means “river” in isiZulu, and the story is guided by the poetic voice of the river itself. It travels from its source near Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal, through communities and ecosystems, towards iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Indian Ocean.
The film celebrates the river’s beauty and ecological importance while confronting pressures from mining, pollution, unsustainable resource use and agriculture. It also explores the spiritual and cultural bond between water, land and people, drawing on a Sangoma, farmers, activists, conservationists, park officials, tourism operators and local residents. Collaborators include Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Global Environmental Trust, Mfolozi Community Environmental Justice Organisation and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Before reaching the dome, the original VR version was taken to six community events in rural KwaZulu-Natal, bringing the experience to people living along the river, some of whom were involved in the filming. Further community screenings are planned, while the VR version is being prepared for future release on VR platforms.
“Water is more than a resource; it is a sacred life force, deeply connected to culture, spirituality and survival,” said director Telmo dos Reis. “Umfula is a call to reflect on our shared responsibility to protect our water sources for future generations.”
The FullDome version offers a shared experience, with audiences surrounded by the river’s landscapes and spatial sound. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the river, cultural connections to water, environmental challenges and immersive storytelling, plus a networking opportunity. Where logistics allow, audiences may also try the original VR version on headsets.
Fak’ugesi African Digital & Innovation Festival, Africa’s premier digital innovation festival, runs from 13 to 17 October at the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Johannesburg. Now in its thirteenth year, it takes the theme “African Imaginaries.” Umfula brings a KwaZulu-Natal story to this platform, placing environmental storytelling alongside digital innovation and African creative practice.
"Umfula follows one river from its source to the sea, and the Dome lets an audience stand inside that journey. We are proud that its African premiere is at Fak’ugesi, in a festival where memory is active and water is part of what we remember,” says Alby Michaels, Festival Director.
The FullDome experience will be available from 16 October 14:45. Bookings for Fak’ugesi can be made through fakugesi.co.za/tickets.
Umfula: Echoes of the River, will be available for screenings in communities in the near future, and will also have further screenings in around the country. For more information go to https://www.umfulavr.africa/ or email Telmo at telmo@vrcapture.co.za
The film has been made through the support of KZNTAFA, NFVF, and Light&Lion.