Joburg Film Festival 2025: Celebrating Global Stories

Celebrating the Power of Storytelling

The Joburg Film Festival (JFF) is set to return for its seventh edition. It will be held from March 11 to 16, 2025. The theme will be ‘The Golden Thread – Connected Through Stories’. This year’s festival will delve into the profound interconnection of human experiences through storytelling, emphasizing its timeless value. The tagline, ‘Our Stories. Our Gold’, reflects the festival’s commitment to celebrating Johannesburg’s identity as the “City of Gold.” In this city, stories are regarded as precious treasures. They illuminate our lives and encapsulate the collective wisdom of diverse global communities.

Tim Mangwedi, founder of JFF, expressed enthusiasm for the theme. He stated that it symbolizes the unbreakable links formed through storytelling. These links connect individuals, communities, and cultures. The festival aims to showcase how narratives interlace to create a larger tapestry of shared human experience. Mangwedi remarked, “This is a celebration of connectivity. It is about learning from one another. It is also about recognizing the meaningful impact our stories can have on the world.”

The festival will gather filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from around the globe. They will share experiences and forge connections through cinema. JFF remains dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity while celebrating universal human stories.

The festival will feature over 60 curated titles from local, African, and international filmmakers, including both fiction and documentary films. Noteworthy selections include:

• Sebata: A gripping South African detective thriller directed by Norman Maake.
• Timmy the Kid: A rural-urban comedy by Gray Hofmeyr featuring a star-studded local cast.
• The Man Died: An adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir directed by Awam Amkpa.
• To a Land Unknown: A narrative after two Palestinian cousins directed by Mahdi Fleifel.
• Under the Volcano: A story about a Ukrainian stranded in Spain amidst Russia’s invasion, directed by Damian Kocur.
• Ernest Cole: Lost and Found: This is a documentary chronicling the life of South Africa’s first black freelance photographer. Rauol Peck directs it.

Nomsa Philiso is the CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice. She emphasised the festival’s role in highlighting the richness of African storytelling. She also spoke about its transformative power.

Besides film screenings, JFF will host a robust industry program known as Joburg Xchange (JBX). This includes:

• JBX Business: A market attracting exhibitors, producers, content creators, and investors.
• JBX Talks: Celebrating Johannesburg as a hub for African narratives through panels, masterclasses, and networking events.
• JBX Youth: A new initiative aimed at aspiring filmmakers aged 18–35. It equips them with essential skills for success in the industry.

The Youth & Audience Development Programme will launch in February 2025 at the Kagiso Archives Centre. It will feature workshops and mentorship opportunities. The annual Young Voices Competition will return. It is themed ‘The Power of Sports in Film’. This event encourages young filmmakers to send their works.

The Joburg Film Festival promises an enriching experience filled with stories that connect us all. Mark your calendars for March 11–16, 2025. For more information on programming and tickets, visit the JFF website or follow their social media channels for updates. Together, let us create, share, and celebrate the stories that unite us.

Hashtags for the festival include #JoburgFilmFestival and #JFF2025.