The Joburg Film Festival (JFF) is set to return for its seventh edition from March 11 to 16, 2025, under the theme ‘The Golden Thread – Connected Through Stories.’ Partnering with MultiChoice, JFF promises to illuminate Johannesburg, the “City of Gold,” with a cinematic tapestry of local, African, and international stories that explore the profound interconnectedness of shared human experiences.
Guided by its tagline, ‘Our Stories. Our Gold,’ the festival emphasises the treasure of storytelling in illuminating lives and connecting communities. JFF Founder Tim Mangwedi shared:
“The Golden Thread represents the unbreakable link that storytelling forms between individuals, communities, and cultures. Through our curated selection of films, we aim to showcase how stories interlace to create a larger tapestry of shared human experience.”
A World of Films to Discover
JFF 2025 will feature over 60 films across genres, from thrilling dramas to inspiring documentaries, offering audiences a glimpse into diverse cultures and perspectives. Some notable highlights include:
- Sebata: A South African detective thriller by Norman Maake.
- Timmy the Kid: A rural-urban comedy directed by Gray Hofmeyr with a star-studded cast.
- The Man Died: Awam Amkpa’s adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s memoir, narrating resilience during Nigeria’s civil war.
- To a Land Unknown: Mahdi Fleifel’s tale of two Palestinian friends filmed across five countries.
- Under the Volcano: Damian Kocur’s exploration of the Ukraine war’s emotional toll.
- Ernest Cole: Lost and Found: Raoul Peck’s documentary on the iconic South African photographer’s artistry and activism.
Empowering Industry and Youth
JFF extends beyond the screen with its robust Joburg Xchange (JBX) industry programme, offering three key pillars:
- JBX Business: A thriving market for industry professionals, from filmmakers to investors.
- JBX Talks: A platform celebrating African storytelling, featuring panels, masterclasses, and networking.
- JBX Youth: Targeted at aspiring filmmakers aged 18–35, this initiative provides mentorship, skill-building workshops, and career development resources.
Spotlight on Youth Talent
The Youth & Audience Development Programme will launch in February 2025 at the Kagiso Archives Centre. Participants will enjoy two days of workshops, film screenings, and mentorship opportunities, culminating at JFF with the Young Voices Competition. Under the theme ‘The Power of Sports in Film,’ this competition celebrates the creativity of young South African filmmakers, with the winner announced at the Golden Thread Gala Awards.
Join the Celebration
As the festival dates draw closer, excitement builds for this grand celebration of storytelling. Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice, summed it up perfectly:
“JFF is a celebration of the stories that connect us all, reflecting our shared humanity. It’s an honor to spotlight the richness of African storytelling, showcasing its power to connect, inspire, and transform.”
Tickets and festival badges, including Early Bird specials, go on sale starting December 3, 2024. For details, visit www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za and follow JFF’s social media channels for the latest updates.
Be Part of the Tapestry
Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the universal language of cinema. Save the dates, March 11–16, 2025, and join the Joburg Film Festival in weaving stories that connect us all.
#JoburgFilmFestival #JFF2025 #TheGoldenThread
