Joburg Film Festival 2025: A Celebration of African and Global Cinema

The highly anticipated 7th edition of the Joburg Film Festival (JFF), in partnership with MultiChoice Group, is set to take Johannesburg by storm from March 11-16, 2025. This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience, featuring world-class films, industry networking events, and a showcase of cinematic excellence from around the world.

A Grand Opening with Ernest Cole: Lost and Found

Kicking off the festival is the world premiere of Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, a documentary that delves into the life and work of one of South Africa’s most influential photographers. First premiered at the Cannes Film Festival—where it won Best Documentary—this powerful film tells the story of Cole’s relentless pursuit of truth through photography during the apartheid era.

His lost collection of images, found decades later in a Swedish bank vault, has since been returned to his family and is now being honored in South Africa. The film is directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Raoul Peck, known for Lumumba and I Am Not Your Negro, and promises to be a moving tribute to Cole’s legacy. Peck himself will be attending the premiere, making this a must-see event for film lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

A Lineup of Unmissable Films

This year’s JFF boasts an impressive selection of over 100 films from across the globe, including 28 African premieres and 12 world premieres. The lineup features a mix of fiction and documentary films that will captivate audiences with compelling storytelling and cultural depth.

Must-Watch Highlights

• BOS – A thrilling post-apocalyptic film set in a future South Africa, where survival is a constant battle.
• The Man Died – Based on Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir, this film tells the harrowing tale of his imprisonment without trial by a military regime.
• Happy – The True Story of Happy Sindane – A deeply moving world premiere about a white teenager raised by a Black family who embarks on a search for his biological parents.
• Old Righteous Blues – South Africa’s official submission for the Academy Awards, showcasing the country’s growing influence in global cinema.
• The Last Ranger – An Oscar-nominated feature that further cements African storytelling on the world stage.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

Beyond showcasing established filmmakers, JFF 2025 is also dedicated to nurturing new voices in cinema. The festival will spotlight student films from leading institutions such as AFDA, TUT, UCT, and WITS, providing young filmmakers with a platform to share their stories with the world.

Follow The Golden Thread

This year’s theme, The Golden Thread, celebrates the universal emotions and shared experiences that connect us through storytelling. Whether you’re a cinephile, industry professional, or casual moviegoer, JFF 2025 offers an immersive experience that blends culture, creativity, and thought-provoking narratives.

Be Part of the Magic

The Joburg Film Festival is more than just a series of screenings—it’s a movement that brings together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences to celebrate the power of cinema. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event.

For tickets, programming details, and updates on the JBX market, visit www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za or follow the festival on social media:

• Facebook: JoburgFilmFestival
• Twitter/X: @JoburgFilmFest
• Instagram: @joburg_film_festival
• LinkedIn: Joburg Film Fest
• TikTok: Joburg Film Fest

Hashtags: #JoburgFilmFestival #JFF2025

Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey at JFF 2025!