Celebrating cinematic excellence, the 7th edition of the Joburg Film Festival proudly announces the winners of its prestigious awards. This year’s remarkable lineup featured an inspiring blend of local and international talent, highlighting stories that resonate deeply and reflect the diverse human experience. From captivating short films like the evocative African folklore tale, “Why the Cattle Wait,” to powerful documentaries such as “Ernest Cole: Lost and Found,” the festival recognised extraordinary storytelling and creativity across genres. Notable winners included “Sugar Land” for Best Edit, “HAPPY: The Real Happy Sindane Story” as Best African Feature Film, and “Blind Love” securing the Best Feature Film accolade. Legendary South African industry figure Mfundi Vundla received a Special Recipient Award for his groundbreaking contributions, while emerging talents were celebrated through honours like the Jury Special Mention for “The Shadow Scholars” and the Young Voices Award presented to the compelling film “CheckMate.”
The Joburg Film Festival (JFF), set against the vibrant backdrop of Johannesburg—the famed “City of Gold"—is more than just a cinematic showcase; it's a celebration of African narratives that resonate across the world. We proudly present the 7th edition of the Joburg Film Festival, taking place from 11 – 16 March 2025, under the theme "The Golden Thread – Connected Through Stories."
Embracing our identity and guided by our tagline, "Our Stories. Our Gold," we recognise that stories are our most precious treasures, illuminating our shared humanity and collective wisdom. Stories are at the heart of human experience and existence—they explain who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. They entertain, motivate, communicate and inspire, creating connections that transcend boundaries. Storytelling is the essence of our festival.
"The Golden Thread" represents the recurring themes, emotions and truths that resonate and link varied stories to a shared human experience, reflecting the timelessness and quality of our narratives. This year, we explore the essence of connectivity through storytelling, celebrating how this golden thread elegantly weaves through our lives, connecting each part with strength and meaning.
