The Joburg Film Festival, established in 2016 and a signature property of Native Yards, is a premier cultural event committed to nurturing African storytelling, innovation and industry growth. Now entering its 7th edition, the festival curates a captivating selection of African and international films while fostering youth development and professional opportunities through an integrated industry platform. Anchored by a dynamic industry offering and B2B Content Market, the Joburg Xchange (JBX), JFF actively encourages knowledge exchange, skills transfer and forward-thinking dialogue. In addition, targeted Outreach initiatives ensure that the festival’s impact resonates beyond its six-day run, strengthening Johannesburg’s status as a creative epicentre and enhancing cultural tourism throughout Gauteng and South Africa.
By bringing together writers, producers, directors, funders, policy-makers and other key stakeholders, the Joburg Film Festival is a meeting ground where artistic exploration, informed debate, and commercial advancement flourish. As a celebration of cinema’s golden thread that connects us through shared stories, the festival exemplifies excellence, purposeful creativity, and the belief that African narratives deserve a prominent and enduring place on the global stage.