Here’s 10 of the best
JOBURG FILM FESTIVAL: SHOWCASES DIVERSE RANGE OF MOVIES
➳ Screening dramas, thought-provoking documentaries.
With less than a month to go to the 2024 Joburg Film Festival, the organisers have announced a line-up of over 60 titles.
Showcasing a diverse range of compelling films from local and international filmmakers, this year’s festival promises to captivate audiences with its dynamic selection of cinematic gems, including some of the finest films from more then 30 countries.
From thought-provoking documentaries to gripping dramas and inspiring narratives, an array of films will celebrate the power of storytelling and the diversity of human experience.
It kicks off on Tuesday, 27 February, and runs until Sunday, 3 March at various locations in Johannesburg.
Among the standout selections featured in this year’s line-up are:
1. ‘Perfect Days’
The 2024 Oscar Best International Feature finalist tells the story of Hirayama, a toilet cleaner in Tokyo. He seems content with his simple life; he follows a structured everyday life and dedicates his free time to his passion for music and books. Hirayama also has a fondness for trees, and photographs them.
More of his past is gradually revealed through a series of unexpected encounters.
A meditative portrait with an incredible soundtrack as only director Wim Wenders can portray, Perfect Days is a poignant follow up to his documentaries, Bueno
Vista Social Club and Pina.
2. ‘Evil Does Not Exist’
This 2023 Venice Festival award-winning film is about a single parent, Takumi, who lives with his young daughter in the forest. Their simple life is about to be disrupted by the construction of a “glamping” site, offering city residents a comfortable escape to nature.
3. ‘Mami Wata’
A visually stunning award-winning black-and-white fantasy thriller which is co-produced in Nigeria, France and the UK. CJ Obasi is poetic with his directorial skills on this film.
Set in the Iyi village where its residents worship the mermaid deity Mami Wata.
When children begin to die and disappear after control of the village is taken over by a warlord, two sisters plot to save their people and restore Mami Wata’s glory to Iyi.
4. ‘Under The Hanging Tree’
This 2024 Oscars entry, a Namibian film, is centred around a troubled police officer in the stark desert landscape of the Kalahari as she battles to keep her small town from being ripped apart by a horrific murder and the ghosts from a colonial past.
Both director Previvi Katjavivi and lead actress Girley Jazama are festival guests. Jazama can also be seen in another festival offering, titled Measures of Men.
5. ‘Snake’
A tale about a luminous stranger arriving on a farm where Stella’s father stays sober and her mother begins to laugh again. But the man with the silver cross has not come to save them. As Jerry slithers his way into their hearts, his own dark wounds begin to show. Stella must shut up and watch him strangle her family or use the truth to fight for their lives.
6. ‘Life Through His Lens: Sam Nzima’
A fitting tribute to the life of renowned photojournalist and honorary doctor at the Tshwane University of Technology Sam Nzima. This 90-minute documentary-come-film offers a profound insight into his life.
7. ‘Bye Bye Tiberias’
An insightful comingof-age documentary follows a young Palestinian woman who pursues her dream of becoming an actress.
She leaves her mother, grandmother and sisters behind in her small village, but later returns with her daughter to explore her mother’s choices and family influence.
8. ‘Yellow Bus’
Set in four different countries against the backdrop of a sand-swept city in the Arabian Gulf, it follows the trials and tribulations of a young mom who recently lost one of her children and battles with a bus company, adamant to keep the truth from surfacing.
9. ‘Tiger Stripes’
This Grand Prize in Critics Weeks at Cannes 2023 is an eight-country co-production between Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, France, Germany, Netherlands, Indonesia and Qatar.
A coming-of-age werewolf movie follows an 11-year-old girl who discovers a terrifying secret about her body, and learns to embrace herself when ostracised by school friends.
10. ‘uMkhonto we Sizwe – Mandela’s Secret Army’
This documentary chronicles the lives of former uMkhonto we Sizwe members. It’s an intergenerational reflection of a group of young people who gave their lives and any future to risk death for the dream of a free South Africa.
The premiere screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the director and some of the movement’s cadres.
These are just a few highlights from the diverse line-up of titles set to screen at the Joburg Film Festival this month. With something for every taste, audiences will embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment through the power of film and storytelling.
The festival will also play host to a number of local and international film stars, producers and directors, some of who will participate in question-and-answer sessions after select screenings.
In addition to daily red carpet premieres, fans will have the opportunity to meet some of the filmmakers and cast members.
Joining media and broadcast giant MultiChoice in the festivities for the first time, Absa recently announced its partnership with the film festival.
“True to our ethos of making a positive impact in society, there was natural alignment between Absa’s commitment and what the Joburg Film Festival has built over the past six years,” said Candice Thurston, Absa’s managing executive for brand and marketing.
“Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time” is at the heart of Absa’s purpose, and our support for this premium gathering of filmmakers is the perfect expression of this commitment.
“Absa looks forward to working with the Joburg Film Festival as we enhance and grow this platform.”