Best of the best showcased at film festival

Africa’s stories will be curated and rewarded at the Joburg Film Festival in partnership with the MultiChoice Group from 31 January to 5 February next year.

Some of the finest films from countries across the globe will be showcased, as Johannesburg is positioned once again as the cultural capital of South Africa, attracting the best in the industry to the city and growing cultural tourism.

Now in its fifth year, the Joburg Film Festival is programmed around four key pillars.

In addition to the screening more than 60 films – including a number of African premières – the festival includes a dynamic range of audience and industry initiatives. These include: The Film Programme; The Industry Programme;

Youth and Audience Development Programme;

The Film Society;

JBX Content Market.

As part of its vision, festival prioritises the growth and development of South African and African film-makers.

To that end, a comprehensive development programme, including the Youth and Audience Development Programme, focuses largely on providing young film-makers with opportunities through training, skills transfer, and networking with industry leaders.

A new pillar this year is the Film Society.

A complimentary, newly developed content and new-media industry market, JBX, is a future-proof market that will connect up-and-coming creators and established entertainment brands with investors, distribution channels, and sponsors.

JBX will take place alongside the festival to build momentum.

Executive director of the festival Tim Mangwedi says: “After two years of extremely challenging times for the film industry, the Joburg Film Festival is excited to be back with an in-person event with an expanded programme.

“The 2023 edition of the festival will once again attract thousands of visitors to Gauteng, with a focal point of activities at Nelson Mandela Square that will include screenings and industry events.

“The Joburg Film Festival and JBX Market will once again position Joburg as the film capital of South Africa, with the festival celebrating African stories and the talent of our home-grown film-makers as we showcase their films alongside those of film-makers from around the world.” – Citizen reporter