The seventh edition of the Joburg Film Festival, hosted by MultiChoice, is gradually drawing to a close. With the official awards ceremony taking place this evening at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the festival has once again showcased the magic of cinema in all its diverse and captivating forms.
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From the very beginning, the festival wove a Golden Thread across Johannesburg, uniting filmmakers and audiences through a spectacular selection of films from around the world. Not only did this year’s lineup offer a diverse array of cinematic masterpieces, but it also featured an extensive three-day JBX Talks programme, an engaging JBX Youth initiative, and a variety of special events throughout the week. From riveting documentaries to deeply moving dramas and uplifting stories of triumph, the festival celebrated the power of storytelling while highlighting the richness of human experiences. Now, as the festival reaches its final day, it is evident that it has left an indelible mark on film lovers and industry professionals alike.
Tonight, the festival reached its pinnacle with the much-anticipated Awards Gala event. Industry insiders and film enthusiasts alike gathered in eager anticipation, waiting to see which films would take home top honors. Without further delay, here are the winners of this year’s Joburg Film Festival awards.
To begin with, the Best Short Film award was presented to the local African folklore-inspired tale, Why the Cattle Wait by Phumi Morare. This evocative short film delves into the intricacies of unrequited love, beautifully set against the backdrop of a vibrant African landscape. Through its poignant storytelling and stunning visuals, the film masterfully captures the emotional depth of its characters’ struggles.
Moving on to technical excellence, Sugar Land, a feature from the Dominican Republic directed by Johanne Gomez Terrero, claimed the Best Edit award. This powerful film follows the journey of a Dominican-Haitian teenager growing up in a community surrounded by vast sugarcane fields. In exploring themes of identity, belonging, and societal challenges, Sugar Land offers a compelling and deeply human narrative.
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Meanwhile, the Best Documentary award was given to Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, directed by Raoul Peck. This profound and thought-provoking documentary, which made its African premiere at the festival, honors the legacy of Ernest Cole, the renowned South African photographer who bravely documented the brutal realities of apartheid. Through an intimate lens, the film explores his life, work, and the enduring impact of his images.
Shifting focus to feature films, the Best African Feature Film award was claimed by HAPPY: The Real Happy Sindane Story, a gripping South African production directed by Vusi Africa. This deeply moving film brings to life the true story of Happy Sindane, shedding light on themes of identity, race, and the complexities of post-apartheid South Africa. With its raw emotional depth, the film captivated audiences and critics alike.
Furthermore, the Best Feature Film award went to Blind Love, a heartfelt coming-of-age story directed by Julian Chou. The film follows a sensitive teenager as he uncovers his mother’s secret affair with a mysterious woman. As he struggles to process this revelation, he begins to unravel the facade of his seemingly perfect family, leading to a journey of self-discovery, love, and deception.
In a special moment of recognition, the Joburg Film Festival’s Special Recipient Award was presented to South African entertainment icon Mfundi Vundla. With a career spanning decades, Vundla has left an indelible mark on the country’s film and television landscape. Best known as the visionary creator and executive producer of Generations, his contributions have significantly shaped the local entertainment industry while paving the way for emerging storytellers. His work has been instrumental in amplifying African narratives on a global scale, making this award a fitting tribute to his lasting impact.
Additionally, the Jury Special Mention was awarded to The Shadow Scholar, a bold and eye-opening film by Eloise King. The film sheds light on the little-known world of shadow education, examining its far-reaching effects on students and society at large.
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Meanwhile, the Young Voices Award was presented to CheckMate, a groundbreaking and innovative film that resonated strongly with both audiences and the jury. The film follows a group of young individuals as they navigate the complexities of modern life, identity, and their aspirations for the future. The competition, which invited aspiring filmmakers from across the country to submit their short films, saw CheckMate produced by Shakers Productions, a pioneering South African youth enterprise. The team received an array of prizes, including a bursary and an internship, further fostering the next generation of storytellers.
This year’s festival jury comprised esteemed filmmakers and industry experts from around the world. Among them was South African actress Sthandiwe Kgoroge (Generations, Yizo Yizo), known for her exceptional performances on screen. Joining her was multi-award-winning filmmaker Muneera Sallies (Old Righteous Blues, Twisted Christmas), broadcaster and executive producer Yolanda Ncokotwana, and Egyptian film critic and festival programmer Ahmed Shawky, who also serves as president of the International Film Critics Federation (FIPRESCI). Additionally, Nigerian film scholar Dr. Victor Okhai, co-founder and National President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria, brought his academic expertise to the panel, alongside internationally acclaimed and multi-award-winning editor Melissa Parry. Together, this distinguished panel of professionals provided a wealth of knowledge and global perspectives to the festival.
As the Joburg Film Festival nears its conclusion, screenings of remarkable films and documentaries continue to delight audiences at various venues across the city. From Nu-Metro Cinemas in Hyde Park to Nelson Mandela’s Theatre on the Square, Artistry at BlackBrick, and the Bioscope at 44 Stanley, there remains an abundance of cinematic magic for film lovers to experience before the festival officially ends.
Finally, the Joburg Film Festival will bid farewell with a heartfelt closing ceremony tomorrow afternoon. The festival will conclude with Timmy The Kid, a South African family comedy directed by the dynamic father-son duo Gray and Ziggy Hofmeyr and produced by Nyikiwe Mathye. This hilarious and touching film follows Timmy, a middle-aged farmer and aspiring cowboy, who embarks on an unforgettable journey to scatter his mother’s ashes, only to encounter a series of unexpected misadventures. Starring Kenneth Nkosi, Lillian Dube, Sandile Mahlangu, and Celeste Ntuli, the film promises to deliver laughter and heartfelt moments. It will be screened at Theatre on the Square on Nelson Mandela Square at 4pm, offering audiences a final cinematic treat before the festival officially comes to an end.
With yet another successful edition, the Joburg Film Festival continues to solidify its place as a premier celebration of African and international cinema. Until next year, film enthusiasts can reflect on the powerful stories, industry insights, and cultural connections fostered by this remarkable festival.
