The Joburg Film Festival (JFF), in partnership with the MultiChoice Group, has announced the theme for its upcoming seventh edition: ‘The Golden Thread: Connected Through Stories’.
Set to run from March 11 to 16, 2025, the festival is poised to delve into the profound interconnectedness of human experiences, heralding the transformative power of storytelling.
Building on its mantra, ‘Our Stories. Our Gold’, JFF continues to pay tribute to Johannesburg's rich legacy as the “City of Gold”.
The festival aims to showcase narratives that illuminate lives, offering a striking reflection of the collective wisdom of diverse global communities. This initiative invites audiences to examine the essence of connection, reaffirming the idea that stories are the universal threads binding humanity together.
“We are pleased to present ‘The Golden Thread’ as our theme for the next edition of the festival,” expressed JFF Founder Tim Mangwedi.
“It represents the unbreakable link that storytelling forms between individuals, communities, and cultures. Through our carefully curated selection of films, we aim to show how stories, much like threads, interlace to create a larger tapestry of shared human experience. This is a celebration of connectivity, of learning from one another, and of recognising the meaningful impact our stories can have on the world.”
The festival will once again act as a melting pot for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the globe, all united under the universal language of cinema.
This iteration of JFF is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity while celebrating universal human narratives.
Festival goers can look forward to an impressive line-up featuring over 60 curated titles, spanning both fictional and documentary films, along with several confirmed world premieres.
Excitement is palpable as attendees prepare for a delightful array of South African productions. Notable among these is ‘Sebata’, a gripping dark detective thriller directed by Norman Maake, paired with ‘Timmy the Kid’, a vibrant rural-urban comedy helmed by Gray Hofmeyr, both showcasing exceptional local talent.
On the international front, the festival will present compelling narratives that resonate on a global scale.
Featuring prominently is ‘The Man Died’, an evocative adaptation of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s harrowing memoir, directed by Awam Amkpa. Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s civil conflicts, this powerful feature evokes themes of resilience, bravery, and the indomitable human spirit.
Moreover, ‘To a Land Unknown’, directed by Lebanese filmmaker Mahdi Fleifel, will depict the poignant journey of two Palestinian cousins as they attempt to escape their war-torn homeland.
Additionally, ‘Under the Volcano’, by multi-award-winning director Damian Kocur, tells the story of a Ukrainian marooned in Spain amidst the turmoil of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a moving exploration of heritage and artistry, Haitian-born director Rauol Peck presents ‘Ernest Cole: Lost and Found’, a tribute to the first black freelance photographer, during apartheid in South Africa.
This documentary captures Cole’s exceptional artistry and political resolve, illustrating his enduring legacy and a poignant final chapter.
As the seventh edition approaches, Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice, reiterated the festival’s commitment to bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences worldwide.
“Through ‘The Golden Thread—Connected Through Stories’, we embrace the idea that stories are our greatest treasures, weaving communities and cultures together with purpose and passion,” she affirmed.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za