Joburg Film Festival showcases African films

Rafiki from Kenya.

The schedule includes feature films, documentaries, animation features, in additional to various outreach screenings, master classes, programmes and workshops. Selected films will host a Q&A session post the screening (check full schedule at www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za).

The highly publicised Kenyan feature, Rafiki, was selected as the opening film for the festival’s launch this evening. This controversial Kenyan love-story recently caused huge public attention in both its home country and globally.

Having gone viral on social media following supporting tweets from Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, the movie has made headline on both CNN and BBC. Rafiki also made history earlier this year as the first Kenyan movie to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Lead actress Sheila Munyavi attended the opening.

“After 18 months of intense planning, with the support of Discop Markets and the NFVF, we are super elated about the Joburg Film Festival coming together with this many amazing features,” said Joburg Film Festival executive director, Tim Mangwedi. “With both local and international movie stars, directors, producers and other entertainment industry leaders descending on the metropolis, we look forward to celebrating film.

“Also, with the various Discop Markets’ networking and masterclass sessions happening during the festival, we hope to share experiences to further grow the Johannesburg film landscape.”

Screenings will take place at The Zone, Rosebank Cinema Nouveau, Maponya Mall and the Bioscope in Maboneng. Tickets will be available at all participating cinemas and also online for R60 a ticket. Free screenings have also been included on the programme at the iconic Kings in Alexandra.

The full festival schedule is available on www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za website.