Joburg Film Festival commences in Sandton

Film directors, producers and actors all fired up to celebrate African films at the Joburg Film Festival held at Nelson Mandela Square.

February 9, 2023

Motlatsi Mailula 1 minute read

Actress Rosemary Zimu attends the Joburg Film Festival. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Prominent local and international figures of the film industry were all under one roof for the annual Joburg Film Festival which started on January 31.

Founder and executive director of the Joburg Film Festival Timothy Mangwedi. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Musician Thandiswa Mazwai performs with her band. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Held at Nelson Mandela Square, the highly acclaimed festival has been celebrating the work of filmmakers and actors from Africa since 2012.

Motlatsi Dwanya with her daughter Luluma. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Leruo Africa communicates with her partners on how to further grow the film industry in Africa. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Caitlin Huntley, Madam Guluva, Jessica Jonker and Tatum Butler. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Some famous faces on the big screen such as Jerry Mofokeng, Connie Chiume and Rosemary Zimu were seen engaging with their friends, families and work partners throughout the evening.

The early birds of the festival Nyiko Chauke and Zola Tanana cool off with some drinks. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Mpho Mofokeng with her father Jerry. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

“The time is now for African content and we are here to support it. It is important to have these functions because not a lot of important stories are being shared. This serves as an exposure to say to the world that great African stories do exist,” said one of the participants, Kagisho Bapela.

South African film director Jahmil XT Qubeka at the Joburg Film Festival. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Ramadan Suleman and Emmanuelle Denavit-Feller pick each others minds on the current state of film productions. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Participants had the opportunity of watching a Senegalese thriller movie directed by Sene Absa, titled Xalé, which kept everyone’s eyes glued to the screen.

Khumo Pulumo and Tumi Chiume. Photo: Motlatsi Mailula

Founder and executive director of the festival Timothy Mangwedi said, “We created a beautiful platform for young filmmakers and creators to come and showcase their movies. The aim is to change the narrative of how African stories have been told. It’s a time for us to write our history and move forward.”