The second JOBURG FILM FESTIVAL officially kicks off in the city today. Hosting a long list of films which is set to cater to a huge spectrum of audiences from different ages, genders and cultures.
The festival will be screening over 40 curated releases showcasing the best in African and international cinema, from over 16 countries, at various venues around Johannesburg. 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 publicized 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 it’s 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 made history earlier this year as the first Kenyan movie to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Lead actress Sheila Munyavi will be attending 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’, states the 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.
For more info about the Joburg Film Festival, stay tuned to our social media handles on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @JoburgFilmFest and keep an eye out for the #JOBURGFILMFEST.