South Africa’s Joburg Film Festival (JFF) is set to return next year in collaboration with pay TV group MultiChoice following a two-year hiatus.

The festival, in its fifth year, will be held from January 31 to February 5, 2023. It will unveil new films from countries around the globe and screen over 60 films, including a range of African premieres.

It will also feature industry initiatives, including The Youth & Audience Development Programme, which will provide young African filmmakers with opportunities through training, skills transfer and networking with industry leaders, as well as launch The Film Society.

In addition, the JBX content market will connect emerging creators and established entertainment brands with investors, distribution channels and sponsors.

JFF executive director Tim Mangwedi said: “After two years of extremely challenging times for the film industry, the Joburg Film Festival is excited to be back with an in-person event with an expanded programme.

“The 2023 edition of the festival will once again attract thousands of visitors to Gauteng, with a focal point of activities at Nelson Mandela Square that will include screenings and industry events.

“The Joburg Film Festival and JBX market will once again position Joburg as the film capital of South Africa, with the festival celebrating African stories and the talent of our home-grown filmmakers as we showcase their films alongside those of filmmakers from around the world.”

Collen Dlamini, group executive for corporate affairs at MultiChoice, added: “MultiChoice is a truly African brand and, as such, telling stories is part of who we are as an organisation. We are therefore extremely excited to bring back the Joburg Film Festival, and this partnership will serve as a platform where storytellers from all over the world will come together and give a renewed light for African storytelling.”

tagged in: Collen Dlamini, Joburg Film Festival, MultiChoice, Tim Mangwedi