Tag Archives: Tim Mangwedi

Joburg Film Festival to return in 2023

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.”

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MultiChoice partners Joburg Film Festival

MultiChoice Group has partnered with the third edition of the annual Joburg Film Festival, which is set to take place from November 19 to 24.

Joe Heshu

Aimed at showcasing the finest films from Africa and the world, the six-day film programme will have a line-up of local and international films that will be judged on elements such as storyline, direction, creativity, cinematography, relevance, execution and technical application.

The judges will be industry-leading experts such as renowned storyteller and South African novelist Zakes Mda, award-winning actress CCH Pounder and Femi Odugbemi, West Africa MultiChoice Talent Factory’s academy director.

Joburg Film Festival executive director Tim Mangwedi said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than the MultiChoice Group, an organisation that is passionate about African storytelling, as we believe our stories are our gold.

“We see the film festival as a critical catalyst for social cohesion, showcasing a special collection of films that celebrate Africa’s beauty, people and creativity and reflecting the continent’s bold spirit and talent. We are confident that, in collaboration with the MultiChoice Group, we can build a world-class annual film festival that becomes entrenched on the international film circuit and positions Johannesburg as a prime destination for local and international filmmakers.”

Joe Heshu, MultiChoice’s executive group corporate affairs, said: “As Africa’s leading storyteller, our partnership with the Joburg Film Festival makes perfect sense. Our collaborative effort to bring African stories to the world and to provide a platform for local talent to shine will be an extremely positive boost for the film industry on the continent.”

The festival will allow industry professionals from the continent and elsewhere to participate in a series of masterclasses and panel discussions covering aspects of the filmmaking craft. It will also foster strong links between people and the growing film, TV and new digital media industries on the continent.

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