Fresh talent sought for the 2026 kykNET Silwerskerm Festival

In the world of cinema, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—or in this case, a compelling concept. As preparations ramp up for the highly anticipated 13th kykNET Silwerskerm Festival, set to unfold from 20 to 23 August in the picturesque Camps Bay, film enthusiasts are urged to take advantage of an exciting opportunity to showcase their talents.

With a rich programme lined with glamorous premieres, insightful workshops, and riveting panel discussions, this festival remains a cornerstone for emerging and established filmmakers alike. The 2026 edition continues its dedication to nurturing the voices that will shape the future of South African cinema.

For aspiring Steven Spielbergs and Greta Gerwigs, the countdown has begun to enter the prestigious competition for short films and documentaries. The festival invites entries from two distinct categories:

• Rising Filmmakers: Open to creatives ready to submit their original short films and documentaries.
• Established Filmmakers: Aimed at screenwriters, directors, and producers already familiar with the Silwerskerm landscape, who may pitch ideas for new short films and documentaries.

Both categories have a vision of embracing diversity and innovation, seeking storytellers who can navigate and challenge the fast-evolving film and television landscape.

Prospective participants should note that the competition unfolds in multiple phases, commencing with the submission of a concept proposal. For short documentaries, the initial submission must include the title, genre, synopsis and relevant themes, with an emphasis on resemblance to existing documentaries. Importantly, the final product must not extend beyond 30 minutes, with at least 60% of the content in Afrikaans—a language of rich cultural significance.

The process does not end there. Finalists, to be selected by May 2025, will proceed to submit a pitch video. Following this, a comprehensive presentation—complete with a budget plan and directorial vision—will determine those fortunate enough to receive mentorship and funding to bring their projects to fruition.

Short films will follow a similar evaluation process, with entries ranging from 7 to 30 minutes and speaking predominantly in Afrikaans (80% dialogue requirement). Alongside showcasing new narratives, this platform has previously catalysed the careers of award-winning filmmakers, such as Christiaan Olwagen, renowned for his works like Johnny is nie dood nie and Poppie Nongena, as well as Ephraim Gordon and Amy Jephta of Barakat fame, and the acclaimed duo Corné and René van Rooyen.

Moreover, past festival short films, such as Vuil wasgoed and Beurtkrag, demonstrate the potential for these projects to evolve into feature-length films, thereby amplifying their impact on South African storytelling.

To enter the competition, filmmakers must submit a concept proposal between 250 to 300 words, with scripts and budgets to follow for successful candidates. Interested parties can access entry forms on the official Silwerskerm Festival website: https://silwerskermfees.co.za/.

With an entry deadline of Monday, 23 April 2025, and an application fee of R350, aspiring creatives are encouraged to seize this golden opportunity to carve their mark on the industry before the curtain rises on the next chapter of the Silwerskerm story.