Joburg Film Festival 2023 shines a spotlight on storytelling excellence

By Venecia Valentine

The seventh edition of the Joburg Film Festival was held at the Sandton Convention Centre. With a dynamic selection of films representing both local talent and international creators, this year’s festival beautifully intertwined narratives that resonate across cultures and experiences.

This year’s theme, Golden Thread, brought together an exciting mix of powerful documentaries, compelling dramas, and uplifting stories. The festival not only showcased an impressive array of films but also featured three days of insightful JBX Talks, JBX Youth programmes, and various special events that highlighted the rich tapestry of human experience through the art of storytelling.

The event concluded with an awards gala on Saturday, 16 March 2025 – a culmination of hard work and creativity – welcoming industry professionals eager to celebrate the achievements of filmmakers from around the world. The competition was fierce, and the winners demonstrated remarkable talent and artistry:

• Best Short Film: Why the Cattle Wait (Phumi Morare) – An evocative exploration of unrequited love set against a vivid African backdrop.
• Best Edit: Sugar Land (Johanne Gomez Terrero) – This Dominican feature follows a teenager navigating life amid challenging themes of identity and belonging.
• Best Documentary: Ernest Cole: Lost and Found (Raoul Peck) – An intimate portrayal of the renowned South African photographer’s legacy during apartheid.
• Best African Feature Film: HAPPY: The Real Happy Sindane Story (Vusi Africa) – A gripping narrative addressing themes of identity and race in post-apartheid South Africa.
• Best Feature Film: Blind Love (Julian Chou) – A coming-of-age tale that explores love, deception, and self-discovery amidst family secrets.

In a moment of heartfelt recognition, the festival honoured industry legend Mfundi Vundla with its Special Recipient Award, acknowledging his transformative contributions to South African film and television. Known for creating the iconic soap opera Generations, Vundla’s influence extends far beyond entertainment, shaping the representation of African stories in mainstream media.

Another noteworthy accolade, the Jury Special Mention, was awarded to The Shadow Scholar (Eloise King), a film that tackles the complex and often invisible realm of shadow education. Additionally, the Young Voices Award went to CheckMate, a compelling exploration of modern life and aspiration by emerging filmmakers from across the region.

This year’s festival boasted an esteemed jury comprising acclaimed filmmakers and industry experts, including South African actress Sthandiwe Kgoroge and award-winning filmmaker Muneera Sallies. Their collective expertise contributed to the insightful evaluation of the entries and the ultimate selection of this year’s winners.