The second Joburg Film Festival officially kicks off in the city today. Expect to be enthralled by a long list of films, which will cater to a diverse audience. There is a film for everyone, regardless of age, gender and culture. 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 addition to various outreach screenings, masterclasses, programmes and workshops. 

The highly publicised 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 its home country and globally. Having gone viral on social media following supporting tweets from Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, the movie has made headlines 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. For the full festival schedule and ticket prices, visit www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za website.

 

 

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