Joburg Film Festival 2024: The Golden Thread – Celebrating African Stories That Connect Us All

We are thrilled to present the 7th edition of the Joburg Film Festival, set to take place from 11–16 March 2025, under the captivating theme “The Golden Thread – Connected Through Stories.” This festival is not merely a cinematic showcase; it is a vibrant celebration of African narratives that echo across the globe, uniting audiences through the power of storytelling.

Our Stories. Our Gold.

Embracing our identity and guided by our tagline, “Our Stories. Our Gold,” we recognise that stories are our most precious treasures, illuminating our shared humanity and collective wisdom. Storytelling is the essence of our festival.

The Golden Thread

“The Golden Thread” represents the recurring themes, emotions and truths that resonate and link varied stories to a shared human experience, reflecting the timelessness and quality of our narratives. 

With a diverse selection of over 60 films to choose from, we had the privilege of attending several screenings. Below, you’ll find our insightful reviews of the films that captured our attention.

Breaking Free – Drama Short film (2024)

Director: Kopedi Aphane

An outlook on gender-based violence and its impact on victims. Lerato, trapped in an abusive relationship with the man she loves, finds herself desperate to escape the monster he has become. As she plans her escape, the question remains: will she make it out alive, or will the cycle of violence claim her freedom—and her life? 

Cinematography – 3/5

Story – 3/5

The Sixth Grave – Thriller (2023) 

Director: Terrence Aphane

A riveting short story of an abduction that unravels into an incredible plot twist, weaving together themes of mental illness, spirituality and death!

Cinematography – 4/5

Story – 5/5

Plunder – Animated Drama (2024)

Director: Dean Ravell

An animated short film about Kyle, a privileged heir whose past sins catch up to him when a relentless vigilante—one of his victims of sexual assault—returns to deliver justice. Will he finally face the reckoning he deserves?

Cinematography – 1/5

Story – 3.5/5

The Passage – Drama Short Film (2024)

Director: Ntokozo Mlaba

Set against the backdrop of a township neighbourhood. 3 childhood friends gather to discuss an incident that involves Bafana’s girlfriend being raped. Will Bafana corroborate his friend’s version of events and help him cover up a dark secret in the name of brotherhood? 

Cinematography – 4/5

Story – 5/5

Umlindelo – Drama Short Film (2024)

Director: Mbali Mashaba

Tension mounts between two sisters mourning the loss of their father, as their contrasting ways of grieving expose deep-rooted differences in their childhoods. Despite being raised in the same house, their divergent paths through life reveal how uniquely they process their shared history and loss. 

Cinematography – 3/5

Story – 2.5/5

Dream Boy Blues – Animated Short Film (2024)

Director: Philip Vermaas

A poignant tale of a young boy who, overwhelmed by the struggles of the real world, seeks solace in the boundless realm of his imagination. 

Cinematography – 3/5

Story – 2/5

Cotton Dreams – Drama Short Film (2024)

Director: Darrell James Roodt

A compelling story about how the wrong company can stifle one’s dreams, yet the strength of true friendships and the courage to rise above can propel them toward success, unlocking a future once thought unreachable.

Cinematography – 3/5

Story – 3/5

Why The Cattle Wait – Drama Short film (2024) | Winner of Best Short Film

Director: Phumi Morare

An intriguing film about a mythical creature whose love for a mortal intertwines with an impactful ending

Cinematography – 5/5

Story – 5/5

MxterMinds: An African Agenda – Drama Short Film (2024)

Director: Dr Bev Ditsie

A compelling documentary that shines a light on the diverse and inspiring stories of successful individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. From pilots to pole dancers, drag kings to doctors, the film explores their unique journeys, highlighting the hardships they’ve overcome and the triumphs they’ve achieved, offering a powerful testament to resilience and pride.

Cinematography – 4/5

Story – 2/5

9 Memeza – Drama Short Film (2024)

Director: Sithembiso Mathenjwa

Two dead cops. A murdered pregnant woman. A lifeless drug addict. A slain homophobe. And one gold gun. A gritty tale of intertwined fates, where every choice comes with its own brutal consequence.

Cinematography – 4/5

Story – 3/5

Honourable mentions to the following winners:

• Ernest Cole: Lost and Found for the Best Documentary Award
• Sugar Land for Best Edit Accolade 
• HAPPY: The Real Happy Sindane Story for Best African Feature Film Award
• Blind Love for Best Feature Film Award
• Mfundi Vundla for the Joburg Film Festival Special Recipient Award
• The Shadow Scholar for the Jury special Mention award
• CheckMate for the Young Voices Award

Although the Joburg Film Festival has drawn to a close, an exceptional selection of local and international films and documentaries continues to captivate audiences across the city. From the Nu-Metro Cinemas in Hyde Park to the iconic Nelson Mandela Theatre on the Square, the artistic haven of BlackBrick’s Artistry, and the indie charm of the Bioscope at 44 Stanley, the silver screen still dazzles with cinematic brilliance, ensuring an unforgettable finale for film enthusiasts.

For more information about the Joburg Film Festival 2025, check out: www.joburgfilmfestival.co.za