The Joburg Film Festival is back, and this year’s edition promises an unforgettable celebration of storytelling, creativity, and cinematic excellence. Taking place from March 11-16, 2025, the festival kicks off with the highly anticipated world premiere of Ernest Cole: Lost & Found, a compelling documentary that explores the extraordinary life and work of one of South Africa’s most influential photographers.
A Story That Demands to Be Told
Ernest Cole was a visionary who used his camera to expose the harsh realities of apartheid South Africa. At a time when photography was not widely recognized as a tool for activism, Cole’s powerful images provided an unfiltered look into the struggles of daily life under an oppressive regime. His work, long hidden from the world in a bank vault in Sweden, has now been rediscovered—raising questions about who safeguarded this invaluable collection for decades and why.
Now, acclaimed director Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro, Lumumba) brings Cole’s story to the big screen in a documentary that is both a tribute and a homecoming. With Peck in attendance at the festival’s opening, audiences will witness the return of a lost legacy to its rightful place in history.
Festival curator Nhlanhla Ndaba reflects: “This documentary is not just about Cole’s work—it’s about his life, his exile, and his untimely passing at the age of 49. It’s a long-overdue acknowledgment of a man whose dream was always to return to South Africa.”
A Lineup That Celebrates Global and African Cinema
Beyond the opening film, JFF 2025 will showcase over 100 films, including 28 African premieres and 12 world premieres, offering a diverse mix of narratives that push boundaries and spark conversation.
Among the must-see films this year:
- Bos – South Africa’s first post-apocalyptic thriller, set in a future where society is in ruins and survivors face impossible moral choices.
- The Man Died – An adaptation of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s prison memoir, offering an intimate look at resilience under a brutal military regime.
- Happy – The True Story of Happy Sindane – A world premiere detailing the extraordinary life of a teenage white boy raised by a Black family, searching for his biological roots.
The festival also highlights SA’s growing presence on the world stage, with screenings of Old Righteous Blues (the country’s official Oscars submission) and The Last Ranger (an Oscar-nominated feature making waves internationally).
A Platform for Emerging Talent
JFF 2025 isn’t just about established filmmakers—it’s a launchpad for the next generation. Student films from AFDA, TUT, UCT, and WITS will be in the spotlight, offering a glimpse into the future of African storytelling.
Follow the Golden Thread
This year’s theme, The Golden Thread, celebrates the universal emotions and shared experiences that connect us all through film. From thought-provoking dramas to heart-pounding thrillers, JFF 2025 is an immersive journey into the power of cinema.
Be Part of the Experience
The 7th edition of the Joburg Film Festival runs from March 11-16, 2025. The full program, ticketing details, and JBX market lineup are available on the Joburg Film Festival website.
* Stay tuned to 10and5 for the latest film news.
