The 11th European Film Festival is officially live, running from today until Sunday, 20 October. With a carefully curated selection of 14 films, the festival promises a captivating experience for film lovers across SA. From Oscar-nominated features to award-winning films, the festival explores complex themes under the banner of ‘Complicated Freedoms’. Read on to find out more…
Where to Watch
For those in Cape Town, the iconic Labia Theatre is the place to be, while Johannesburg film buffs can catch screenings at Ster-Kinekor, The Zone in Rosebank. For those unable to make it to the big screen, the festival offers a free online streaming service, allowing you to enjoy 11 of the films from anywhere in South Africa. See all the films here.
Highlighting Language Diversity: KNEECAP and Live Webinar
One of the festival’s highlights is the screening of KNEECAP, a riotous comedy that delves into the importance of language diversity and youth activism. The film follows the often-anarchic hip-hop trio Kneecap, who use their platform to promote native cultures and endangered languages.
In partnership with the Daily Maverick, the festival will host a live webinar titled “Rappers Fight for Indigenous Languages” on Tuesday, 15 October at 18:00 (SAST). The session features KNEECAP director Rich Peppiatt and South African musician, poet, and cultural activist Jitsvinger, who will discuss the role of youth in preserving indigenous languages. Be sure to check the Daily Maverick website for the webinar link.
Community and School Screenings
The festival extends beyond traditional cinema venues, with screenings and discussions held at various community centres in urban and peri-urban areas. In collaboration with organizations focused on youth culture, screenings will take place at venues such as the Bertha Movie House in Khayelitsha, Ekhaya MultiArts Centre, and SAFCO, among others. These events are designed to foster cultural engagement and spark meaningful conversations among local communities.
Additionally, select schools will host screenings and discussion sessions, offering students the opportunity to engage with youth-centred films from different cultures, broadening their perspectives on global issues.
A Cinematic Experience for All
Locally, we are often bombarded with films and content from the US, so we recommend taking this opportunity to watch a few of these films for a fresh perspective on filmmaking and storytelling. While the US excels in popular films, there’s so much more to discover in terms of meaningful cinema from around the world. Dive into these films, join the side events, and engage with the powerful stories from around the world.
Head to the European Film Festival website for more details on the schedule, streaming options, and how to buy tickets.
