Jozi Film Festival, coming at you live and online in September!

The Jozi Film Festival (JFF), the City of Gold’s longest running multi-genre film festival, traditionally takes place each year over a four-day period at various venues in and around Johannesburg.

This year will different…

“We will be holding our first ever virtual film festival alongside limited physical screenings at The Bioscope Independent Cinema where our festival began back in 2012,” says festival founder and director, Lisa Henry.

The Bioscope recently moved from Maboneng to the 44 Stanley Avenue precinct and it remains Jo’burg’s only truly independent cinema.

“One of our major aims of this year’s festival, alongside our usual mandate of showcasing the talent of 2020, is to support The Bioscope during these challenging times, and make sure it survives for many more years to come,” adds Lisa.

Win with JFF and The Bioscope

“We will be offering one lucky person the chance to win a private screening at The Bioscope next month – take a group of friends, your partner or the whole family! We will also be offering cash prizes for the best review of any of our films.”

Keep an eye on the JFF Facebook page for a chance to win.

Two great local shorts to watch out for:

Opus – *South African premiere*

Set in the buzzing city of Johannesburg, Opus follows a day in the life of Lebo, a young aspiring bassist living in the informal settlements. After losing his parents and inheriting the double bass instrument, Lebo has developed a symbiotic relationship with his double bass and his music, which have made him an outsider in the community, but have become his anchor for getting him through his poverty-stricken life and the harsh city landscape. 

“We’re very proud to have the SA premiere of this multi-award winning film directed by Kgosana Monchusi,” says Lisa.

Ruby&Roach

Two slightly soiled sale toys sit in an airport shop, unwanted and out of sight because they are no longer in pristine condition. Each day they hope that today will be the day they get taken home with a loving child… until one day they stop waiting and escape the airport in someone’s luggage. The adventure then begins.

“It’s a story laden with metaphor about prejudice in society, as well as a statement about the mass manufactured generic things we all desire,” says Lisa. “It is told in the most charming and delightful way and will bring a smile to the whole family.”

Samos – The Faces of our Border

Films for the times

“While we don’t prescribe a theme each year, we have selected films that speak to the zeitgeist of the times – so although there’s no overt theme, someone who watches a few of our selections this year will see we have chosen films that speak to issues of our inequitable global society and the challenges we face in terms of creating a fairer and more sustainable world. 

“Having said that, there’s plenty that will entertain too – among others, we have selected the quirky “Reptilian” from Hungary and the hilarious “Blast” from Nigeria about a call centre agent with tummy troubles…”

Partners

“We are thrilled to once again be partnering with EasyEquities and Chubb as well as our old regulars, CN&CO and Left Hand Films,” says Lisa.

The Jozi Film Festival (JFF) is Johannesburg’s longest running multi-genre film festival, now in its ninth year. The festival began in 2012 and was initially created to provide a platform for local filmmakers and reach audiences under-serviced by traditional cinemas. The festival began accepting entries from around the world in 2014 and is now firmly established as one of the sub-continent’s leading film festivals.

The Jozi Film Festival is proudly independent and a supporter of independent films. The festival showcases both upcoming talent and veteran filmmakers. It is not curated, but relies rather on submissions, which means it is open to all – emerging filmmakers and award-winning directors screen side-by-side during the festival.

“Our only criterion: exceptional talent,” says Lisa.

(Feature image: a scene from Samos – The Faces of our Border)