August 24, 2022

No JFF this year as leadership changes

CN&CO – and many of our friends – have spent many happy hours watching films, shorts and documentaries at the Jozi Film Festival, which traditionally takes place in September each year.

Many of our partners, past and present, have acted as sponsors and supporters over the years, including EasyEquities, Outvest, Darkie Café, Business and Arts South Africa and So Yum.

There are some exciting developments taking place behind the scenes at the festival which means no shows this year. But stay tuned…

Here’s the media release that festival founder Lisa Henry sent out regarding the latest news:

After 10 years of bringing the best of local and international content to Jo’burg’s film fans, the Jozi Film Festival (JFF) is now looking to the future by appointing Sabelo (Sabi) Mthethwa (pictured above) as its new organiser.  Lisa Henry, who founded JFF and who has run the festival for the last 10 years, passes the baton to Sabi, having built strong relationships with South African and international filmmakers, festivals, sponsors and audiences. “It is without a shadow of doubt that she will be missed,” says Sabi.

“While I will always be on hand to help with the festival, it’s time for me to move onto new things,” says Lisa. “It was always my hope that I could eventually give the brand to someone like Sabi so I am beyond happy and proud that she will take the reins and move JFF in the best direction she sees fit.”

There will be no festival in 2022 while Lisa and Sabi spend this time in handover and planning mode.

“When we began in 2012, we were the only kids on the block offering a multi-genre festival, with an aim of providing a much-needed platform for South African filmmakers,” says Lisa. “We’ve remained 100% independent and dedicated to screening films with heart and smarts, regardless of the subject matter.

“I believe JFF is well regarded and that we’ve done a lot of what we set out to achieve but much more can be done, always! I wish Sabi and her team every success.”

Sabi’s appointment comes as the festival looks to implement a plan of growth, locally and internationally, with the development of strategic partnerships to ensure that the well curated selection of Jozi Film Festival is experienced all around the world.

Sabi had this to say about her new appointment as director of the Jozi Film Festival: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to continue the tradition of the Jozi Film Festival in connecting local audiences with intriguing and varied world class content. The festival is poised to develop its vision and build on the tremendous momentum of the past ten years. I look forward to being a part of the effort to bring the festival to the next level, making a positive difference for even more film creators and audiences. South Africans are developing strong content and we hope to further its interest to the global audience.”

Sabi joins the festival after working side by side with Lisa for a number of years. Currently based in Biarritz, France, her passion to see the South African film industry develop can only benefit from her expansive worldview and growing connections. 

Lisa and Sabi extend their gratitude to everyone who has been a part of the last decade of JFF.

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