Joburg Film Festival Celebrates Cinematic Excellence in 2024

The sixth edition of the Joburg Film Festival, presented by Multichoice in collaboration with Absa, concluded with its official awards ceremony at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg North.

The festival showcased a diverse range of films from over 30 countries, captivating audiences with thought-provoking documentaries, gripping dramas, and inspiring narratives. The awards ceremony brought together industry players to recognize outstanding contributions to the world of cinema.

Amidst stiff competition, the coveted title of Best Film went to Yellow Bus, a gripping feature shot across four countries, immersing viewers in its intense narrative set against the backdrop of a sand-swept city in the Arabian Gulf.

The title of Best African Film was awarded to the local South African production Death of a Whistleblower. Crafted by South African filmmakers, this compelling tale explores themes of corruption, morality, and justice against the contemporary backdrop of South Africa.

The prestigious Best Documentary award was claimed by a London Recruits, directed by Gordan Main. The film, brought to life by producers Jacinta De Nobrega and Robyn Slovo, guides audiences through the turbulent landscape of the 1960s, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of history.

A Special Mention was given to the multi-award-winning documentary Who I Am Not, directed by Tünde Skovrán. The film, set in Johannesburg, follows the lives of two intersex South Africans, offering a voice to an underrepresented community.

The esteemed jury, featuring industry experts like Tosh Gitonga, Nthati Moshesh, Jerry Mofokeng wa Makthetha, Pape Boye, and Andrea Voges, played a vital role in selecting the winning films.

The 2024 winner of the Young Voices film competition, part of The Joburg Film Fest Youth and Audience Development Program, was Ntokozo Mlaba for the short film Everything Nothing. Aspiring filmmakers were invited to submit short films, and Mlaba was awarded a bursary and internship.

The festival’s Youth and Audience Development Program reached over 250 young people through workshops. Following his acceptance speech, Ntokozo Mlaba, the winner of the Young Voices film competition for the short film Everything Nothing, announced his current crowdfunding project. In response, festival partner Absa pledged to assist him with an additional cash injection of R150,000 to complete his project.

As the festival concluded, the South African drama Snake, directed by Meg Rickards, took center stage as the closing film. The screening at the Theatre of the Square in Nelson Mandela Square was followed by a Q&A session with the director, providing audiences with insights into the film’s themes and creative process.