The Joburg Film Festival (JFF), in collaboration with MultiChoice Group, a CANAL+ company, has officially unveiled its eagerly awaited 2026 program.
Taking place in the dynamic city of Johannesburg from March 3 to 8, 2026, this festival will showcase an impressive array of films that seamlessly intertwine African narratives with the forefront of global cinema.
This year, audiences can look forward to over 60 carefully curated films, which include 40 fiction features, 18 non-fiction features, and a remarkable collection of 65 short films, among which are nine creative works by students.
These selections were diligently made from a remarkable 691 submissions from Africa, Europe, the USA, South America, the UK, Asia, and the Middle East. Multiple cinemas across Johannesburg will host screenings, promising a unique cinematic journey.
This year’s theme, “Feel The Frame”, will explore the visual artistry of filmmaking, highlighting performance, sound, form, structure, and visual language.
The festival will offer an engaging lineup that includes world premieres, glamorous red-carpet events, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, interactive panel discussions, networking opportunities, and exclusive masterclasses.
“We aim to establish a platform that truly mirrors the diversity and richness of contemporary filmmaking,” stated JFF Curator Nhlanhla Ndaba.
“This programme centres around layered, human stories from across the globe and the continent—films that are entertaining, thought-provoking, and deeply affecting.”
Continuing to strengthen its role as a key venue for emerging African talent while also showcasing internationally recognised films, this year’s festival will highlight South African cinema with standout features such as Kabelo, starring Warren Masemola and set in Lesotho; the enlightening documentary And She Didn’t Die, which tells the story of novelist and liberation activist Lauretta Ngcobo; and Laundry (Uhlanjululo), the impressive debut from Zamo Mkhwanazi, featuring a talented cast including Tracy September and Ntobeko Sishi.
These films significantly address South Africa’s complex past and current realities. Notable works include Don’t Be Late for My Funeral by Diana Keam, which offers a deeply personal look at relationships during the apartheid era, and Ancestral Visions of the Future by Lemohang Mosese, which explores identity, memory, and belonging.
Nomsa Philiso, Director of Content for General Entertainment across English and Portuguese-speaking Africa at MultiChoice Group, emphasised that these innovative films embody the festival’s commitment to high-quality craft and storytelling.
“We are proud to support a festival that not only showcases Africa’s talent but also embraces the world within our creative ecosystem,” Philiso remarked.
“The Joburg Film Festival strongly aligns with our mission to elevate African voices and nurture the next generation of filmmakers.”
