During the third annual Jozi Film Festival (JFF), which takes place in February
2014, international and local films will screen. More than 200 movies have been
submitted for this year’s JFF and the selection process is well underway.
Festival founder and organiser Lisa Henry says: “Great films really have no
geographical boundaries and speak to a global audience so we took the
decision to include international entries alongside South African films.”We have
therefore created new award categories for the international entries but remain
committed to showcasing and promoting local talent first and foremost. We also
feel that this addition will offer inspiration to our filmmakers and that the films
being selected will engage a Jozi audience.’
Although foreign films have screened in the past, they had to be linked to
Johannesburg in one way or another. “We have done away with that criteria
and entries have been submitted from around the globe from countries like
Kenya, the Philippines, Canada, Germany, the US, Australia and India and well
over 100 films from South Africa itself,’ comments Henry.
The Bioscope Independent Cinema in Maboneng Precinct will host the opening
night film on 21 February and the theatre will again be the cornerstone of the
festival. Cine Centre at the Killarney Mall is an additional venue for JFF while the
third venue still had to be confirmed at the time of going to press.
JFF will also feature an increase in workshops and seminars from industry
leaders.
