The third annual Jozi Film Festival (JFF) takes place from 21 to 23 February and
for the first time international films will be screened alongside local productions.
More than 250 films were submitted for this year’s festival, the selection is
complete and judging is underway.
“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,’ says Lisa Henry, festival founder and organiser.
She continues, “We have therefore created new award categories for the
international entries but remain committed to showcasing and promoting local
talent first and foremost, our opening night film being the South African premiere
of iNumber Number. We also feel that this new addition will offer inspiration to
our filmmakers and that the films that have been selected will engage a Jozi
audience.’
Foreign films have screened at JFF in the past, but had been linked to
Johannesburg somehow. “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 be the cornerstone
of the festival again and will host the opening night film on Friday 21 February.
“Our other venues are Cine Centre in Killarney and on Sunday 23 February, we
will be holding screenings at The Rand Club,’ adds Henry.
JFF2014 will offer more workshops and seminars from industry leaders, which will
be held on Saturday 22 February at Goethe on Main.
“We are also running a six-second Vine Mobile Competition – open to all and
based around the theme “Unexpected’. Anyone can upload their masterpiece to
Twitter using #jff2014 @carelnolte,’ concludes Henry.
Follow Jozi Film Festival on Facebook to keep up to date with all the news. A full
list of films that will screen is available at www.jozifilmfestival.co.za. Ticketing
and information on how to book will be released shortly.
Read more about Jozi Film Festival 2014 in the February print issue of Screen Africa.
