The Joburg Film Festival (JFF) will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa's economic hub, from November 19 to 24. The film festival is meant to showcase fresh local and international talent in the film industry.

Over 40 curated releases will showcase the best in African and international cinema from over 16 countries at various venues around the metropolis. Local and international movie stars, directors, producers, entertainment industry leaders, and movie fans are expected to come together to celebrate films and filmmaking.

Many genres of film will be shown, reflecting a part of the kaleidoscope that is South Africa, Africa and the diaspora cinema.

Featured titles will include the directorial debut of Idris Elba's film "Yardie, Letters of Hope – A Vusi Africa Film" and the enigmatic Grace Jone's "Bloodlight and Bami."

"We get to see how other filmmakers are working, we get to network. We get to share ideas in how we can do things," said Connie Chiume, a South African actress who has featured in the world acclaimed blockbuster "Black Panther." 

The film festival is the only one on the African continent that features specially curated content. 

"We went far and wide to get the best films around the globe. It is our connected ambition that showcases films from both global and local productions, enhances the experiences, our shared views and exchanges stories," said Lunga Nene, Joburg Film Festival representative.

The industry players now want extra financial support to ensure more of such events take place. The organizers assert that it is about time that corporate Africa supports the creative industries to ensure platforms as these thrive.

"So that we can share our unique stories. You know what's going to happen? We won’t be able to hate each other as Africans; we will love each other. There won't be xenophobia because then you’ll understand different cultures and different countries better in terms of what makes that country unique and what make people of that country very special," said Executive Director of Joburg Film Festival Tim Mangwedi.

The festival is being held in partnership with MultiChoice, a leading entertainment company in Africa.

"We couldn't have asked for a better partner than the MultiChoice Group, an organization that is passionate about African storytelling, as we believe our stories are our gold. We see the film festival as a critical catalyst for social cohesion, showcasing a special collection of films that celebrate Africa’s beauty, people, creativity and reflect the continent’s bold spirit and talent," said Mangwedi. 

"As Africa's leading storyteller, our partnership with the Joburg Film Festival makes perfect sense," said Joe Heshu, who handles MultiChoice Executive Group Corporate Affairs. "Our collaborative effort to bring African stories to the world and to provide a platform for local talent to shine will be an extremely positive boost for the film industry on the continent."

The Joburg Film Festival partners with the internationally renowned DISCOP Film and Television market, running concurrently with the JFF, offering an exciting opportunity for over 2,500 plus global, local and continental creatives and business people to network. 

The Joburg Film Festival will also firmly position Joburg as the country's cultural capital, attracting the best in the industry to the city of gold and growing cultural tourism in Johannesburg and South Africa.