The Joburg Film Festival invites aspiring filmmakers, film students, and emerging creatives to join the Young Voices Workshops in 2026. Presented in partnership with the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC), the workshops are designed for aspiring filmmakers and emerging creatives between 18 and 35 years old who want to take their craft to the next level. The workshops will take place from 7-8 February 2026, and spaces are limited to 100 participants, so early registration is encouraged.
As a core pillar of the festival, the programme focuses on skills transfer, audience development, and meaningful transformation within the South African film ecosystem. Participants will engage with experienced filmmakers and industry practitioners through masterclasses, conversations, and hands-on workshops.
The workshops form part of the festival’s wider Young Voices Programme, which also includes the Young Voices Competition, currently open for entries.
Storytellers between 18 and 35 are invited to submit their bold and creative short films for the 4th edition of the Young Voices Competition under the theme “Frames of the Future.” This theme challenges young filmmakers to explore questions such as: “What kind of future do we want to see? Whose stories will shape it? How can cinema be a mirror and a blueprint for change?”
Aligned with the festival’s 2026 theme, “Feel the Frame,” the competition invites participants to experiment, challenge traditional narratives, and tell stories that reflect where we are heading as a society. Frames of the Future celebrates the next generation of African filmmakers, encouraging them to imagine and redefine the future of storytelling – from capturing human emotion to exploring identity, technology, and innovation.
ABOUT JOBURG FILM FESTIVAL
The Joburg Film Festival is a six-day annual event that showcases African films within a global cinema context. The festival presents over 60 expertly curated films from around the world, including South Africa, Africa, and the diaspora. Presented in partnership with MultiChoice, a Canal+ Company, JFF has established itself as an independent platform that not only celebrates African stories but also rewards excellence in film.
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ABOUT JOBURG FILM FESTIVAL
The Joburg Film Festival is a six-day annual event that showcases African films within a global cinema context. The festival presents over 60 expertly curated films from around the world, including South Africa, Africa, and the diaspora. Presented in partnership with MultiChoice, a Canal+ Company, JFF has established itself as an independent platform that not only celebrates African stories but also rewards excellence in film.