Out Of Africa: Joburg Film Festival Invites Submissions For 2026 Edition
South Africa’s Joburg Film Festival is inviting filmmakers in Africa and the Diaspora to submit their works … The Joburg Film Festival’s eighth edition is scheduled to take place in early 2026. Established in 2016 and a signature property of Native Yards, it is a premier cultural event committed to nurturing African storytelling, innovation and […]
Black News 
South Africa’s Joburg Film Festival is inviting filmmakers in Africa and the Diaspora to submit their works …
The Joburg Film Festival’s eighth edition is scheduled to take place in early 2026. Established in 2016 and a signature property of Native Yards, it is a premier cultural event committed to nurturing African storytelling, innovation and industry growth. Seven editions in, the festival curates a captivating selection of African and international films while fostering youth development and professional opportunities through an integrated industry platform.
The festival’s programming includes competition for awards across six categories: Best feature Film, Best African Feature Film, Best Documentary, Best Edited Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Joburg-produced Film.
Submission Criteria
• All films submitted must have been completed after September 2024.
• Priority will be given to World and African premieres.
• All genres will be accepted, except for pornographic films.
Film Durations
• Feature films: 75+ minutes (includes documentary and animation).
• Short films: 5 – 24 minutes maximum (includes documentary and animation, no music videos)
• Finished and rough cut edit titles will be considered. However, trailers/pilots will not be considered for final decision on inclusion.
• Film available to the public on YouTube will not be considered.
• Films created and screened before August 2024 will not be considered, however may be invited to participate by the festival curator.
Entries close at midnight on Friday 31st October 2025. Filmmakers whose works have been selected will be notified between 1st and 16th December 2025.
Submit your films here.
